Flashforge Finder User manual

FlashForge Corporation
Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086- 0579-82273989
FlashForge Finder 3D Printer
User Guide

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
2
Content
Content............................................................................................................................ 2
Preface.............................................................................................................................3
Introduction..................................................................................................................... 4
Notice.............................................................................................................................. 5
Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology.................................................................................8
Chapter 2: About Finder................................................................................................10
2.1 About Your Finder............................................................................................10
Chapter 3：Unpacking..................................................................................................22
Chapter 4: Hardware Assembly.....................................................................................27
4.1 Filament Installation........................................................................................ 27
4.2 Printer Start-up.................................................................................................28
4.3 Loading Filament............................................................................................. 28
4.4 Unloading Filament.........................................................................................30
Chapter 5: Build Plate Leveling.................................................................................... 32
Chapter 6: About Software............................................................................................35
6.1 Software Installation........................................................................................ 35
6.2 Exploring FlashPrint........................................................................................ 36
Chapter 7: Basic Printing.............................................................................................. 59
7.1 Generate a Gcode.............................................................................................59
7.2 Print Methods...................................................................................................62
Chapter 8 Supports and Service.................................................................................... 65

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
3
Preface
Note: Each device must be tested before leaving factory. If there are some residues in extruder
or some tiny scratches on the build tape, it is normal and won’t affect the printing quality.
On the completion of this User Guide, thanks all FlashForge engineers and the
FlashForge 3D printer users for their unremitting efforts and sincere assistance.
The FlashForge Finder User Guide is designed for the Finder users to start their
printing journey with FlashForge Finder. Even if you are familiar with earlier
FlashForge machines or 3D printing technology, we still recommend that please read
this guide, as there is lots of important information about the Finder for you to get a
better 3D experience.
For a better and more successful printing experience, you can refer to the following
materials:
(1) Quick Start Guide
Users will find the Quick Start Guide together with the printer accessories. The Quick
Start Guide will help you start your print journey as soon as possible.
(2) Official FlashForge Website:http://www.FlashForge.com
The official FlashForge website contains the up-to-date information concerning
FlashForge software, firmware, device maintenance and so on. Users are also able to
get the contact information from there.

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
4
Introduction
Notes：
The FlashForge Finder 3D Printer User Guide contains the information needed for
you to set up and use this device.
This User Guide including the following parts: Preface, Introduction and After-sale
service.
The Preface section includes resource acquisition channel, the overall framework of
the manual, and the problems that should be paid attention to while printing.
The introduction section contains the overview of 3D printing technology, equipment
introduction, unpacking and installation of equipment, software installation and use.
After-sale section contains the user how to get the support and help.
·Please read FlashForge Finder 3D Printer User Guide carefully before use.
·The User Guide is written based on Windows 7 OS.
·The version of the FlashPrint is latest.

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
5
Notice
Safety Notice
! Notices: Read all the instructions in the manual and familiarize yourself with the
FlashForge Finder User Guide before setting-up and using. Failure to comply with the
warning and instructions may result in individual injury, fire, equipment damage or
property damage.
PLEASE STRICTLY FOLLOW ALL THE SAFETY WARNINGS AND NOTICE
BELOW ALL THE TIME.
· Work Environment Safety
①Keep your work place tidy.
②Do not operate Finder in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust.
③Keep Finder out of children and untrained people’s reach.
· Electrical Safety
①Always use the Finder with a properly grounded outlet. Do not refit Finder plug.
②Do not use Finder in damp or wet locations. Do not expose Finder to burning sun.
③In case of device damage, please use the power supply provided by FlashForge.
④Avoid using the device during an thunderstorm.
⑤In case of uncertain accident, please unplug the device if you do not use it for long.
·Personal Safety
①Do not touch the nozzle and build plate during printing.
②Do not touch the nozzle after finishing printing.
③Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
6
gloves away from moving parts.
④Do not operate the device while you are tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol or medication.
· Cautions
①Do not leave the device unattended for long.
②Do not make any modifications to the device.
③To lower the build plate before loading/unloading filament. (The distance between
the nozzle and build plate should be kept for at least 50mm)
④Operate the device in a well-ventilated environment.
⑤Never use the device for illegal activities.
⑥Never use the device to make any food storage vessels.
⑦Never use the device to make any electrical appliance.
⑧Never put the model into your mouth.
⑨Do not remove the models with force.
· Environment Requirements
Temperature: RT 15-30℃
Moisture: 20%-70%
· Place Requirements
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, and the distance of the front
side space should be at least 35cm.
· Filament Requirements
Do not abuse the filament. Please make sure you use the FlashForge filament or the

