Complete beginner's guide to 3D printing - Assembly, tour, slicing, levelling and first prints

Introduction

This tutorial is designed for beginners who are new to 3D printing and need guidance on setting up their first printer. We will cover everything from unboxing and assembly to leveling the bed and making your first prints. By the end of this guide, you will have a solid foundation to confidently operate your 3D printer.

Step 1: Unboxing the Printer

• Carefully open the box and check all contents against the packing list.
• Inspect for any visible damage to the parts.
• Ensure you have the following components:
  • Printer frame
  • Print bed
  • Power supply
  • Control board
  • LCD screen
  • Stepper motors
  • Cables and connectors

Step 2: Assembly of the Printer

• Follow the assembly instructions in the manual.
• Main assembly steps include:
  • Attach the vertical frame to the base.
  • Install the print bed and ensure it is level.
  • Connect the stepper motors to the frame.
  • Install the control board and LCD screen.
  • Ensure all cables are connected securely.
• Double-check connections before powering on.

Step 3: Tour of 3D Printer Components

• Familiarize yourself with the following key components:
  • Print Bed: The surface where objects are printed.
  • Extruder: The part that feeds filament into the hot end.
  • Hot End: Heats the filament and extrudes it onto the print bed.
  • LCD Screen: Displays printer status and control options.

Step 4: Understanding LCD Functions

• Explore the menu options available on the LCD screen.
• Key functions to note:
  • Home: Moves the print head to the starting position.
  • Preheat: Heats the print bed and hot end for printing.
  • Print: Starts printing a selected file.

Step 5: Software - Finding 3D Files

• Download 3D models from these popular platforms:
  • Thingiverse: Thingiverse
  • MyMiniFactory: MyMiniFactory
  • TinkerCAD: TinkerCAD
• Consider using TinkerCAD for designing your own models.

Step 6: Software - Installing the Slicer Cura

• Download Cura from the official site: Cura Slicer.
• Install the software following the prompts.
• Configure your printer settings:
  • Select the printer model (e.g., Ender 3).
  • Set the nozzle size and filament type.

Step 7: Leveling the Bed

• Proper bed leveling is crucial for successful prints.
• Follow these steps:
  • Preheat the printer to operating temperature.
  • Use a piece of paper to check the gap between the nozzle and bed.
  • Adjust the bed height at each corner until the paper has slight resistance.
• Consider using an STL file for bed leveling if necessary: Bed Leveling STL.

Step 8: Printing a Calibration Cube

• Download and slice a calibration cube file: XYZ Calibration Cube.
• Load the G-code file onto an SD card and insert it into the printer.
• Start the print from the LCD menu.
• Monitor the first layer to ensure proper adhesion and flow.

Step 9: Understanding G-code

• G-code is the language used to control the printer.
• It includes commands for movement, temperature settings, and more.
• Familiarize yourself with basic G-code commands to troubleshoot prints.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully set up your 3D printer and completed your first print. Remember to regularly check and maintain your printer for optimal performance. Explore designs on websites like Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory and consider learning more about modifying your printer for enhanced capabilities. Happy printing!