Zhejiang Flashforge 3D Technology INVENTOR Inventor User Manual

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Flashforge Corporation
Flashforge Inventor 3D Printer
User Guide
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com
0086- 0579-82273989
Content
Content............................................................................................................................ 2
Introduction..................................................................................................................... 5
Notice.............................................................................................................................. 6
Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology.................................................................................9
1.1 Process................................................................................................................9
Chapter 2 . About Inventor............................................................................................ 11
2.1 About Your Inventor......................................................................................... 11
2.1.1 Main view:.....................................................................................................11
Chapter 3. Unpacking....................................................................................................15
Chapter 4 . Hardware Assembly....................................................................................17
4.1 Mounting the Extruder Set............................................................................... 18
4.2 Installing Filament............................................................................................19
4.3 Plugging in Power Cord&USB Cable..............................................................20
4.4 Loading and Unloading Filament.....................................................................21
Chapter 5: Build Plate Leveling.................................................................................... 26
Chapter 6: About Software............................................................................................28
6.1 Software Installation........................................................................................ 29
6.2 Exploring FlashPrint........................................................................................ 29
Chapter 7: Printing........................................................................................................ 54
7.1 Single-Extrusion and Dual-Extrusion Print......................................................54
7.2 Methods of printing..........................................................................................60
Chapter 8: Advanced Printing....................................................................................... 65
8.1 Skills on Supports.............................................................................................73
8.2 Control over Printing Quality...........................................................................80
Chapter 9: Supports and Service................................................................................... 85
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Preface
Note: Each device must be tested before leave factory. If there are some residues in extruder or
some tiny scratches on the build tape, it is normal and won’t reduce the printing quality.
On the completion of this User Guide, thanks all Flashforge engineers and the
Flashforge 3D printer users for their unremitting efforts and sincere assistance.
The Flashforge Inventor User Guide is designed for the Inventor users to start their
printing journey with Flashforge Inventor. Even if you are familiar with earlier
Flashforge machines or 3D printing technology, we still recommend that you read
through this guide, as there is lots of important information about the Inventor for you
to get a better 3D experience.
For a better and more successful printing experience, you can refer to the following
materials:
(1) Quick Start Guide
Users will find the Quick Start Guide together with the printer accessories. The Quick
Start Guide will help you start your print journey as soon as possible.
(2) Official Flashforge Website: http://www.flashforge.com
The official Flashforge website contains the up-to-date information concerning
Flashforge software, firmware, device maintenance and so on. Uses are also able to get
the contact information from there.
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FCC STATEMENT :
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with
minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.
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Introduction
Notes：
·Please read Flashforge Inventor 3D Printer User Guide carefully before use.
·The User Guide is written based on Windows 7 OS.
·The version of the Flashprint is latest.
The Flashforge Inventor 3D Printer User Guide contains the information needed for
you to set up and use this device.
This User Guide including the following parts: Preface, Introduce and after-sale
service.
The Preface section includes resource acquisition channel, the overall framework of
the manual, and the problems that should be paid attention to printing.
The introduction section contains the plate 3D printing technology, equipment
introduction, unpacking and installation of equipment, software installation an use.
After sale section contains the user how to get the support and help.
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Notice
Safety Notice
! Notices: Read all the instructions in the manual and familiarize yourself with the
Flashforge Inventor User Guide before set-up and use. Failure to comply with the
warning and instructions may result in individual injury, fire, equipment damage or
property damage.
PLEASE STRICTLY FOLLOW ALL THE SAFETY WARNINGS AND NOTICE
BELOW ALL THE TIME.
· Work Environment Safety
① Keep your work place tidy.
② Do not operate Inventor in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust.
③ Store Inventor out of reach of children and untrained people.
· Electrical Safety
① Always use the Inventor with a properly grounded outlet. Do not modify Inventor
plug.
② Do not use Inventor in damp or wet locations. Do not expose Inventor to burning
sun.
③ Do not abuse the cord.
④ Avoid using the device during an electric storm.
⑤ In case of uncertain accident, please unplug the device if you do not use it for long.
·Personal Safety
① Do not touch the nozzle and build plate during printing.
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② Do not touch the nozzle after finish printing.
③ Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and
gloves away from moving parts.
④ Do not operate the device while you are tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol or medication.
· Cautions
① Do not leave the device unattended for long.
② Do not make any modifications to the device.
③ To lower the build plate before loading/unloading filament. (The distance between
the nozzle and build plate should be kept for at least 50mm)
④ Operate the device in a well-ventilated environment.
⑤ Never use the device for illegal activities.
⑥ Never use the device to make any food storage vessels.
⑦ Never use the device to make any electrical appliance.
⑧ Never put the model into your mouth.
⑨ Do not remove the models with force.
· Environment Requirements
Temperature: RT 15-30℃
Moisture: 20%-70%
· Filament Requirements
Do not abuse the filament. Please make sure you use the Flashforge filament or the
filament from the brands accepted by Flashforge.
· Filament Storage
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All polymers degrade with time. Do not unpack until filament is needed. Filament
should be stored at room clean and in dry conditions.
Legal Notice
All the information in this document is subject to any amendment or change without
the official authorization from Flashforge.
FLASHFORGE CORPORATION MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH
REGARD TO THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRATIES OF MERCHANTA- BILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Flashforge shall not be liable for errors contained herein for incidental consequential
damages in connection with furnishing, performance or use of this material
This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright.
Copyright © 2016 Flashforge Corp. All Rights Reserved
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Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology
3D printing is transforming three-dimensional models into physical objects that you
can hold and touch. It is also called additive manufacturing because the 3D model is
created by “adding” layers upon layers of material until the object is fully formed.
Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF) is the most common method of 3D printing. It is also
the method that the Inventor uses. It works by melting plastic material called filament
onto a print surface in high temperature. The filament solidifies after it cools down,
which happens instantaneously after it is extruded from the nozzle. 3D objects are
formed with the filament laying down multiple layers.
1.1 Process
3D printing involves three steps:
1.) Make or download a 3D model
2.) Slice and export the 3D model
3.) Build the 3D model
1.1.1 Make a 3D Model
Currently, there are three ways of creating a 3D model.
·Designing From Scratch You can use free CAD (computer-aided design) software
such as 3DTADA, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro-E, and our own software Happy 3D to
design your own 3D model.
·3D Scanners An alternative method to creating a 3D model is to scan an
object. 3D scanners work by digitizing a physical object, collecting its geometric data,
and saving it to a file on your PC. There are also apps that can turn a mobile device
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into a 3D scanner.
·From the Cloud The most popular way of obtaining a 3D model is to download it
from websites that allow users to upload 3D models that they designed.
E.g. www. thingiverse.com
1.1.2 Slice and Export the 3D Model
Slice software is the software that prepares 3D models for printing and turns them into
instructions for the 3D printers. FlashPrint is the slicing software used for the
FlashForge Inventor.
