BALCO PrintMaker User manual
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
VERSION 1.0
2
3
Contents
Introduction 4
Safety 5
Glossary of Terms 6
Parts List 7
1.1 Accessories 7
Product Overview 8
2.1 Front & Back View 8
Technical Specications 9
Setup Instructions 10
3.1 Unboxing & Setup 10
3.2 Navigating the Menus 10
3.2.1 Build 10
3.2.2 Tools 11
3.3 Filament 12
3.3.1 Filament Types 12
3.3.2 Loading the Filament 13
3.3.3 Changing / Removing Filament 13
Additional Settings 14
4.1 Network 14
4.1.1 Wi-Fi 14
4.1.2 Ethernet Connection 14
4.1.3 Cloud Connection 14
4.2 Preheat Settings 15
4.3 Settings 15
4.4 About 16
Operation and Printing 17
5.1 Printing a File 17
5.1.1 Internal Memory 17
5.1.2 USB Stick 17
5.1.3 Wi-Fi Connection using Flash Print PC Software 17
5.1.4 Flash Cloud Print 19
5.1.5 Polar Cloud 20
5.2 During Printing 21
5.3 Removing 3D Objects from the Print Bed 21
5.4 Using the Camera 22
4
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Balco PrintMaker 3D Printer!
3D Printing is a process whereby a real object is created from a 3D Design. Fused Filament
Fabrication (FFF) is one of the most common technologies used by 3D Printers to achieve this.
FFF works on an ‘additive’ principle by laying down material, such as PLA or ABS lament, in layers
to create a 3D object.
With hours of fun awaiting you, we’re sure you are excited to start printing, however, please read
this manual thoroughly before rst use and keep it in a safe place for future reference, along with
the warranty card and purchase receipt.
5
Safety
Before you get started, please read these important safety instructions
CAUTION: The Balco PrintMaker generates high temperatures and includes moving parts that can
cause injury. Never reach inside of the Balco PrintMaker while it is in operation, and allow time for the
printer to cool down after operation.
• Vapours/fumes may be irritating at operating temperatures. Always use the Balco PrintMaker
in an open, well ventilated area
• Do not leave the Balco PrintMaker unattended during operation
• Contact with extruded material may cause burns. Wait for printed objects to cool before
removing them from the build platform.
• Always take care when using the scraper. Never direct the scraper towards your ngers.
• Only use the PrintMaker in a clear working area
1. The printer must not be exposed to water or rain, or damage will occur.
2. The printer is designed to be used with ambient temperature ranging 15°C - 30°C (59°F -
86°F), and humidity ranging 20% - 50%. Operating outside these limits may result in low
quality models.
3. In case of emergency, turn o the PrintMaker at the power outlet.
4. The device must be placed in a dry and ventilated environment. The distances of the left, right
and back side space should be at least 20cm (7.8in), and the distance of the front side space
should be at least 35cm (13.7in). Device storage temperature: RT 0-40°C (32°F - 104°F)
5. It is recommended that you use eye protection when cleaning/sanding printed models to
avoid small particles contacting eyes.
6. Please read and understand the contents of this installation and user manual carefully. Failure
to read the manual may lead to personal injury, inferior results, or damage to the PrintMaker.
Always make sure that anyone who uses the 3D printer knows and understand the contents
of the manual and makes the most out of the PrintMaker.
7. PrintMaker is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical and/or mental
capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision
or instruction concerning the use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
Children should be under constant supervision when using the printer.
8. Before installation, you should make sure that the PrintMaker is unplugged from the power
supply. Only using furniture that can safely support PrintMaker.
9. The socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible
6
Glossary of Terms
Build Tape: The black tape that covers the PrintMaker’s print bed so that the object can stick to
the print bed well
Build Volume: The three dimensional amount of space that an object will use once it is
completed. The largest build volume is 150*150*150mm
Cooling Fan: Cools the outer assembly of the extruder and gear motor
Extruder: The integral extruder device installed on the X-Axis. The extruder draws the lament
from the spool, melts it and pushes it through the nozzle onto the print bed
Filament Compartment: Internal storage area located at the right of printer to store Balco
Filament
Filament Bowden Tube: A white plastic tube that guides the lament from the lament storage
compartment to the lament intake
Filament Intake: An opening located at the top of the extruder
Nozzle: Also called“print head”, located at the bottom of the extruder where heated lament is
pushed out
Print Bed: The surface on which the PrintMaker builds an object
7
Parts List
1. 3D printer
2. Filament
3. Unclogging pin tool
4. Allen wrench
5. Power cable
6. Screwdriver
7. Grease*
* Not pictured
21
5
3 4
6
1.1 Accessories
8
Product Overview
1. Bowden tube
2. Bowden quick coupler
3. Extruder base
4. Cooling Fan
5. Removable nozzle
6. Extruder cables
7. Clip
8. Led light
9. Turbo Fan Bae
10. Front door
11. Y-Axis sliding slot
12. Print base
13. Removable print bed
14. Touch-screen
15. USB stick input
16. Power switch
17. Power input
18. Spool holder
19. Filament cover
20. Filament cover handle
21. Motor
22. Filament intake
23. Filament feeding wheel
24. Top cover
25. Air outlet
26. Ethernet input
2.1 Front & Back View
24
26
25
16
7
8
9
12
13
14 15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
2
3
4
5
10
11
9
Technical Specications
Name PrintMaker
Number of Extruder Single Removable Extruder
Print Technology Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
Screen Size 2.8” color IPS Touch Screen
Build Volume 150×150×150mm (5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9in)
Layer Resolution 0.1-0.4mm
Build Accuracy ±0.2mm
Positioning Accuracy Z axis 0.0025mm; XY axis 0.011mm
Filament Diameter 1.75mm (±0.07mm)
Nozzle Diameter 0.4mm
Build Speed 10~100 mm/s
Software FlashPrint
Support Formats Input: 3mf/stl/obj/fpp/bmp/png/jpg/jpeg File
Output: gx/g File
Memory Size 8G
OS Windows (XP and up), Mac OS, Linux
AC Input 150W (24V, 6.25A)
Connectivity USB stick, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Device Size 388×340×405mm (15.27 x 13.38 x 15.94in)
Net Weight 9 kg (19.8lb)
Maximum radio-frequency
power transmitted: Less than 20dBm
10
Setup Instructions
3.1 Unboxing & Setup
1. Carefully remove your PrintMaker 3D Printer from the box, along with any additional
packaging around the printer
2. Plug the power cable into the side of the printer and press the power switch to ON to operate
the 3D Printer
3. To remove the protective cardboard inside the printer, go to Tools Settings Move on
the Touch Screen then long press the up arrow on the Z axis until the extruder is high enough
to remove the packaging
X
YZ
X:
20.00
Y:
45.00
Z:
36.00
<
2/3
<
Led
CameraMove
Filament Check
3.2 Navigating the Menus
This section provides a brief description of each menu function
and its associated sub-menu. Further details of each menu are
explained throughout the manual.
3.2.1 Build
Use the build menu to select and print les. Files can be loaded
to the PrintMaker 3D Printer via PC, USB, Wi-Fi or Cloud. Further
information on this menu under section 5.1 Printing a File on
page 17.
The following sections explain the settings available within the
Build menu, when loading les and during print.
Table of contents
Other BALCO 3D Printer manuals
