Building Instructions of Geeetech Prusa I3 X

From Geeetech Wiki
Revision as of 06:18, 22 July 2015 by Admin (talk | contribs) (17. X belt driving wheel)

Jump to: navigation, search

Prusa I3 X.jpg

Safety Instructions

Building the printer will require a certain amount of physical dexterity, common sense and a thorough understanding of what you are doing. We have provided this detailed instruction to help you assemble it easily. However ultimately we cannot be responsible for your health and safety whilst building or operating the printer, with that in mind be sure you are confident with what you are doing prior to commencing with building or buying. Read the entire manual to enable you to make an informed decision. Building and operating involves electricity, so all necessary precautions should be taken and adhered to, the printer runs on 12V supplied by a certified power supply, so you shouldn’t ever have to get involved with anything over 12V but bear in mind there can still be high currents involved and even at 12V they shouldn’t be taken lightly. High temperatures are involved with 3D Printing, the Extrusion nozzle of the hot end can run about 230°C, the heated bed runs 110°C and the molten plastic extruded will initially be at around 200°C, so special care and attention should be made when handling these parts of the printer during operation. We wouldn’t recommend leaving your printer running unattended, or at least until you are confident to do so. We cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage, threat, hurt or other negligent result from either building or using the printer.

Preparation

1. Unpack the kit and check if all parts are in the box and check the condition of each part, there might be some damage during shipping. To help you with this, there is BOM in the box and each bag was labeled with part number.

2. Contact our customer service immediately by email or through the website if you find any missing or damaged parts. And on the bottom of the BOM, there is a signature of reviewer, please take a picture of it and attach the picture in your mail.

3. Read through each chapter of these instructions to gain an over-all idea of what is involved and how long it might take, before starting on the work described. Or you can watch the video here.

4. Before you start, you can put all the part in order to save your time especially those screws and nuts. Do not mix them up.

5. Ensure you have the necessary skills to carry out the work, or enlist the help of someone who does.

6. Work on a big firm table or bench in a clean dry well-lit area.

7. This kit contains tiny parts; please keep them away from kids under 3.

8. Ask for help if you run into any problems - our contact details are on the website and we will always do our best to resolve any problems encountered.

Unfold the box and check the package list

Unfold the package and take all the parts out to check the condition of the items.

  • All the acrylic plates have been etched with part ID and the plate is covered with a sheet of kraft paper, you need to tear them off.
  • The part ID is corresponding to the number labeled on the bag of every part. Some parts may not have label, you can refer to the pictures on the package list.

2 unfold1.jpg 2 unfold2.jpg 2 unfold3.jpg

1. Assemble the threaded rods of Y axis

Required parts Part ID Required number
450mm threaded rod
53
2
M10 washer
33
8
M10 hex nut
A3
8
M10 spring washer
A4
6
Connecting fender
14
2

Thread the nuts and washers into the two M10 threaded rods separately. The order should be:

1) Thread the acrylic fender (Y plate connecting plate) in the middle.

2)Thread the M10 washer>M10 nut >M10 nut >

M10 nut <M10 nut < M8 spring washer<M10 washer in turn on the left

3) Thread theM10 washer < M8 spring washer < M10 nut < M10 nut< M8 spring washer < M10 washer in turn on the right

Y axis1.jpg

Watch the Video here.

2. Assemble the front and back support of y axis.

Required parts Part ID Required number
M10 washer
No.9
4
M10 hex nut
No.13
4
Y axis front support
No.A9
1
Y axis front support
No.A10
1
Y axis rear support
No.A11
1
Y axis rear support
No.A12
1

Thread the rod to the plate, screw up the threaded rods and plate with M10 nut and M10 washer at both end. You don’t have to tighten it because you need to adjust the distance between the front and rear plate later when you assemble the side panel.

  • Tips:

the Y-axis must be a rectangle, that is the rods on both side should be parallel, so is the front and back plate. Otherwise it will cause obstruction for the belt later. You can use a Digital Caliper to measure.

You can watch the video here.

3.Mount the Y motor

Required parts Part ID Required number
stepper motor
No.63
1
Y motor holder
No.A13
1
M3 x12mm screw
No.22
3
M3 x 16mm screw
No.23
2
M3 square nut
No.16
2
Pulley
No.42
1

Step1. Mount the pulley on the motor shaft, one of the screws should be screwed on the cross section of the shaft. Screw it tightly.

3Y motor.jpg

Step2. Then screw the motor on the block plate with 3 M3 x 12 screws .

