How do you set up your 3D printer?
Congratulations, you got a 3D printer at home!
Now you need to get it ready for the first print.
This looks more complicated than it is.
Unboxing and checking
First you unpack your printer and check if anything got damaged during shipping.
Check that all parts are included. Usually there's a checklist in the box.
Following the manual
Every printer brand has its own way of setting things up.
Follow the official manual of your printer. This differs per brand and model.
If you have a Bambu Lab there are great tutorials on YouTube.
Calibration
After assembly you need to calibrate your printer. This means teaching the device where the "0 point" is.
This sounds more complicated than it actually is.
Usually:
- You move the print head manually to one corner
- You enter this in the menu of the printer
- The printer does this for all corners
Bed leveling
Bed leveling is important! Bed leveling means that the print bed (the surface you print on) is perfectly flat relative to the nozzle (the hole where plastic comes out).
Most modern 3D printers do this automatically, at Easy3DPrint we always offer printers that do this automatically.
So don't worry about this. If you have a different printer, consult your manual!
If you have to do it manually, follow your manual step by step!
This isn't difficult, but it does need to be precise.
Network connection
Many 3D printers can connect to WiFi, this allows you to send a print to your 3D printer from your laptop.
If you don't have this, you'll need a USB stick to be able to print.
Some printers also have a Camera, so you can monitor your prints, this also requires WiFi.
Set up your WiFi
This differs per printer, but usually:
- Go to the menu of your printer
- Look for "Network" or "WiFi"
- Select your WiFi network
- Enter your password
- The printer connects
Printer Android or iPhone apps
With some printers you also have an App you can download, for example for Bambu and Creality.
Log in with your account and your printer will appear in the app.
Test it once first
Your first print is better done via SD card, not via network.
If something doesn't work, you'll know for sure the problem isn't your network!
Test your 3D print
Many printers have a small test model already on the SD card.
Try printing this small model. This helps you see if everything is working correctly.
Watch out!
Don't touch the bed after heating up, the bed is very hot!
Make sure your printer is on a stable, flat surface.