Using FlashPrint, you can prepare stl. files to be g. or gx. files for printing. Then the
files can be transferred to your Inventor via USB cable, USB stick or Wi-Fi.
1.1.3 Build the 3D Model
Once the output file has been transferred to your Inventor, it will start to turn the 3D
model into a physical object by laying down layers of filament.
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Chapter 2 . About Inventor
2.1 About Your Inventor
2.1.1 Main view:
1. Camera
2. Extruder fan
Whole Machine
3. Timing belt
4. Vent
5. Build plate
6. Filament
7. Power input
8. Power switch
9. Touch screen
10. Reset button
11. USB input
12. SD card input
13. Extruder intake
14. Spring presser
Extruder Component
15. Extruder fun
16. Z axis guide
17. Ventilating fan
18. Nozzle
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2.1.2 Accessory Box
filament*2
Fan Baffle Cap
Tweezers
Scraper
Unclog Tool
Power Cord
USB Cord
Kit Box
Build Sheet
SD Card
Leveling Sheet
Screw Box
Carving Knife
Vent*2
Quick State Guide
Screwdriver
Stamping Wrench
Hex wrench（1.5、2.0、2.5、3.0mm）
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2.1.3 Terms
Build Plate
The glass surface on which the Inventor builds an
object.
Build Tape
The blue tape that covers Inventor’s build plate so that
the object can adhere to the build plate well.
Build Volume
The three dimensional amount of space that an object
will use once it is completed. The largest build volume
of Inventor is 230*150*140mm.
Leveling Knobs
Knobs under the build platform that used for adjust the
distance between the nozzle and build plate.
Extruder
Nozzle
The device that draws the filament from the spool,
melts it and pushes it through a nozzle onto the build
plate.
Also called “print head”, which located at the bottom of
the extruder where heated filament is squeezed out.
Extruder Fan
To cool the outer assembly of the extruder and gear
motor
Filament Intake
Filament Guide Tube
An opening located at the top of the extruder .
A black plastic piece that guides the filament from the
filament box to the filament intake
Filament Cartridge
Unclog Tool
Stamping Wrench
A specific box for placing Flashforge filament
A tool that used for cleaning the extruder
A tool that used for seizing the nozzle’s metal cube
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2.1.4
Reference
Name
Inventor
Number of Extruder
Print Technology
Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF)
Screen
3.5’’ color IPS Touch Screen
Build Volume
230*150*140mm
Layer Resolution
0.05-0.4mm
Print Accuracy
±0.1mm
Positioning Accuracy
Z axis 0.0025mm; XY axis 0.011mm
Filament Diameter
1.75mm（±0.07）
Nozzle Diameter
0.4mm
Build Speed
30~200mm/s
Software
FlashPrint
Support Formats
3MF/STL/OBJ/FPP/BMP/PNG/JPG/JPEG;
GX/G
OS
Win xp/Vista/7/8/10、Mac OS、Linux
Prodcut Dimensions
485*344*382(402)mm
Net Weight
10.7Kg
AC Input
100-240V~/4.5A-2.5A
Connectivity
USB cable, USB stick, WIFI
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Chapter 3. Unpacking
(Reference video:Unpacking)
This chapter will present you the whole unpacking procedure of Inventor 3D
printer.(Note: Make sure you read the whole unpacking guide)
1. （3-1）Put Inventor package on the clean, tidy workbench,using a knife to cut the
tape ,then you can see two quick start guide,which will guide you know our Inventor
3D Printer.
3-1
2. （3-2）Remove the top protective foam pieces, which also houses the Inventor’s
lid. Set this aside for now. The Inventor unit will then be exposed.
3-2
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3. （ 3-3 ） Lift the Inventor by its side openings and place it on a flat surface. Then
You will see the Expert Kit, power cord, and USB cable in the shipping box. In the
Expert Kit, you can find a Carving Knife, a Scraper, Tweezers, a Sensor line and
a Screw Box. What's more. a SD card and some screws, Wrenches in the Box.
3-3
4.（3-4）The Inventor will have an accessory box on top of it, which will house the
extruder set. Remove the box and the foam pad from the Inventor, and gently lay the
extruder set on the Inventor build plate.
Inside the accessory box, you will find an SD card, a side fan duct, and two pieces
of removable side panels.
3-4
5. (3-5) Move the build plate up carefully.
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3-5
6. (3-6)Take out the PLA filament and ABS filament carefully which is under the
build plate.
3-6
(3-7)You’ve finished unpacking your Inventor. Next we will move on to the hardware
assembly.
3‐7
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Chapter 4 . Hardware Assembly
The Inventor comes pre-assembled and is almost ready-to-print (ARP). All you need
to do is set the appropriate voltage, mount the extruder set, and install the filament. It
will only take between 5 to 10 minutes before you can fire up the Inventor and
prepare for your first 3D print!
4.1 Mounting the Extruder Set
4-1
(4-1) Lay the extruder set on top of the extruder seat with the two extruder fans facing
the front.
4‐2
(4-2) Secure the extruder set onto the extruder seat by using two M3x12 from the
bottom up.
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4‐3
(4-3) Install the side fan duct. To do this, find the side fan duct and attach it onto the
left side of the extruder set. Secure it with the supplied M3x8 screw.
Tip: place the M3x12 screw through the mounting hole of the extruder seat first.
Afterwards, align the extruder set and tighten.
4.2 Installing Filament
4‐4
(4-4) Lock the filament in place by securing it with the filament spool holder and
turning it counter-clockwise.
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4‐5
(4-5) Feed the filament through the filament guide tube. Attach the guide tube onto
the two filament guide tube brackets.
4‐6
(4-6) Stick the build sheet to the build plate after installing filament, as picture shows.
4.3 Plugging in Power Cord&USB Cable
4‐7
(4-7) Locate the power cord, and plug it into the Inventor.
Optional: Locate the USB cord and plug one end into the Inventor and the other into
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your computer. The Inventor supports USB .
4.4 Loading and Unloading Filament
Filament must pass through the extruder and into the heating block in order to be
melted. In this user guide, we will demonstrate loading and unloading filament using
the left side extruder.
Loading filament:
4‐8
(4-8) Remove the lid of the Inventor
4-9
(4-9) From the main menu, press the right icon labeled [Tools ].
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4‐10
(4-10)Select [ Filament ] and [ Load Left ].
4-11
(4-11)Wait for the extruder to heat up to the operating temperature. The extruder will
alert you once it is at the operating temperature. Load the filament by inserting it into
the extruder at an upright angle.
4‐12
(4-12) Filament will start to extrude out of the nozzle. Continue loading to ensure that
the filament is extruding in a straight line. Refer to the troubleshooting section if the
filament is extruding at an angle.
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Unloading filament:
4-13
(4-13) Remove the lid of the Inventor
4-14
(4-14) From the main menu, press the right icon labeled [ Tools ].