Insert the motor holder into the slot; you may need to use a little strength to do this.

Fix the holder plate with 2 M3 x 16 screws and M3 square nut.

  • be careful in case the Acrylic break down.

You can watch the video here.

4.Y belt driving wheel

Required parts Part ID Required number
Driven wheel holder
No.40
1
624zz Ball Bearing
No.35
2
M3 x20mm screw
No.24
3
M4 x 25mm screw
No.31
2
M4 locking nut
No.16
2
wing nut
No.42
1

Step1. Thread the M3 x 20 screw through the bearing holder.

Acrylic Prusa I3 (8mm)pic8.jpg

Step2. Put the M4 x25 screw through the holes with the two 624ZZ bearings in between. Lock the other end with a M4 lock nut. You may need a spanner to tighten locking nut.

Acrylic Prusa I3 (8mm)pic9.jpg]

Step3. Mount the assembled bearing holder onto the front support plates. And screw it with a wing nut.

  • Please leave enough room for the belt between the ball bearing and the screw.

You can refer to the video here.

5. Build the print platform

Required parts Part ID Required number
Building platform support
No.A15
1
Belt mount
No.41
1
M4 x 16mm screw
No.30
16
M4 washer
No.8
16
SCS8UU linear bearing
No.36
4
M3 x12mm screw
No.22
2
M3 washer
No.7
2

Step1. Mount the belt mount at the middle of the building platform support with two M3 x12mm screw and M3 washer.

Step2. Mount the 4 SCS8UU linear bearings on the building platform support with two M4x16mm screw and M4 washer.

You can refer to the video here.

6. Mount the Y belt

Required parts Part ID Required number
Timing belt
No.39
1
M3 x8mm screw
No.21
2
M3 washer
No.7
2

Step1. Punch a M2.5 hole on one end of the belt(the hole can be as the diameter of the M2.5 screw , leave enough margin )

Step2. Fix the belt on one side of the belt -mount with a M3 x 8 screw and washer.

Step3. Thread the belt around the pulley on the motor and the 624zz ball bearing.

  • Tips: 

1. Before you drill your second hole, make sure to pull belt tightly to make sure to  proper placement of hole for a tight belt, if it is too loose, it will hinder the move of the print platform.

2. Loosen the Y idler wing nut when tightening belt onto the Y belt mount [No. 67] in order to make securing the belt to the block easier. Be sure to tighten wing nut fully  once done.

Watch the video here.

7.Left Z motor mount

Required parts Part ID Required number
M2.5 hex nut
No.11
2
M2.5x16mm screw
No.20
2
M3 x 16mm screw
No.23
3
M3 Square nut
No.16
3
end stop
No.52
1
Motor holder (left)
No.A4
1
Motor Holder support
No.A6
1
Motor Holder support
No.A7
1
Z endstop mount
No.A28
1

Step 1. Mount the endstop on the endstop mount with two M2.5 x 16screws and nut.

Step 2. Mount the assembled endstop mount on the A4 with M3 x 16mm screw and M3 Square nut.

Step 3. Assemble the motor holder (left) and the motor holder support together, screw it up with 3 M3 x 16mm screw and M3 Square nut.

Watch the video here.

8.Right Z motor mount

Required parts Part ID Required number
M3 x 16mm screw
No.23
2
M3 Square nut
No.16
2
Motor holder (right)
No.A5
1
Motor Holder support
No.A6
1
Motor Holder support
No.A7
1

Assemble the motor holder ((right) and the motor holder support together, screw it up with 3 M3 x 16mm screw and M3 Square nut.

Watch the video here.

9.Two Z motor mount assembled to the main frame(A1)

Required parts Part ID Required number
M3 x 16mm screw
No.23
6
M3 Square nut
No.16
6
Main frame
No.A1
1

Mount the to assembled Z motor mount to A1 with M3 x 16mm screw and M3 Square nut.

  • Be very careful here, if you can not insert it into the hole you can loose the screw on the motor mount and try again.

Watch the video here.

10.Side panel assembly

Required parts Part ID Required number
M3 x 16mm screw
No.23
6
M3 Square nut
No.16
6
M3 washer
No.7
6
Side panel(left)
No.A2
1
Side panel(right)
No.A3
1

Fix the side panel on A1 with M3 x 16mm screw, M3 Square nut and M3 washer.

Watch the video here.

