Flashforge DREAMER User manual

DREAMER DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
User Guide
v2.0.109082014

WELCOME TO FLASHFORGE DREAMER
A. How to use this manual 5
B. The FlashForge Experience and Promise 6
C. Understanding 3D Printing in 3 Minutes 7
Chapter 1. SETTING UP THE DREAMER
A. What’s included in the box 10
B. Unboxing the Dreamer 11
C. Hardware assembly 14
C1. Changing voltage on Dreamer power supply 14
C2. Mounting the extruder set 15
C3. Installing filament 16
C4. Plugging in power cord & USB cable 18
D. Loading/unloading filament 19
D1. Loading filament 19
D2. Unloading filament x 21
E. Leveling the build plate 22
Chapter 2. A THOROUGH LOOK AT THE FLASHPRINT SOFTWARE
A. Overview of the functions 27
Chapter 3. MAKING YOUR FIRST PRINT
A. Overview 43
B. Single & dual-extrusion print 44
B1. Single-extrusion print 44
B2. Dual-extrusion print 45
C. Methods of printing 46
C1. Printing from USB 46
C2. Printing from SD card 49
C3. Printing from Wi-Fi 52
C4. Printing with support 56
Chapter 4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Getting support 58
Dreamer User Guide | www.ashforge-usa.com
CONTENTS

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WELCOME TO
FLASHFORGE DREAMER
A. How to use this manual
B. The FlashForge Experience & Promise
C. The 3D printing process

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This user manual is divided into four chapter for ease of navigaon and
will use examples based on Microso Windows 7 operang system. The
rst chapter lays out the guide on seng up the Dreamer and preparing
for its rst print. You will learn the ins and outs of FlashPrint soware in
the second chapter. The third poron is the actual prinng and covers
the procedures for various methods of prinng and techniques. The last
chapter includes informaon regarding obtaining support.
Please make sure to read this section carefully prior to setting
up and operating the Dreamer.
• The Dreamer is very sensitive to static electricity, so please make sure
you contact a grounded object before operating the machine.
• Before repairing or making any alterations to the Dreamer, it is
essential that the machine is turned o, and the power cord is
unplugged.
• The Dreamer operates at a very high temperature; allow the nozzle,
extruded plastic and heating plate to cool before touching.
• Certain types of plastic lament may give o a slight odor when
heated. Because of this, the Dreamer should always operate in a well-
ventilated area.
• Do not leave the Dreamer unattended when in operation.
A. HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
PRECAUTION:
Prior to powering on the Dreamer, make sure the power supply switch
is set to 115v if you are located in the United States and Canada. For
other countries, please refer to your country’s AC output voltage.
Failure to do so will damage the mainboard. For instrucons on how
to do this, please refer to page 14.

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The FlashForge Experience
Congratulations on your purchase of the FlashForge Dreamer 3D
desktop printer. You may already had prior experience with other
FlashForge products or know the technology behind 3D printing.
However, we still recommend that you read this manual as it contains
important information helpful to getting the best experience out of the
Dreamer. By following the user manual thoroughly and correctly, you
will be able to make your rst print in no time. If you’d like to go over the
fundamentals of 3D printing and how it works, please read page 7.
The FlashForge Promise
Our team is composed of geeks and makers who are passionate
about 3D printing and want to share this new technology with the
world. We understand the importance of product and service support,
especially the challenges that a new technology may bring along. With
FLASHFORGE USA, you can always expect a close, personal service from
our team of experts.
At FLASHFORGE USA, we understand that 3D printing is a new
technology to many individuals. Our aim is to educate and guide you
through the entire process of 3D printing. With 3D printing, there
are no limits — you can go as far as your imagination takes you. With
the Dreamer, dreams are no longer simply just imaginations. They
can become physical realities that you can hold, touch, and feel. It is
amazing to see a 3D printer turn an idea into real life, layer by layer,
and we are delighted to have you on-board with us to experience this
phenomenon!
B. THE FLASHFORGE EXPERIENCE & PROMISE

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What is 3D Printing?
Simply put, 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.
The Technique
Fused lament fabrication is the most common method of 3D printing.
It is also the method that the Dreamer uses. It works by melting plastic
material called lament onto a print surface using high temperature. The
lament solidies after it cools down, which happens instantaneously
after it is extruded from the print head. 3D objects are formed with the
lament laying down multiple layers.
3D Printing Process
3D printing involves three steps: 1.) 3D model design, 2.) Slicing and
exporting the 3D model, and 3.) Making the print
1. Designing the 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 Google Sketchup, Tinkercad, and Blender
to design your very own 3D model. Or grab a copy of one of the
commercial 3D design software such as AutoCAD, Maya, or Rhino3D.
C. UNDERSTANDING 3D PRINTING IN 3 MINUTES

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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 le on your PC. There are also
apps that can turn a mobile device 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.
2. Slicing and Exporting the 3D Model:
A slicing software is required to process and interpret the 3D model
into the language FFF 3D printers understand. The FlashPrint is the
slicing software used for the FlashForge Dreamer.
FlashPrint will slice the 3D model into numerous layers and output
it as a .g le, which is the format read by the Dreamer. The le is then
transferred to the Dreamer by USB cable, SD card, or Wi-Fi.
Making the Print:
Once the output le has been transferred to the Dreamer, it will start
to turn the 3D model into a physical object by laying down layers of
lament.
UNDERSTANDING 3D PRINTING IN 3 MINUTES CONT.