(4-15) Select [ Filament ] and [Unload Left ].
4-16
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4-17
(4-16)Wait for the extruder to heat up to the operating temperature. The extruder will
alert you once it is at the operating temperature.（4-17）Unload the filament by gently
guiding it out of the extruder.
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Chapter 5: Build Plate Leveling
A correctly leveled build plate will almost always guarantee a quality 3D object.
When printed objects have issues, the first step to diagnose is to check and
double-check to make sure the build plate is leveled. A general rule of thumb is to
leave a gap that is the thickness of a piece of paper. However, for printing finer
objects (150 micron and lower), please use a feeler gauge to level the build plate as it
requires a lesser gap between the nozzle and the build plate.
The Inventor utilizes a three-point leveling system for its build plate. At the bottom of
the build plate, there is one spring-loaded knob in the front and two in the back.
Tightening the screw will create a bigger gap between the build plate and the nozzle
while loosening it will create lesser gap.
5-1
1. （5-1）From the main menu, select [Tools] and [Level]. The extruder and the build
plate will begin to move to the starting position.
5-2
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2. （5-2）Take out the leveling card (QR-Code for leveling video can be scanned)
5-3
3. （5-3）Once the extruder and build plate stops moving, slide the piece of paper
continuously back and forth between the nozzle and the build plate. And
simultaneously adjust the knob just enough so that the paper causes a slight friction.
5-4
4. （5-4）Press [ NEXT ] and wait for the extruder to move to the second position.
Slide the paper back and forth again, and adjust the screw to create the same amount
of friction as the previous step.
5-5
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5. （5-5）Press [ NEXT ] again and repeat the same leveling technique.
5-6
6. （5-6）Press [ NEXT ]. The nozzle will move to the center of the build plate. Slide
the paper through to make sure there is a slight friction. Slowly adjust all the screws
by the same amount if there is no friction or too much friction.
5-7
7. （5-7）Press [ FINISH ] once you have finished this.
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Chapter 6: About Software
6.1 Software Installation
6.1.1 Software Acquisition
Method 1: To get the installation package from the SD Card in the toolkit.
Method 2: Open the link below to download the installation package:
http://www.flashforge.com
Support---Downloads---Flashprint---chose the software version---download
6.1.2 Software Installation and Start-up
1. Decompress the zipped file or start the installation program, and then install the
software according to the direction.
2. Start the software with the start menu shortcut or by clicking the software icon.(See
6-1)
6-1
6.2 Exploring FlashPrint
6. 2.1 Machine Type Selection
! After starting FlashPrint, you need to select the target machine type first.
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When you start FlashPrint, a dialog box will pop up. Just need to select Flashforge
Inventor in the machine type list and click [OK]. You can also change the machine
type via clicking [Print]--[Machine type]. Please see graphic 6-2:
6-2
6.2.2 Flashprint Menus
Load one or multiple files.
Enter the support edit mode
View FlashPrint home screen from one of six viewing angles.
Move model around on xy-plane; shift+click to move along z axis
Turn and rotate your model 6‐3
Scale the size of your object
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Cut the model into several parts
Print it directly with your Inventor or export to your USB stick.
6.2.3 Loading
You can load a model file or Gcode file into your Flashprint by the following six
methods:
Method 1: Click the Load icon
on the main interface. Then select the
object file.
Method 2: Select the file for loading and drag the file to the main interface of the
software.
Method 3: Click [File]--[Load File]. Then select the object file for loading.
Method 4: Click [File]--[Examples] to load the example files
Method 5: Click [File]--[Recent Files] to load the files opened recently.
Method 6: Select and drag the target file to the icon of Flashprint.
Note: .STL, .OBJ, .3MF and .FPP, ways to store 3D models, are supported by
Flashprint for editing.
Generating Rilievo
Loading a png, jpg, jpeg, bmp picture file into the FlashPrint. And the following
dialogue box(6-4) will pop up. The setting box includes settings for shape, mode,
maximum thickness, base thickness, bottom thickness,width, height, top diameter and
bottom diameter.
Shape: including plane, tube, canister and lamp.
Mode: including “darker is higher”and “lighter is higher”.
Maximum thickness: Z value of the model
Base thickness: The minimum raft thickness and the default value is 0.5mm
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Width: X value of the model
Depth: Y value of the model
Bottom thickness: For tube, canister, lamp and stea to set up bottom thickness
Top diameter: For tube, canister, lamp and stea to set up the top diameter
Bottom diameter: For tube, canister, lamp and stea to set up the bottom diameter
6‐4
Plane 6-5
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Tube 6-6
Cansiter 6-7
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Lamp 6-8
Seal 6-9
6.2.4 Views
① Changing views
Change model views by moving, rotating, scaling.
● Drag
Click the [View] icon
and then you can move the object by the following
three methods:
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Method 1: Hold down the left mouse button and drag.
Method 2: Hold down the middle mouse button and drag.
Method 3: Hold down the Shift key, hold down the right mouse button and drag.
● Rotate
Click the [View] icon
and then you can rotate the object by the following
two methods:
Method 1. Hold down the right mouse button and drag.
Method 2. Hold down the Shift key, hold down the left mouse button and drag.
● Scale
Rotate the mouse wheel to enlarge or shrink the build plate.
② Set View
Allows users to view the object on the build plate. Six views are under the view menu,
that is, home view, bottom view, top view, front view, back view, left view and right
view.
Method 1: Click the the [View] button, there are six views in the drop- down list
Method 2: Click the the [Look] icon
on the left, click it again and a
submenu will appear with six views for selecting.
③ Reset View
Allow users to reset views by the following two methods:
Method 1: Click the [View] menu and select [Home View]
Method 2: Click the [View] button on the left, click it again and you will see the
viewing options, you can click [Reset].
④ Show Model Outline
Click [View]--[Show Model Outline], it will highlight the yellow border of the
object
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⑤ Show Steep Overhang
Click [View]--[Show Steep Overhang]. When the intersection angle between the
model surface and horizontal line is within the overhang threshold value, the surface
has steep overhang and it becomes red in the software. Overhang threshold value
could be set as needed. The default value is 45 degree.
6.2.5 Move
Select the object and move the object by the following two methods:
Method 1: Click the [Move] icon
on the left, hold down the left mouse
button and drag to adjust the location of the model in XY direction. Hold down the
Shift key, hold down the left mouse button and drag to adjust the location of the
model in Z direction. The distance and the direction of the movement shall be
displayed.
Method 2: Click the [Move] button on the left and then enter the distance value.
Click [Reset] to reset distance values.
Note: Users shall click [Center] and [On Platform] after the location adjustment to
ensure the model(s) be within the build area and on the build platform. If a specified
position is needed, only to click [On Platform].