11.Main frame assembly

Required parts Part ID Required number
M3 x 16mm screw
No.23
2
M3 x 20mm screw
No. 24
4
M3 hex nut
No. 2
4
M3 square nut
No.16
6
M3 washer
No.7
4

Step 1. Thread the assembled Y axis into the main frame(A1), put the main frame between the Connecting fender and the M10 nut. The Connecting fender is at the front part of the Y axis. Step 2. Connect the side panel to the rear support plate, screw it up with M3 x 16mm screw and M3 square nut. Step 3. Fix the connecting fender to A1 with M3 x 20mm screw and M3 hex nut.

Watch the video here.

12.Fan mount

Required parts Part ID Required number
M3 x 25mm screw
No. 25
4
M3 hex nut
No. 2
4
Fan
No.56
1

Mount the fan on the left side of the A1. Watch the video here.

13.Assemble the left end of the X axis(motor end)

For the whole process of assembly of this part, please refer here.

Step 1. Mount the Z-axis nut.

Required parts Part ID Required number
M3 x 16mm screw
No. 23
4
M3 washer
No. 7
4
Z-axis nut
No.17
1
Left bearing bottom plate
No.A18
1

Mount the Z nut on the A 18 from bottom to up, fix with M3 x 16mm screw and M3 washer.


4 fun motor.jpg

4 x aixs2.jpg

Step 2. Mount the endstop trigger.


Required parts Part ID Required number
M3 x 30mm screw
No. 26
2
M3 x 50 screw
No.28
1
M3 hex nut
No. 12/center>
<center>4
Spring
No.34
1
Endstop holder
No.A21
1
Endstop holder
No.A22
1

1.Thread a M3 hex nut to the M3 x 50 screw.

2.Thread the A22 to the M3 x 50 screw.

3.Thread the spring to the the M3 x 50 screw through the hole of A22.

4.Thread another M3 hex nut to the M3 x 50 screw, compress the spring into the hole, you need to use some force.

5.Thread A21 to the M3 x 50 screw, attach to A22, then mount them on the Left bearing bottom plate (No.A18 ).

6.Fix it up with two M3 x 30mm screws and M3 hex nuts.

5 endstop1.jpg

5 endstop2.jpg

5 endstop3.jpg

5 endstop4.jpg

Step 3. Mount the endstop

Required parts Part ID Required number
M2.5 x 16mm screw
No. 20
2
M2.5 hex nut
No. 11
2
End stop
No.52/center>
<center>1
Left bearing top plate
No.A17
1

Mount the endstop on the Left bearing top plate with two M2.5 x 16mm screw and M2.5 hex nut

5 endstop5.jpg

Step 4. Assemble the X left end together

Required parts Part ID Required number
M3 x 16mm screw
No. 23
8
M3 Square nut
No. 16
8
X motor holder
No.A 16/center>
<center>1
X axis rod holder (left)
No.A 19
2
X axis belt holder
No.A 20
1

5 endstop6.jpg

  • Note the direction

Step 5. Fix the linear bearing SCS8LUU.

Required parts Part ID Required number
linear bearing SCS8LUU
No. 37
1
M4x16mm screw
No. 30
4
M3 x 16mm screw
No. 23/center>
<center>4
M3 Square nut
No. 16
4

Mount the SCS8LUU on X motor holder with 4 M4x16mm screws. And fix the top and bottom plate with M3 x 16mm screw and M3 Square nut.

5 endstop7.jpg

5 endstop8.jpg

  • Note the direction

14.Assemble the right end of the X axis. (X idler)

For the whole process of assembly of this part, please refer here.

Step 1. Mount the Z axis nut on A24

Required parts Part ID Required number
M3 x 16mm screw
No. 23
4
M3 washer
No. 7
4
Z-axis nut
No.17/center>
<center>1
Right bearing top/bottom plate
No.A24
1

Mount the Z axis nut on A24 with 4 M3 x 16mm screw and M3 washer.

6 z aixs1.jpg

  • Note the direction

6 z aixs2.jpg

Step 2. Mount A25 and A26 on A23

Required parts Part ID Required number
M3 x 16mm screw
No. 23
4
M3 Square nut
No. 16
4
Right bearing holder
No.A23
1
X axis rod holder(right)
No.A25
1
X axis driving wheel support holder
No.A26
1

6 z aixs3.jpg

6 z aixs4.jpg

Step 3. Mount the right bearing top and bottom plate.