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
7
filament from the brands accepted by FlashForge.
· Filament Storage
All polymers degrade with time. Do not unpack filament until necessary. Filament
should be stored at clean and dry conditions.
Legal Notice
All the information in this document is subject to any amendment or change without
the official authorization from FlashForge.
FLASHFORGE CORPORATION MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH
REGARD TO THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRATIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
FCC Notice
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
FlashForge shall not be liable for errors contained herein for incidental consequential
damages in connection with furnishing, performance or use of this material
This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright.
Copyright © 2017 FlashForge Corp. All Rights Reserved

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
8
Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology
3D printing refers to 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.
Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF) 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.
1.1 Process
3D printing involves three steps:
1.) Make or download a 3D model
2.) Slice and export the 3D model
3.) Build the 3D model
1.1.1 Make a 3D Model:
Currently, there are three ways to creating a 3D model.
·Designing From Scratch You can use free CAD (computer-aided design) software
such as 3DTADA, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro-E, and our own software Happy 3D to
design your own 3D model.
·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 file on your PC. There are also apps that can turn a mobile device

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
9
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. thingiverse.com
1.1.2 Slice and Export the 3D Model:
Slice software is the 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 turn stl. files into g. or gx. files for printing. Then the files
can be transferred to your Finder via USB cable, USB stick or WiFi.
1.1.3 Build the 3D Model:
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.

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
10
Chapter 2: About Finder
2.1 About Your Finder
2.1.1 Views
Front Top
Right
Back
1. Touch screen
2. Touch screen button
3. Nozzle
4. Z-axis guide rod
5. Build plate
11. Spring presser
12. USB stick input
13. USB cable input
14. Power input
15. Power switch
6. Leveling knob
7. Filament cartridge
8. Extruder
9. Filament intake
10. X-axis guide rod
14
15

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
11
2.1.2 Terms
Build Plate
The surface on which the Finder builds an object.
Build Tape
The blue tape that covers Finder’s build plate so that
the object can stick to the build plate well.
Build Volume
The three dimensional amount of space that an object
will use once it is completed. The largest build volume
of Finder is 140*140*140mm.
Leveling Knobs
Knobs under the build platform that are used for
adjusting the distance between the nozzle and build
plate.
Extruder
The device that draws the filament from the spool,
melts it and pushes it through a nozzle into the build
plate.
Nozzle
Also called “print head”, which located at the bottom
of the extruder where heated filament is squeezed out.
Cooling Fan
To cool the outer assembly of the extruder and gear
motor.
Filament Intake
An opening located at the top of the extruder.
Filament Guide Tube
A black plastic piece that guides the filament from the
filament box to the filament intake.
Filament Cartridge
A specific box for placing FlashForge filament.
Solid Glue Stick
A solid adhesive used for making the model stick to the
build plate firmly.
Unclogging Pin Tool
A tool that used for cleaning and unclogging the
extruder.
Stamping Wrench
A tool that used for seizing the nozzle’s metal cube.

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
12
2.1.3 Reference
Name
Finder
Number of Extruder
1
Print Technology
Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF)
Screen Size
3.5’’ color IPS Touch Screen
Build Volume
140×140×140mm
Layer Resolution
0.05 - 0.4mm
Build Accuracy
±0.2mm
Positioning Accuracy
Z axis 0.0025mm; XY axis 0.011mm
Filament Diameter
1.75mm（±0.07）
Nozzle Diameter
0.4mm
Build Speed
10-200 mm/s
Software
FlashPrint
Support Formats
Input:3MF/ STL/OBJ/FPP/BMP/PNG/JPG/JPEG
Output:GX/G
OS
Win xp/Vista/7/8/10、Mac OS、Linux
Device Size
420*420*420mm
Net Weight
10Kg
AC Input
Input: 100V-240V, 50-60Hz Power: 65W
Connectivity
USB cable, USB stick, WiFi