6.2.6 Rotate
Select the target object and rotate the object by the following two methods:
Method 1: Click the [Rotate] icon
on the left and three mutually
perpendicular rings appear around the object Click one ring and rotate on the present
axis, you will see the rotation angle and direction in the center of circle. In this way,
you could make the model rotate on X/Y/Z axis.
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Method 2: Click the [Rotate] icon
on the left, and then enter into rotating
angel values in X/Y/Z axes positioning. Click [Reset] to reset rotating angel values.
6.2.7 Scale
Select the target object and scale the object by the following two methods:
Method 1: Click the [Scale] icon
on the left, hold down the left mouse button
and scale the model. The corresponding values will display near the object..
Method 2: Click the [Scale] icon
on the left and then enter into scale values
in X/Y/Z axes positioning. Click the [Maximum] button to get largest size possible
for building. Click [Reset] to reset the size of model.
Note: If the [Uniform Scaling] radio button is clicked, it will scale the model in equal
proportion when changing value in any positioning of the model. Otherwise it will
only change the value of the corresponding positioning.
6.2.8 Cut
Left-click on the model to select it and double-click on the Cut icon to set the cut
plane. The direction and position are available for setting.
①Draw with Mouse
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②X Plane
③Y Plane
④Z Plane
6.2.9 Extruder
(6-10) Choose L/R extruder to print, pitch on the model,click on
two times,
now you can set extruder .
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6-10
6.2.10 Supports
After loading the model, click [Edit]--[Supports] or click the Supports icon
directly, then you will enter the support edit mode(6-11). Click [Back] to exit when
you finish editing.
6-11
①Support Options
Click the Support Options, an option box will appear, supports options include
“treelike”and “linear”, when choose “treelike”, click [OK], then the support generated
will be treelike structure; when choose “linear”, click [OK], then the support
generated will be linear structure; if the model already had support, when you choose
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one of the supports options,software will judge whether existing supports need to be
deleted or not depend on the type of existing support, and will pop up the
corresponding prompt to let you make the choice.
6-12
② Auto Supports
Click the [Auto Supports] button, the software will judge the position where supports
are needed and generate corresponding treelike or linear supports. If the model
already had support, the existing supports will be deleted and new supports will be
generated.
③ Add Supports
Supports will be added once clicking the [Add] button. Move the cursor to the
position where needs supports, left-click to choose the starting point of supports, hold
down the left mouse button and drag the mouse the supports preview will show up(if
support surface doesn’t need support or the support column angle is too large, will
highlight the support review ).Loosen the left mouse button, if support column doesn’t
meet with model, then support will be generated on origin and terminal point(the
highlighted preview support won’t generate support structure )
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④ Clear Supports
Click [Clear Supports], all supports will be deleted. The operation can be repealed
via clicking [Undo] or pressing the shortcut key Ctrl+Z.
⑤ Delete Supports
Supports will be deleted once clicking the [Delete] button. Move the cursor to the
supports needed deleting, current supports and its child node support will be
highlighted, click the left mouse button to delete these highlighted support.
6.2.11 Print
6‐13
① Preview: Choose to enter preview interface or not
② Print when slice done: Print or not when slice done
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③ Material type: Choose according to the type of model
④ Supports: When print with model contains part hanging in the air or top-heavy,
support is necessary. Click [supports] to create support part for the printing.
⑤ Raft: This function will help the model to stick well on the platform.
⑥ Wall: During dual color printing, this function will help to clear the leaking
filament of another extruder.
⑦ Vase Mode: No capping for the model
⑧ Resolution：You have three resolution solution(with default setting)to choose from,
high resolution is corresponding with slow printing speed, opposite for the low
resolution.For PLA printing, an extra solution “Hyper” is available.
⑨ More options: Click [More options] to set for layer, shell, infill, speed and
temperature. Different resolution solution is corresponding to different defaults, click
[Restore Defaults] to back to default setting.
●Layer
a. Layer: Layer thickness of the printing model. With a small number, the
surface of the model will be more smooth.
b. First Layer Height: This is the first layer of the model, which will affect the
sticking performance between the model and platform. Maximize is 0.4mm, usually
the default is ok.
c. Shell: Contains of the outside shell number, capping layer number (under vase
pattern, top solid layer setting is invalid.)
● Primeter Shells: Maximize is 10
a. Top Solid Layer: Maximize is 10, minimum is 1.
b. Bottom Solid Layer: Maximize is 10, minimum is 1.
● Infill
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a. Fill Density means fill rate.
b. Fill Pattern is the pattern of filling shape which effects printing duration.
c. Combine Infill: You can select the layers for combining according to the layer thickness.
The combined thickness should not exceed 0.4mm. “Every N layers” is for all the infills while
“Every N inner layers” is only for inner infills, which generally can save print time.
6-14
● Speed
a. Print Speed is the moving speed of the extruder. Generally, the lower speed is,
the better print you will get. For PLA printing, 80 is recommended.
b. Support Print Speed is needed to set when choosing Slic3r as the
slice engine which can control the moving speed of the extruder when printing
the supports.
c. Travel Speed is to control the moving speed of the extruder under
non-printing Status during work. for PLA printing, 100 is recommended.
Note: Modify parameters settings to get better prints as different models need
different parameters.
● Temperature
Extruder Temperature: Recommended extruder temperature is 230℃.
Note: Different temperatures have subtle influences in prints. Please adjust the
temperature according to the condition in order to get a good print.
● Others
Pause At Heights: Allows users to pre-set a height in which the print will
suspend automatically. The function usually applied when you want to change the
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filament at a certain point.
(5-7) Click[Edit], then you can add or remove a height.
6‐15
6.2.12 File Menus
① New Project
Click [File]--[New Project] can build a blank project. If there is an unsaved
modification on previous project, then will inform you whether the modification
needs to be saved or not. Click [Yes] will save the modification , click [No] will
abandon it. If click [Cancel] or close tool tip, then will cancel the new project.
6-16
② Saving
After finishing the model edit and adjustment, there are two ways below to save all
models in the scene.
Method 1:
Click [File]--[Save Project] in the menu bar, can save the file as a project file which
suffix is ”.fpp” in this type of file,all models in the scene (include support) are
independent .after reloading the files, extruder configuration information and model
position will be as same as the configuration during saving.
Method 2:
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Click on [File]--[Save as...] to save the model as project file .fpp or .stl and .obj.
For .stl and .boj, models are integrated as one(include support part). If load it again,
only the position of the model was saved, not included the printing parameters.
③ Preferences
Click [File]--[Preferences], you can choose language and if needs detecting update
when start
6-17
● Language: The software supports six languages, that is Chinese(simplified Chinese
and traditional Chinese), English, French, Korean, Japanese and Russian.
● Printing Window Type: Including Base Mode and Expert Mode
● Check for Update after start up: It is used to set if needs to activate the online
automatic update function, if choose yes, every time when you open software, it can
online detect if there is new version software, once new version found, it will reminds
uses to download and install new version firmware.
