Flashforge Finder User manual

Finder User Guide| www.ff3dp.com
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Finder Desktop 3D Printer
User Guide
V2.0 20151013

Finder User Guide| www.ff3dp.com
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Finder User Guide| www.ff3dp.com
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Content
Acknowledgment.........................................................................................1
Commitment................................................................................................ 2
Introduction..................................................................................................3
About 3D Printing....................................................................................... 4
Chapter 1. Set up Your Finder..................................................................... 6
1.1.Unpacking Your Finder................................................................. 6
1.2 About Your Finder.......................................................................10
1.3 Hardware Assembly.................................................................... 13
1.4 Loading and Unloading Filament............................................... 15
1.5 Leveling the Build Plate..............................................................17
Chapter 2 About Flashprint....................................................................... 18
2.1 Downloading and Installing Flashprint...................................... 19
2.2 Exploring Flashprint................................................................... 19
Chapter 3. First Print................................................................................. 46
3.1 Generating a Gcode File............................................................. 46
3.2 Interface Menus...........................................................................52
3.3 Printing Methods.........................................................................57
Chapter 4: Other Information....................................................................65
4.1.Supports and Service...................................................................65
4.2 References................................................................................... 66

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Acknowledgment
Our sincere gratitude goes to you for your great support to Flashforge
Corporation. Even if you are familiar with earlier Flashforge machines or
3D printing technology, we still recommend that you read through this
guide, as there is lots of important information about the Finder for you to
get a better 3D experience. Following this guide will ensure your
successful first print journey.

Finder User Guide| www.ff3dp.com
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Commitment
Each member of Flashforge team is definitely passionate about 3D
printing and willing to share this new technology with each individuals of
the world. Flashforge is committing to providing the best 3D printers and
best service to each clients and customers.
If you can imagine it, you can make it. Together with Flashforge team,
let’s turn the sky into limit.

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Introduction
This User Guide is designed to start your journey with the Finder 3D
Printer off in the right direction. It presents the operation process on the
basis of the window 7 operating system. To get familiar with the machine,
it is essential for you to read through this guide. This User Guide includes
four chapters.
In the first chapter, you will learn how to get set-up the Finder for the first
print. In the second chapter, you will learn the ins and outs of FlashPrint
software. The third chapter will take you through basic printing operation
and different printing methods. The last chapter includes information
regarding obtaining support.
Ensure that you have read the following section carefully prior
to setting up and manipulating the Finder：
! Ensure that your Finder is earthed lest electrostatic interference.
! Turn off the machine and unplug the power cable before doing
maintenance or modifications.
! Always avoiding to touch the print head during operation.
! Only use your Finder in a well-ventilated area. (When printing ABS,
small concentrations of Styrene vapor can be released. This may (in some
cases) make you uncomfortable.)
! Do not leave the Finder unattended when during operation.

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About 3D Printing
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 Deposition Modeling(FDM) is the most common method of 3D
printing. It is also the method that the Finder uses. It works by melting
plastic material called filament onto a print surface in high temperature.
The filament solidifies after it cools down, which happens
instantaneously after it is extruded from the nozzle. 3D objects are
formed with the filament 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 AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro-E to design your
very own 3D model.
·3D Scanners An alternative method to creating a 3D model is to scan an

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object. 3D scanners work by digitizing a physical object, collecting its
geometric data, and saving it to a file 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.
E.g. www.ishare3d.com
2. Slicing and Exporting the 3D Model:
Slicing software is a software that prepares 3D models for printing and
turns them into instructions for the 3D printers. FlashPrint is the slicing
software used for the FlashForge Finder.
Using FlashPrint, you can prepare stl. files to be g. or gx. files for printing.
Then the files can be transferred to your Finder via USB cable, USB stick
or Wi-Fi.
3. Making the Print:
Once the output file has been transferred to your Finder, it will start to
turn the 3D model into a physical object by laying down layers of
filament.

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Chapter 1. Set up Your Finder
1.1.Unpacking Your Finder
We are so grateful for your support to Flashforge by purchasing Finder
3D printer and so excited to start the print journey with us. After
15-minute reading and learning, we believe you can making your first 3D
object definitely on your own. When you set up your Finder 3D printer,
remember that it was built and packaged carefully at the Flashforge
Factory. We hope you will take your time and be just as carefully
unpacking and getting setup. Let’s get started!
1. Place the packaging box on a
clean work surface. Open the box,
grasp the two handles and then lift
your Finder out of the box.
2. Your Finder is wrapped by
packaging material. Next, you
should remove the packaging
material.

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3. Remove the side protective foam
sheets, you will see the Finder in a
transparent bag. Then remove the bag
to unveil the Finder.
4. On the top foam sheet, you can see
one Quick Start Guide, one 4GB USB
stick, three Allen wrenches (M1.5, 2
and 2.5) and one screwdriver.