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CHAPTER 1.
SETTING UP
THE DREAMER
A. What’s included in the box
B. Unboxing the Dreamer
C. Hardware assembly
D. Loading & unloading lament
E. Leveling the build plate

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A. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE BOX
FF Expert Kit 3M Blue Painter’s Tape (4) Side Panels
4 GB SD Card Side Fan Duct USB 2.0 Cable
Power Cord (1) ABS Filament
(1) PLA Filament
(2) Filament Spool Holder

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Congratulations on your purchase of the FlashForge Dreamer 3D
printer! In about 15 minutes, you will be ready to start making your rst
3D object. This section lays out the procedure for correctly removing
the Dreamer from its shipping box. The Dreamer contains delicate
components; please remember to handle with extra care and attention.
Let’s begin!
B. UNPACKING THE DREAMER
1. Lay the Dreamer shipping box on a at
surface, preferably the oor. Use an Xacto
knife and carefully cut open the shipping
box.
2. Remove the top protective foam
pieces, which also houses the Dreamer’s
lid. Set this aside for now. The Dreamer
unit will then be exposed.
3. Lift the Dreamer by its side openings
and place it on a at surface. You will
then see the Expert Kit, power cord, and
USB 2.0 cable in the shipping box.

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4. The Dreamer will have an accessory
box on top of it, which will house the
extruder set. Remove the box and the
foam pad from the Dreamer, and gently
lay the extruder set on the Dreamer build
plate.
Inside the accessory box, you will nd
a roll of 3M Blue Painter’s tape, an SD
card, a side fan duct, and four pieces of
removable side panels.
5. Hold the sides of the build plate as
shown in the illustration, and lift up
slowly until it is at the top.
UNBOXING THE DREAMER CONT.

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6. You will see one ABS and one PLA
lament roll and two lament spool
holder under the build plate once it is
moved out of the way.
7. Unboxing has been completed. The
illustration to the right includes all the
accessories that is included with the
Dreamer.
UNBOXING THE DREAMER CONT.

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Changing Voltage on Dreamer Power Supply
The power supply is located at the bottom of the Dreamer. It is accessible by
removing the four screws with the supplied hex wrench. To do this, gently rest
the Dreamer with the front panel facing down. Hold the extruder set while doing
this. You will see the power supply switch. Using a hex wrench, switch it to the
appropriate voltage for your country. Replace the bottom panel and secure it back
on with the original screws.
C. HARDWARE ASSEMBLY
The Dreamer 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 lament. It will only take between 5 to 10 minutes
before you can re up the Dreamer and prepare for your rst 3D print!
PRECAUTION:
FlashForge Dreamer uses a switching power supply with 115V/230V. Prior to
installing the hardware, it is critical to check the AC output voltage of your
home or workplace. The power supply should be switched to reect your AC
output voltage. Failure to do so will cause severe damage to the Dreamer.
Please follow the steps below to switch to the correct voltage.
For the United States and Canada, the correct voltage to use is 115V. For most
European countries, use 230V. Please double-check as FLASHFORGE USA
will not be responsible for damages as a result of improper care.

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1. Lay the extruder set on top of the
extruder seat with the two extruder fans
facing the front.
3. Install the side fan duct. To do this,
nd the side fan duct and attach it onto
the left side of the extruder set. Secure it
with the supplied M3x8 screw.
2. Secure the extruder set onto the
extruder seat by using two M3x12 from
the bottom up.
Tip: place the M3x12 screw through the
mounting hole of the extruder seat rst.
Afterwards, align the extruder set and tighten.
HARDWARE ASSEMBLY CONT.
Mounting the Extruder Set

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1. Begin by loosening the lament guide
tube bracket on the back of the Dreamer
just enough so that it can move freely.
Installing Filament
The parts needed to complete this section of the hardware assembly include the
following:
• 2 Filament spool holder
• 2 Filament guide tube
• 2 Dreamer lament rolls (included in the box
Below shows the suggested path the lament should travel from the lament
spool to the extruder.
HARDWARE ASSEMBLY CONT.

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3. Lock the lament in place by securing
it with the lament spool holder and
turning it counter-clockwise.
4. Feed the lament through the lament
guide tube. Attach the guide tube onto
the two lament guide tube brackets.
5. Feed the lament up and through the
opening until you see it. Re-tighten the
guide tube bracket from step 1. Leave
the lament hanging for now as we will
feed it into the extruder at a later time.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 for installing the
other lament.
HARDWARE ASSEMBLY CONT.
2. Remove a pack of lament that is
included with the Dreamer. Also, nd
the lament spool holder. Place the
lament onto the lament seat. Make
sure the direction of the lament is going
upwards as shown.

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1. Locate the power cord, and plug it into
the Dreamer.
Optional: Locate the USB cord and
plug one end into the Dreamer and the
other into your computer. The Dreamer
supports USB 2.0.
HARDWARE ASSEMBLY CONT.
Plugging in Power Cord & USB Cable

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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 lament
using the left side extruder.
D. LOADING & UNLOADING FILAMENT
1. Remove the lid of the Dreamer
2. From the main menu, press the right
icon labeled [ Tools ].
3. Select [ Filament ] and [ Load Left ].
Loading Filament

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4. 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 lament by
inserting it into the extruder at an
upright angle.
5. Filament will start to extrude out of the
nozzle. Continue loading to ensure that
the lament is extruding in a straight line.
Refer to the troubleshooting section if
the lament is extruding at an angle.
LOADING & UNLOADING FILAMENT CONT.