6.2.13 Edit Menus
① Undo
Allows users to undo the recent edits by the following two methods:
Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Undo].
Method 2: Press the shortcut Ctrl+Z.
② Redo
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Allows users to redo the most recent edit you have undone to your model file by the
following two methods
Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Redo]
Method 2: Press the shortcut Ctrl+Y.
③Empty Undo-stack
To clean up the recorded operating steps so as to release the memory.
④ Select All
By the following two methods, you could select all models in the scene.(Whenmodels
are too small to be seen or out of viewing scope, please click [Center] and [Scale]
buttons to adjust the model.)
Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Select All].
Method 2: Press the shortcut Ctrl+A.
⑤ Duplicate
Select the object and duplicate the object through the following two methods:
Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Duplicate]
Method 2: Press the shortcut Ctrl+D
⑥ Delete
Select the object and delete the object through the following two methods:
Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Delete]
Method 2: Press the shortcut Delete
⑦ Surface to Platform
After selecting the model, you can make the model surface to platform via the following
operation.
Click [Edit]--[Surface to Platform] into surface to platform mode(6-18)
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（Surface to Platform 6-18）
⑧ Auto Layout All
Click [Edit]--[Auto Layout All] after loading one or more than one models, all
models will be placed automatically as automatic placement rule.
6.2.14 Print Menus
① Connect Machine
You can connect the Inventor with your PC via a USB cable or WIFI.
Note: The machine icon on the bottom right displays the connection status:
Connected
Disconnected
Method 1：Connect Via USB Cable
a. Connect your Inventor with your PC via an USB cable.
b. Turn on your Inventor and start Flashprint.
c.Click [Print]--[Connect Machine], then select USB in the [Connection Mode]
option and select machine you want to connect in [Select Machine] option. If you can
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not find your machine, click the [Rescan] button to scan your machine and select it.
Finally click [Connect] button to connect to the printer. If you still can not find your
machine after rescan, which means you haven’t installed the driver in the software.
6-19
Method 2： Connect Via WIFI
1. Turn on Inventor. Make sure the build plate is leveled and filament is loaded on the
left extruder.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi on the Inventor. To do this, press [ Tools ], [ Setting ], [ WIFI ], and
[ WIFI ON].
3. A connection called“HF-LPB” can be found on the list of available networks.
Connect to this network.
6‐20
4. Open your Internet browser. Type in “10.10.100.254” and hit [ Enter ] on your
keyboard. Enter the username and password to login. The default username and
password are both “admin.” The control panel will appear after a successful login.
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6-21
5. Click on [ Work Mode ] and choose“AP+STA mode” and save it.
6. Click on [ STA Setting ], select a working network, enter the corresponding
password and save.
6-22
7. Restart the interface, close the page, turn off the Inventor, disconnect from the
network, and wait for 10 seconds.
8. Turn the Inventor back on and connect to the Inventor network. In FlashPrint,
choose [ Print ] from menu and select [ Connect ].
9. Under “Connection Mode”, select
Wi-Fi, and enter the “IP Address, Port” as shown on printer LCD screen. Then, click
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[ Connect ].
10. If successfully connected, you will see the following red mark.
① Connect Inventor with your PC under STA mode
a. Turn on the WIFI of Inventor and connect your PC with Inventor via the WIFI.
② Disconnect Inventor
Click [Print]--[Disconnect] to disconnect your PC and Inventor.
6.2.14 Tool Menus
①Control Panel
After connecting PC with Inventor, click [Tools]--[Control Panel] to open the control
panel.
● Jog Controls
a.
Jog Mode：Select the distance that extruder/build plate move a single time (that is,
the distance extruder/build plate move upon your single click).
b. Six blue arrow direction button: Control the move along X/Y/Z axis. X/Y axis
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button control extruder move, Z axis button control build plate move. Click X-,
extruder will move leftward a specified distance; Click X+, extruder will move a
specified distance rightward. Click Y-, extruder will move forward a specified
distance; Click Y-, extruder will move backward a specified distance. Click Z-, build
plate will move upward a specified distance; Click Z-, build plate will move
downward a specified distance. (Specified distance refers to the move distance you set
in Jog Mode.
c. Stop: Click the [stop] button to abort the current movement.d. XYZ coordinate
frame on the right side: Show the current position of extruder/build plate.
e. Make Current Position Zero button: Set the current position of the
extruder/build plate as (0, 0, 0). (NOTE: X, Y, and Z boxes are for display purposes.
Changing the value in the boxes will not affect anything.
f. Center X/Y/Z button: Extruder and build platform will back to the zero (0, 0, 0)
you set last time.
g. X/Y Speed and Z Speed: Set the move speed of extruder/ build platform.
● Limit Switch: In order to protect your Inventor, three limit switches are equipped
to control the maximum position, and the three limit switches corresponding to X/Y/Z
axis limit switch. It has two status:
a. Not Triggered: If the extruder/build plate don’t move to its maximum, X/Y/Z axis
limit switch is not triggered, and shows “Not Triggered”.
b. Triggered: If the extruder/build plate moves to its maximum, X/Y/Z axis limit
switch is triggered, and shows “Triggered”.
● Stepper Motor Controls: Allows users to control to stepper motor. Click [Enable],
and lock the motor so it does not allow any movement; click [Disable], and unlock
the motor to be controlled manually.
● LED Color: Allows users to change the LED color of Inventor.
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● Extruder Controls: You can set the value of “Motor Speed(RPM)”, which can
control the rotation speed of filament feeding wheel. The motor rotation time can be
controlled via setting the value of “Extruder Duration”.Generally we suggest the
users choose option of continuous time 60 seconds. The filament must loaded in the
extruder before motor starts. Therefore, do not start rotation operation until the
extruder temperature reach the printing temperature of filament. For PLA
filament, the extruder temperature should reach 220℃, after reaching the extruder
temperature, click the [Forward]/[Reverse] rotation button to control filament load
and filament unload. Furthermore, if you want to stop filament load and unload, you
can click [Stop].
● Temperature Control: Input the temperature you want to get in the left frame,
click [Apply], the printer will automatically heat the corresponding part, the right side
shows the current actual temperature of corresponding part. After start heating, the
below curve of temperature form will start to change, different color correspond
different parts’ temperatures
② Update Firmware
Every time when you start Flashprint, it will automatically detect and download the
up-to-date firmware. If any update is available, a dialog box will pop up for reminding
the users to update.
Step 1: Click [Tools]--[Update firmware]. It needs to cut off connection before
updating firmware. If software and printer are already in connection, it reminds you
cutting off the connection, choose [Yes] and go on to the next step.
Step 2: Choose corresponding printer type and firmware version and click [OK] in
the firmware updating box. After confirming the printer is in free state, the software
will automatically update the firmware.
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6-23
Step 3：Reboot you Inventor and wait for 4-5 seconds, then you can see the update
process bar. When the update finishes, it will go back to the main interface.