Required parts Part ID Required number
M3 x 16mm screw
No. 23
4
M3 Square nut
No. 16
4
Right bearing holder
No.A23
1

5endstop7.jpg

Step 4. Fix the linear bearing SCS8LUU.

Required parts Part ID Required number
linear bearing SCS8LUU
No. 37
1
M4x16mm screw
No. 30
4

Mount the SCS8LUU on Right bearing holder with 4 M4x16mm screws.

5 endstop8.jpg

15.Assemble the X and Z motors.

Required parts Part ID Required number
stepper motor
No.63
3
M3 x12mm screw
No.22
12
Pulley
No.42
1

Mount the X motor

Step1. Mount the pulley on the motor shaft, one of the screws should be screwed on the cross section of the shaft. Screw it tightly.

3Y motor.jpg

Step2. Then screw the motor on A16 plate with 4 M3 x 12 screws .

Mount the Z motor

Step1.Thread the wires of the motors through the holes on the bottom of A1.

9.z motor1.jpg

Step2.Screw up the motors with 4 M3 x 12 screws. Do the same with the other Z motor.

For detailed assembly process, please watch here.

16. Assembly of the single extruder carriage

Required parts Part ID Required number
M3 x 16mm screw
No.23
6
M3 Square nut
No.16
6
M3 washer
No.7
10
M3x12mm screw
No.22
2
M3 hex nut
No.12
2
belt mount
No.41
1
X axis bearing support plate
No.A 29
1
Extruder Bracket
No.A30
1
extruder bracket support
No.A31
2
SCS8UU Linear Bearing
No.36
3
M4x16mm screw
No. 30
12
Extruder
No. 61
1
M4x12mm Screw
No.29
1

Step 1. Mount the belt mount on the back of the X axis bearing support plate(No.A 29) with 2 M3x12mm screws and lock it up with M3 hex nut.

Step 2.mount the 3 SCS8UU Linear Bearing on the back of the X axis bearing support plate(No.A 29) with M4x16mm screws.

Step 3. Mount the 2 extruder bracket support (No.A31) under the Extruder Bracket(No.A30) with 2 M3 x 16mm screw and M3 Square nut.

Step 4. Connect the Extruder Bracket(No.A30) to X axis bearing support plate(No.A 29) with 2 M3 x 16mm screw and M3 Square nut. Step 5. Thread the extruder into the bracket and fix it up with 2 M4x12mm Screws.

For detailed assembly process, please watch here.

10.extruder carriage1 .jpg

17. X belt driving wheel

Required parts Part ID Required number
Driven wheel holder
No.40
1
624zz Ball Bearing
No.35
2
M3 x50mm screw
No.28
3
M4 x 25mm screw
No.31
2
M4 locking nut
No.16
2
wing nut
No.42
1

Step1. Thread the M3 x 50 screw through the bearing holder.

Acrylic Prusa I3 (8mm)pic8.jpg]

Step2. Put the M4 x25 screw through the holes with the two 624ZZ bearings in between. Lock the other end with a M4 lock nut. You may need a spanner to tighten locking nut.

Acrylic Prusa I3 (8mm)pic9.jpg]

Step3. Mount the assembled bearing holder onto the RIGHT end of X axis later when assemble the belt. And screw it with a wing nut.

  • Please leave enough room for the belt between the ball bearing and the screw.

18. Assemble the the X axis together and add the belt

Watcht the video here first, please pay attention to the dirctions of each part.


Assemble the the X axis together

Required parts Part ID Required number
L430mm smooth rod
No.2
2
locking ring
No.35
2
X axis Fender
No.A27
2

Step 1. Thread one end of the smooth rod into the hole on the X left end.

Step 2. Continue to thread the rod into the Linear Bearing on the back of the extruder. Note the dirctions, (watch the video)

Step 3. Thread the locking ring on the two rods seprately and screw it up later.

Step 4. Thread the X axis Fender on the two rods seprately.

Step 5. Thread the X right end to another end of the rod.

The orders should be like this.

11 driving wheel 3.jpg

Add the belt

Required parts Part ID Required number
Timing belt
No.39
1
M3 x8mm screw
No.21
1
M3 washer
No.7
1

Step1. Punch a M2.5 hole on one end of the belt(the hole can be as the diameter of the M2.5 screw to drill instead, leave enough margin )

Step2. Fix the belt on one side of the belt -mount with a M3 x 8 screw and washer.

Step3. Thread the belt around the pulley on the motor and the 624zz ball bearing we assembled just now.