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
13
2.1.4.1 Interface Menus
Build
Read the print file from
The local memory card
The USB stick
Back
Choose Batch files
1. Tap and hold to select the file
2. Select the file you want to delete
3. The selected file has a tag (on the
right)
4. Tap the delete icon at the top right to
delete all the selected files
Select the target print file among the list
Build: To begin printing
Copy: To copy the files to the local
memory card from the USB stick.(The
button is not available while printing from
local memory card )
Delete: To delete the print file
Back

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
14
Print interface
Abort: To abort the print job.
Pause/Resume: To suspend or resume the
print job.
More: To change filament and set up auto
shutdown during printing.
[More] in print interface
Filament: To change filament during
printing.
(Note: You need to suspend the operation
first)
Finish-Shutdown: To start auto shutdown
Cancel: To end the tool orders and return
to the print interface.

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
15
2.1.4.2 Preheat Menus
Preheat
Tap the [Preheat] to enter the preheat
interface. Tap the [Start] to heat up to the
setting temperature.
The default temperature is 220℃.
Tap the temperature display bar to set the
temperature.
To set the preheat temperature.
Tap [Yes] to save the setting ，[No] to
cancel the setting.
The picture displays the preheat interface. It
shows the real-time temperature and the
target temperature. Tap the [Abort] button
to abort the preheat job. Tap [Back] to back
to the previous interface but not abort the
preheat job.

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
16
2.1.4.3 Tool Menus
Tools
Tap [Tools] to enter tool options.
Filament: To load/unload the filament.
Level: To adjust the build plate.
Home: To make the X, Y and Z axes back
to the zero point.
Manual: To manually adjust the positions
of X, Y and Z axes.
Setting: To implement relevant function
setups.
Status: The check the real-time status of
the printer.
About: Information about the printer.
Back
Manual adjustment
Y+: The extruder moves to the zero point,
that is, the back of the machine
Y-: The extruder moves to the direction
opposite to the Y+.
X+: The extruder moves to the zero
points, that is, to the right direction
X-: The extruder moves to the direction
opposite to the X+.
Z+: The build plate elevates.
Z-: The build plate descends.
Back

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
17
Tap [Setting] to enter the setting interface
Language: To set the display language
WiFi: To turn on/off the WiFi.
Wlan hotspot: To turn on/off the Wlan
hotspot.
Extruder Calibration: To adjust the initial
distance between the extruder and the build
plate.
Filament Check: To turn on/off the
filament check.
Power Saving Mode: To turn on/off the
power saving mode.
Factory Reset：Return to factory setting.
Update: To update the firmware version.
Back
WiFi:
Turn on WiFi: Turn on the WiFi, release
the WiFi hotspot and set the WiFi on
computer.
Back

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
18
WLan hotspot
OFF/On: To turn on/off the Wlan hotspot.
Setup Wlan hotspot:To set the SSID and
password.
SSID:The name of hotspot.
Password: The password of hotspot.
Save: To save the setting.
Back
Extruder Calibration
Adjust Z-axis to the right position and tap
[OK]
+: The build plate elevates.
-: The build plate descends.
OK: To save the setting and back to
setting menus.
Back
Note: Please do this operation after
contacting with our after-sale engineer.
Filament Check On
The filament detection is turned on.
Note: Filament exhausted or interrupted
will be detected. Filament exhausted or
interrupted will be detected. Once the
filament is not in the right place, the print
job can not work normally.

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
19
Filament Check Off
The filament detection is turned off.
Note: Filament exhausted or interrupted
cannot be detected.The print job can still
work normally when filament is not set into
the filament cartridge.
Power Saving Mode On
The power saving mode status is turned on.If
there is no operation within half an hour, the
printer will automatically shut down.(Power
saving mode will not work in the process of
printing)
Power Saving Mode Off
The power saving mode status is turned off.
Automatically shut down will not work.
Status:
It displays the real-time status of the extruder
temperature, fan and filament.

Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063
20
About:
It displays the basic information about the
device.
License
It displays the basic information about the
license.