Step 4：Tap[Tools]--[About] to check] to check whether the updated version is right.
③ On Board Preferences
When the computer and printer are in connection, click [Tools]--[On Board
Preferences], you can check the printer name.
④ Machine information
When the computer and printer are in connection state, click [Tools]--[Machine
information], you can check the machine type, machine name and firmware etc.
6.2.15 Help Menus
① Help Contents：Click [Help]--[Help Contents], you can read the help contents.
② Check for Updates ： Click [Help]--[Check for Update] to detect the available
updates online.
③ About FlashPrint：Click [Help]--[About Flashprint], the software information
box will pop up. The contents include the current software version and copyright
information.
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Chapter 7: Printing
This chapter will provide a step-by-step guide on turning a 3D model into a physical
reality. Before proceeding, it is recommended that you go over prior chapters on
loading/unloading filament, leveling the build plate, and the functions and capabilities
of FlashPrint.
There are two modes of printing: single-extrusion and dual-extrusion. With single
extrusion, you can choose the print head to use for making the print. Dual extrusion is
useful if you want to print dual colors or complex models that require supporting
material.
There are three connection methods in order to print using the Inventor. All methods,
which include USB, SD card, and Wi-Fi are covered in this
chapter.
7.1 Single-Extrusion and Dual-Extrusion Print
7.1.1 Single-Extrusion Print
1. Open FlashPrint by double-clicking on the icon.
2. Click on [ Load ] and choose an .stl file from hard drive.
3. The object will then be shown on the screen.
4. Click on the object and then click on [ Extruder ], select [ Use left extruder ].
*Left extruder will be used for illustration purposes.
5. Now the 3D model is ready to be created.
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7.1.2 Dual-Extrusion Print
1. Open FlashPrint by double-clicking on the icon.
2. Press [ Load ] and choose an .stl file from hard drive.
3. The object will then be shown on the screen.
4. Press [ Load ] and choose another (or the same) file from hard drive.
5. Click on the object and then click on [ Extruder ], select [ Use left extruder ].
NOTE: one object is turned to green, that indicates it will be print wit the left
extruder.
6. Now the 3D model is ready to be created.
Before introducing the connection methods, let me give you a brief introduction of
Inventor’s interfaces.
Print
Read the print file from
The local memory card
The SD card
Return arrow
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Select the target print file among the list
Print: To begin printing
Copy: To copy the files to the local
memory card from the SD card.(No
available [Copy] button for printing
from local memory card )
Delete: To delete the print file
Print interface
Abort: To abort the print job.
Pause/Resume: To suspend or resume
the print job.
Tools: To change filament and set up
auto shutdown during printing.
Tools in print interface
Filament: To change filament during
printing.
(Note: You need to suspend the
operation first)
Wifi: To turn on the Wifi
Cancel: To end the tool orders and
return to the print interface.
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Preheat
Tap the [Preheat] button to enter the
preheat interface. Tap the [Start] button
to heat up to the setting temperature.
The default temperature is 230℃.
Tap the temperature display bar to set
the temperature.
To set the preheat temperature.
Tap [Yes] to save the setting while tap
[No] to cancel the setting.
The picture displays the preheat
interface. It shows the actual
temperature and the target temperature.
Tap the [Stop] button to abort the
preheat job.
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Tool
Tap [Tools] to enter tool options.
Filament: To load/unload the filament.
Level: To adjust the build plate.
Home: To make the X, Y and Z axes
back to the zero point.
Manual: To manually adjust the
positions of X, Y and Z axes.
Setting:To implement relevant function
setups.
Status: The check the real-time status
of the printer.
About: Information about the printer.
Return arrow
Manual adjustment
Y+: The extruder moves to the zero
point, that is, the back of the machine
Y-: The extruder moves to the direction
opposite to the Y+.
X+: The extruder moves to the zero
points, that is, to the right direction
X-: The extruder moves to the direction
opposite to the X+.
Z+: The build plate elevates.
Z-: The build plate descends.
Return arrow
Tap [Setting] to enter the setting
interface
Language: To set the display language
TP Adjust: Adjust the touch screen
Factory Reset: Restore factory defaults
Fan on: To turn on/off the fan
WIFI: To turn on/off the Wifi
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Update: To update the firmware
Pulley: To choose the pulley type
Return arrow
Language:
User can select corresponding language
as required.
TP Adjust
To tap the “+” on the touch screen to
adjust the touch screen.
WIFI:
Turn on the WIFI: Turn on the wifi,
release the wifi hotspot and set the wifi
on computer
Return arrow
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Pulley:
To select the equipped pulley type.
Status:
It displays the real-time status of the
extruder temperature, the platform
temperature and the internal
temperature.
About:
It displays the basic information about
the device.
7.2 Methods of printing
Printing from USB
1. Connect Inventor to the computer using the included USB 2.0 cable.
2. Turn on the Inventor. Make sure the build plate is leveled and filament is loaded to
the left extruder.
3. Select [ Print ] from menu bar, then select [ Connect ].
4. Click on [ Rescan ], then [ Connect ].
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5. Now the printer is connected with FlashPrint. A status box at the lower right corner
will show the temperature of both extruders and the platform.
6. Press [ Print ] icon, and a printing options screen will appear. Make sure that “ABS”
is selected under Material Left. Advanced settings can be set under [ More Options ]
icon. Check the box “Print When Slice Done” and click [ OK ].
7. Save the file at any location, and the object will start slicing
8. After the object is done slicing, it will automatically upload the gcode to the
Inventor.
9. After the gcode is done uploading, the printer will go into a preheat phase . The
Inventor will begin printing once it has finished preheating.
Printing from SD Card
1. Press [ Print ], and a printing options screen will show up.
2. Make sure that the “Material Left” is selected as “ABS.” Advanced settings can be
set under [ More Options ] icon.
3. Click [ OK ], and save the gcode file in the SD card.
4. FlashPrint will begin slicing the 3D model.
5. After the object is done slicing, take the SD card from the computer. Insert it into
the SD card slot on the Inventor.
6. Turn on the Inventor. Make sure the build plate is leveled and filament is loaded on
the left extruder.
7. Press [ Print ] and then press the middle SD Card icon.
8. A list of file(s) will show up, press the file that you would like to print, then press
[ Yes ].
9. The printer will now enter preheating phase and will start printing once it finishes
preheating
Printing via Wi-Fi
1. Turn on Inventor. Make sure the build plate is leveled and filament is loaded on the
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left extruder
2. Turn on Wi-Fi on the Inventor. To do this, press [ Tools ],
[ Setting ], [ WIFI ],
and [ WIFI ON].
3.A connection called“HF-LPB” can be found on the list of available networks.
Connect to this network.
7-1
4. Open your Internet browser. Type in “10.10.100.254” and hit [ Enter ] on your
keyboard. Enter the username and password to login. The default username and
password are both “admin.” The control panel will appear after a successful login.