500px

  • Tips: 

DO NOT rush to drill the second hole now, we are not sure about the length of the belt needed untill we assemble the X axis on the printer.

2. Loosen the Y idler wing nut when tightening belt onto the Y belt mount [No. 67] in order to make securing the belt to the block easier. Be sure to tighten wing nut fully  once done.

19. Assemble the X axis on the printer

Required parts Part ID Required number
L322mm smooth rod
No.1
2
300mm threaded rod
No.4
2
Coupling
No.38
2
Z top mount
No.A8
2
M3 x 16mm screw
No.23
6
M3 Square nut
No.16
6
locking ring
No.32
2

Step 1. Fix the two couplings on the Z motor shaft separately.

Please note the opening of both end, one is 5mm, another is 8mm, connect the 5mm hole to the motor shaft. Screw it tightly.

Step 2. Thread the to L322mm smooth rods into the left and right end separately.

Note: please make sure the holes are alined, if not, you can loose the SCS8UU

Linear Bearing a bit, then you can thread smoothly.

Step 3. Thread the threaded rod into the Z nut, the video did not show this step here, but you need to do it now.

11 driving wheel 5.jpg

Step 4. Assemble the finished part on the printer. Adjust the two end of the X axis to make sure the smooth rods and the threaded rod of Z axis is vertical, and the two end of the X axis are horizontal , which is very important, or it will hinder the move of the Z axis.

Step 5, upon adjusting, you can screw up the locking ring on the rods of X axis.

Step 6. Thread the two locking rings to the smooth rod of the Z axis.

Step 7. Add the Z top mount to the Z axis. Screw it up with M3 x 16mm screw and M3 Square nut.

Watch the video here.

20. Connect the other end of the X axis belt.

Now the X axis is ready, the distance between the two end is fixed now, we can fix the other end of the belt. Step 1. Taut the belt tightly, determine a good place for the second hole of the belt.

Step 2. Punch a M2.5 hole on one end of the belt(the hole can be as the diameter of the M2.5 screw , leave enough margin )

Step 3. Fix the belt on one side of the belt -mount with a M3 x 8 screw and washer.

21.Mount the building platform.

Required parts Part ID Required number
Building platform
No.44
1
Heatbed set
No.53,54,55
1
wing nut
No.42
4
Hex Counter-sunk-head screw
No.19
4
Spring
No.33
4

Step 1.Stack the heatbed and the alunimun plate together.

Step 2.connect the heatbed and the alunimun plate to the acrylic plate(A15) with 4 Hex Counter-sunk-head screw with the spring in between.

Step 3. Lock the screw with a wing nut.

For detailed video tutorial, please watch here.

23.Mount the LCD panel

Required parts Part ID Required number
LCD 2004
No.64
1
Knob
No.65
1
Spacer
No.50
4
M3 x 12mm screw
No.22
4

Step 1. Insert the spacer into the 4 holes on the LCD panel from front to back.

Step 2. Mount the LCD on the main frame (A1) with 4 M3 x 12mm screws.

Step 3. Screw up the knob.( The screw is inside)

Pay attention to the two connectors at the back of the LCD.

EXP 1 is for the SD card reader. EXP 2 is for the displaying of the LCD.

Do not mix them up.

12 LCD1.jpg

Here you can watch the video.

24.Mount the power supply unit(PSU ) and the socket.

Required parts Part ID Required number
Power supply Unit
No.58
1
3D Power Cable
No.60
1
M3 x 12mm screw
No.22
4
Hex Counter-sunk-head screw
No.18
2
M3 hex nut
No. 2
2

Step 1, take off the wires connected to the socket, before you do, please take a photo of the wire connection, in case you connect them wrongly later.

12 LCD2.jpg

Step 2. Mount the socket on the bottom of the right side panel( A2) with 2 M3 x 16 Hex Counter- sunk-head screws and M3 hex nut.

Step 3. Thread the wires conencted to the switch through another hole on the bottom of the right side panel( A2) from outside to inside and connect the 3 wires to the socket, do not mix them up.

Step 3. Moun the PSU on the right side panel with 4 M3 x 12mm screws

Take a look at the video here.

25.Mount the control board.

Required parts Part ID Required number
Control board kit
No.62
1
Sticker
No.47
1
Heat sink
No.48
1
Spacer
No.50
4
M3 x 12mm screw
No.22
4

Step 1. Cut the sticker into small pieces.

Step2. Past the heat sink onto the chip of the A4988 drivers. The sticker is double sided adhesive.