7-2
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5. Click on [ Work Mode ] and choose “AP+STA mode” and save it.
6. Click on [ STA Setting ], select a working network, enter the corresponding
password and save.
7-3
7. Under “Connection Mode”, select Wi-Fi, and enter the “IP Address, Port” as
shown on printer LCD screen. Then, click [ Connect ].
8. Now the Inventor is connected with FlashPrint. A status box at the lower right
corner will show the temperature of both extruders and the Platform.
9. In FlashPrint, click [ Print ]. A printing options screen will appear Make sure that
“ABS” is selected under “Material Left.” Advanced settings can be set by clicking on
[ More Options ].Check the box of “Print When Slice Done,” and hit [ OK ].
10. Save the file at any location, and the object will start slicing.After the object is
done slicing, it will automatically upload the gcode to the Inventor. After the gcode is
done uploading, the printer will go into a preheat phase. The Inventor will start
printing once preheating is finished.
NOTE: Printing from SD card is unavailable when WIFI is ON.
Printing with Support
If the 3D model has excessive over-hang, then support will be needed. In the Slice
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options screen, select from “Supports” the left or right extruder.Click [ OK ] to begin
slicing.
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Chapter 8: Advanced Printing
When you get familiar with your Inventor, you will definitely want to accomplish
some advanced prints. This chapter will take you to get to know the advanced printing
skills.
Expert Mode grants the users more freedom of parameter edition. There are two
modes are available for users, one is “Basic Mode” and the other is “Expert Mode”.
8-1
Select Profile: Allows users to select the required scheme. There are three options for
users (low/standard/high/higher) and the default is PLA standard. Different schemes
correspond
to
different
parameter
settings. High-quality
scheme
produces
high-resolution object but at a low speed. On the contrary, low-quality scheme
produces low-resolution object but at a high speed. When printing with PLA, users
will find a “hyper” option available.
General:
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a. Layer Height
Thickness of each layer. The less thickness of layers, the more time will be used and
the better model will be printed.
b. First Layer Height
When printed with thinner layers, comparative thicker bottom layer could improve
adhesion and tolerance for non-perfect build plates.
2）Speed
a. Base Print Speed: The fiducial value of extuder’s movement speed during
printing(For subsequent speeds counting ). With a lower speed, the printer can build
an objects with higher resolution and more smoothness.
b. Speed at which extruder moves when not extruding filament.
c. Minimum Speed: The minimum extruder’s movement speed during printing
d. First Layer Maximum Speed: The max printing speed for printing the first
layer(Note: It’s invalid to the model which has a raft )
e. First Layer Maximum Travel Speed: The max travel speed for printing the first
layer(Note: It’s invalid to the model which has a raft )
3）Temperature
It displays the temperature of “ Right Extruder” and “Platform”
4）Retraction
a. Retraction Length: Amount of retraction. Retraction can help users reduce stringing
or oozing during printing. (The default value shall be suggested.)
b. Speed: Speed at which the filament is retracted. The default value shall be
suggested.
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8‐2
Perimeter
1）Thickness
a . Shell Count: Numbers of laps for each layer’s shell. Maximum: 10; Minimum: 1.
b. Maximum Path Overlap: Max amount of overlapping extrusion for some models,
especially small models.
2）Speed:
a. Exterior Speed: Speed at which the exterior shell is printed.
b. Exterior maximum speed: Speed at which the exterior maximum shell is printed.
b. Visible Interior Speed: Speed at which the visible interior shell is printed.
c. Invisible Interior Speed: Speed at which the invisible interior shell is printed.
3） Start Points
a. Mode: There are two options for Start Point mode. One is “closest to specific
location”, the other is “use random start points”.
b. X: The coordinate value of X
c. Y: The coordinate value of Y
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8‐3
Infill
General
a. Top Solid Layer: Number of solid layers on the upper surface of model.
b. Bottom Solid Layer: Number of solid layers on the under surface of model.
c. Fill Density: Determines the interior solidity of the model.
d. Fill Pattern: Determines the infill pattern used for the interior of part, Hexagon
infill has higher strength and Line infill take less print time.
e. Start Angle: Angle of the infill’s first layer
f. Overlap Perimeter: The overlap width between the infill and the shell.
g. Vase Mode: When enabled, the interior infill and top solid infill will not
printed.(Using this option will force 0% infill with only a single perimeter)
2) Speed
a . Solid Speed: Speed at which the top/bottom parts are printed.
b. Sparse Speed: Speed at which the infill is printed.
3）Combine Infill
a. Maximum Combine Layers: Select the layer amount according to the layer height.
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The total height shall not be over 0.4mm.
b. Combine Mode: Including “Sparse and Solid” and “Sparse Only”. “Sparse Only”
mode only applies for the inner infill layers.
Support
1）General
a. Enable Support: Allows users to turn on/off the support option. Support structure
can prevent the model from collapsing. If choosing “Yes”, then both treelike and
linear supports are available for setting up. If choosing “No”, then both treelike and
linear supports are unavailable for setting up.
b. Select extruder: Choose lfte or right extruder to print you model.
2）Treelike
a. Speed: Speed at which the treelike supports are printed.
b. Space to Model(X/Y): The gap between the treelike supports and the model contact
surface (in the X/Y directions).
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c. Shell Count: To control the printing laps for support’s outer shell.
3）Linear
a. Speed: Speed at which the linear supports are printed.
b. Space to Model(X/Y): The gap between the treelike supports and the model contact
surfaces (in the X/Y directions).
c. Space to Model(Z): The distance between the treelike supports and the model
contact surface (in the Z direction).
d. Path Space: The distance between the adjoining paths.
8‐5
Additions
1）Raft
a . Enable Raft: Enable to print raft during printing. Raft could help the model stick to
the build plate.
b. Select extruder: Choose lfte or right extruder to print you model.
c. Margin: The distance between raft’s outline and outline of model’s first layer. If the
raft is enabled, the extra raft area around the object is also enabled. Increasing the
margin will create a stranger raft while using more matrial and leaving less area for
your object.
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d. Space to Model(Z): The gap between the raft top and the model’s first layer.
2）Pre-extrusion
a . Enable Pre-extrusion: Enable the extruder to pre-extrusion until .
b. Space to Model: The maximum distance between the pre-extruded filament and
model’s first layer.
C.Path Length: The filament length of pre-extrusion.
d. Speed: The printing speed of pre-extrusion.
3）Wall
a. Enable Wall: Enable the extruder to print wall during printing. Enabling wall can
prevent the object from stringing or oozing to some extent.
b. Shell Count: To control the printing laps for support shell.
c. Space to Model: The minimum distance between the wall and model.
d. Speed: Speed at which the wall is printer.
8‐6
Advanced
1）Stepper Motor Voltage(Usually keep default)
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a. X-Axis: Voltage parameter of X-axis stepper motor. The bigger the value is, the
more heater will produce.
b. Y-Axis: Voltage parameter of Y-axis stepper motor. The bigger the value is, the
more heater will produce.
c. Z-Axis: Voltage parameter of Z-axis stepper motor. The bigger the value is, the
more heater will produce.
d. A-Axis: Voltage parameter of right-extruder stepper motor. The bigger the value is,
the more heater will produce.
e. B-Axis: Voltage parameter of left-extruder stepper motor. The bigger the value is,
the more heater will produce.
2）Others
a.Extrusion Ratio: The filament amount extruded by the extruder. Default: 109%
Max:125% (Usually the default ratio is suggested)
b. Path Width: The width of the path, the default value is 0.4mm. Keeping default is
suggested.
c. Path Resolution: The default value is 0.1mm. The bigger the value is, the lower the
extrusion resolution is. On the contrary, the extrusion resolution is much higher.
8-7
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Others
Dimensional Adjustment
a. Enable Adjustments: Enable software to make compensation for errors.
b. External Compensation: Enable software to make compensation for the outer
diameter error.
c. Internal Compensation: Enable software to make compensation for the inner
diameter error.
Save as new
Allows users to save the model as a new file after parameter modification.
How to do?
After getting all the required parameters modified, click [Save as new], then a
dialogue box will pop up. Users need to enter the file name into the box, then click
[OK]. Click the drop-down menu of [Select Profile], the new added scheme can be
found in the list.
Remove
Allows the users to delete the added scheme(s). Select one of the added schemes,
click [Remove] and a dialogue box will pop up for confirmation. Click [Yes] to
remove it or click [No] to cancel the current operation.
Restore Default: Allows users to restore to the default settings.
Save Configuration: Allows users to save the present configuration.
8.1 Skills on Supports
(Reference Video：Skills on Supports)
Support structures enable the printing of models with steep overhangs and
cantilevered sections. The Inventor 3D printer utilizes Fused Filament Fabrication
(FFF) technology, which works on the additive manufacturing principle of heating
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and laying down material layer by layer to create an object. Many sophisticated 3D
print designs require materials to be deposited on a layer where there was not a
previous layer, or the designs have steep angles which might cause undesired
drooping during the print. In these cases, support structures are needed to ensure
objects integrity and print quality.
①Principle of 45 Degrees
Generally speaking, if the 3D model has an overhang of more than 45 degrees, you
will need supports. This angle is determined by the material, layer height, extrusion
width, and temperature. It is critical to adjust the support structures accordingly to
ensure the best print result, especially for large 3D prints.The principle is raised by a
stage designer and widely accepted among the 3D printing industry.
②Principle of Proportionality
As for the application of supports, the users are suggested to comply with the
principle of proportionality. Even though the supports algorithm has been developing,
adding supports intelligently cannot be realized at present. Therefore, users are always
oriented in adding the supports. As we all know, excessive supports will definitely
result in difficulty in supports removal, while limited supports cannot ensure the
stability of the model. Since FashPrint has the function of manual modification, users
can add proper supports to their models according to the daily experience and the
academic principles.
●Support Types
Linear Support Structure：Suitable for models with large-area overhang(s).
Features：Full coverage of supports improves the model stability. But the supports on
the surface are difficult to be removed and will definitely reduce the print quality.
Treelike Support Structure：Suitable for models with small area overhang(s).(You
are suggested printing a raft)
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Features：Treelike support structure is proprietary to Flashforge Corporation. And this
structure can save support material and can be easily removed. However, compared
with the linear support structure, it’s of less stability. So you are suggested to
manually add more supports after auto-generating treelike supports.
Auto-supports
Eg：1) Model with Large-area Overhang
8-8
Right:Treelike support structure
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Wrong:Linear support structure
2) Model with Small-area Overhang
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Right:Treelike support structure
Wrong:Linear support structure
Manual Modification
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8-9
For the experienced 3D printer users, the [Add] and [Delete] buttons are suggested
using for manually adding or deleting supports.
1）Manual Add
8-10
You can add the support structure manually to according to the actual shape of the
model.
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Left click [Add] on the left, and then click on the position when support structure is
needed. Press down the left mouse button and drag to generate the support.
2）Manual Delete
8-11
Like the picture above, a hole inside the model doesn’t need any supports.
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Left click the [Delete] button and then left click the supports needed deleting. And the
support will be deleted.
8.2 Control over Printing Quality
① Enhance the build plate adhesiveness
● Leveling the build plate
● Keeping the build plate smooth and tidy
● Using the build tape or glue
② Adjusting the printing speed
● Low (Fast) (Print Speed 80mm/s Travel Speed 100mm/s)
● Standard (Print Speed 60mm/s Travel Speed 80mm/s)
● High (Slow) (Print Speed 50mm/s Travel Speed 70mm/s)
● Hyper (Print Speed 50mm/s Travel Speed 70mm/s)
8.3 Skills of Model Placement
Not all the models are in the right positions after being loaded. Therefore, you need to
place it in an appropriate position for better print quality. Such as the models below,
you need to put one of the surfaces onto the platform.(Please refer to 5.1.12-⑦Surface
to Platform)
①
Improper
Proper
8‐12
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②
Improper
Proper
8‐13
③
Improper
Proper
8‐14
Further Reading：Cut Function
Left-click on the model to select it and double-click on the Cut icon to set the cut
plane. The direction and position are available for setting.
E.g：
As for a big model or an irregular model, you need to cut it into several parts so as to
reduce the printing limitation and to better the print quality. Look at the model below:
Picture 8-15 is the preview of the model’s original placement and Picture 8-16 is the
preview of the model with support structure.
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8-15
(8-16) Model with support structure
8-16
(8-17) Looking at the Picture 8-16, we will definitely find that the complex supports
will influence the smoothness of the model. By analyzing the model’s feature, cutting
from the Y plane will be suitable.
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8-17
(8-18) The model preview after cutting.
8-18
(8-19) Click [Edit]--[Surface to Platform] to put the flat surfaces onto the platform.
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7-10
Comparison
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Chapter 9: Supports and Service
Flashforge team standby and ready to help you overcome any challenges you may
have with your Inventor. If the issues or questions are not covered in this User Guide,
you can seek for solutions on our office website or contact us via telephone.
There are solutions and instructions to common issues that can be found in our
knowledge base. Have a look first as most basic questions are answered there.
http://www.flashforge.com
The FlashForge support team can be reached by e-mail or phone between the hours of
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST Monday through Saturday. In case you contact us during
after-hours, your inquiry will be answered the following business day.
Tel：86-0579-89316036
QQ： 2850862986
2850863000
2853382161
ADD：No. 518, Xianyuan Road, Wucheng, Jinhua, Zhejiang
*When contacting support, please have your serial number ready.
The serial number is a bar code on the back of your Inventor
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