Step 3. Insert the spacer into the 4 holes of the board from back to front.

Step 4. Moun the board on the left side panel with 4 M3 x 12mm screws.

Here is the video.

26.Wiring

GT2560 Before you start wiring, please take a look at the wiring schematics.

13 Wiring1.jpg

You can see original picture here.

For your convenience, the first two steps have been finished by us before shipping. you can skip them.

Step1. Check the ubdivision of stepper motor The subdivision of stepper motor can be setup by jumper cap, plug all the jumper caps (For A4988)

12 Wiring2.jpg

If you are using DRV8825 instead of A4988, the jumper caps should be changed as follow:

13 Wiring3.jpg

Step2. Plug stepper motor driver Plug the 5 A4988 into the stepper motor driver slot. Mind the directions of A4988.

13 Wiring4.jpg

If you are using DRV8825 instead of A4988, The correct connections are as follow:

13 Wiring5.jpg

Step3. Connect wires for motors.

1) Connect wires for X-axis motor.

15 x motor1.jpg

2) Connect wires for Y-axis motor.

500px

3)Connect wires for the 2 Z-axis motors.

500px

4) Connect Extruder motors

Connect extruder 1.

18extruder 1.jpg

Step4. Connect heating wires.

Loosed the screws in the green terminal and put the red wires into the slot and screw it up.

  • There is no “+” and “-“ polarityfor heating wires

Wiring6.jpg

Wiring7.jpg

1) Connect heating wires for heatbed.

21 heatbed1.jpg

2) Connect heating wires for extruder 1.

22 extruder 1.jpg

Step5. Connect wires for thermistor.

1) Connect wires for thermistor of heatbed.

24.thermistor of heatbed.jpg

2) Connect wires for thermistor of extruder 1.

25 thermistor of extruder2.jpg

Step6. Connect wires for endstop. * There is no “+” and “-“ polarity for endstop 1) Connect wires for endstop of X-axis at X-Min.

26 x endstop.jpg

2) Connect wires for endstop of Y-axis at Y-Min.

27 y endstop.jpg

3) Connect wires for endstop of Z-axis at Z-Min.

28.z endstop.jpg

Step7. Connect wires for Fan.

Note the “+” and “-“ polarity for fan Red: + Black: -

1) Connect fan for control board at FAN3.


29.board fun.jpg

2) Connect fan for extruder at FAN1.

30 extruder fun.jpg

If you use the 2-pin extension wire for the fan,  just plug them on the + and - pin.

31 fun.jpg

Step8. Connect wires for LCD panel.

There are two cables, one is for LCD encoder, the other is for SD card,

EXP1 to SD card

EXP2 to LCD

12 LCD1.jpg

32 lcd 2.jpg

Step9. Connect wires for power input.

33 power input.jpg

Step 10. Connect the wires to the PSU.

34 PSU.jpg

Note the correspondence between the color of wires and the connector. Brown------L Blue ------N Yellow------GND Red ------ --+ V Black------COM That is all for the wiring of GT2560.

27.Mount the filament spool.

Required parts Part ID Required number
M3 x 16mm screw
No.23
6
M3 Square nut
No.16
6
M3 washer
No.7
6
Spool base plate
1
Spool side pane
2
PVC tube
1
PVC tube
2

Prusal I3 manual pic78.jpg

So far, the whole printer is built up, you can tidy up the wires with the zip ties and the coil wire.


Before even attempting the first print it is vital that the printer is correctly calibrated. Skipping or rushing this step will result in frustration and failed prints later, so it is important to take the time to make sure the machine is correctly set up.

Each machine may have its own calibration procedure and this manual will not attempt to cover all the variations. Instead here is a list of key points that should be addressed.  Frame is stable and correctly aligned.  Belts are taut.  Bed is level in relation to the path of the extruder.  Filament rolls freely from the spool, without causing too much tension on the extruder.

Current for stepper motors is set to the correct level.

Firmware settings are correct including: axis movement speeds and acceleration; temperature control; end-stops; motor directions.

Extruder is calibrated in the firmware with the correct steps per mm of filament.

The point regarding the extruder step rate is vital. Slic3r expects that the machine will accurately produce a set amount of filament when told to do so. Too much will result in blobs and other imperfections in the print. Too little will result in gaps and poor inter-layer adhesion. For how to set up the printer, please visit:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLODCkot3GriiNbAxIwO9JCZjQSb92CWN7