Flashforge Inventor User manual

Flashforge Corporation
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086- 0579-82273989
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Flashforge Inventor 3D Printer
User Guide

Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989
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Content
Content............................................................................................................................ 2
Introduction..................................................................................................................... 5
Notice.............................................................................................................................. 6
Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology.................................................................................9
1.1 Process................................................................................................................9
Chapter 2 . About Inventor............................................................................................ 11
2.1 About Your Inventor......................................................................................... 11
2.1.1 Main view:.....................................................................................................11
Chapter 3. Unpacking....................................................................................................15
Chapter 4 . Hardware Assembly....................................................................................17
4.1 Mounting the Extruder Set............................................................................... 18
4.2 Installing Filament............................................................................................19
4.3 Plugging in Power Cord&USB Cable..............................................................20
4.4 Loading and Unloading Filament.....................................................................21
Chapter 5: Build Plate Leveling.................................................................................... 26
Chapter 6: About Software............................................................................................28
6.1 Software Installation........................................................................................ 29
6.2 Exploring FlashPrint........................................................................................ 29
Chapter 7: Printing........................................................................................................ 54
7.1 Single-Extrusion and Dual-Extrusion Print......................................................54
7.2 Methods of printing..........................................................................................60
Chapter 8: Advanced Printing....................................................................................... 65
8.1 Skills on Supports.............................................................................................73
8.2 Control over Printing Quality...........................................................................80
Chapter 9: Supports and Service................................................................................... 85

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Preface
Note: Each device must be tested before leave factory. If there are some residues in extruder or
some tiny scratches on the build tape, it is normal and won’t reduce 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 Inventor User Guide is designed for the Inventor users to start their
printing journey with Flashforge Inventor. 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 Inventor 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. Uses are also able to get
the contact information from there.

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FCC STATEMENT :
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.
Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with
minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989
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Introduction
Notes：
The Flashforge Inventor 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, Introduce 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 printing.
The introduction section contains the plate 3D printing technology, equipment
introduction, unpacking and installation of equipment, software installation an use.
After sale section contains the user how to get the support and help.
·Please read Flashforge Inventor 3D Printer User Guide carefully before use.
·The User Guide is written based on Windows 7 OS.
·The version of the Flashprint is latest.

Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989
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Notice
Safety Notice
!Notices: Read all the instructions in the manual and familiarize yourself with the
Flashforge Inventor User Guide before set-up and use. 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 Inventor in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust.
③Store Inventor out of reach of children and untrained people.
· Electrical Safety
①Always use the Inventor with a properly grounded outlet. Do not modify Inventor
plug.
②Do not use Inventor in damp or wet locations. Do not expose Inventor to burning
sun.
③Do not abuse the cord.
④Avoid using the device during an electric storm.
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.

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②Do not touch the nozzle after finish printing.
③Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and
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%
· Filament Requirements
Do not abuse the filament. Please make sure you use the Flashforge filament or the
filament from the brands accepted by Flashforge.
· Filament Storage

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All polymers degrade with time. Do not unpack until filament is needed. Filament
should be stored at room clean and in 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 MERCHANTA- BILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
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 © 2016 Flashforge Corp. All Rights Reserved

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Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology
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.
Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF) is the most common method of 3D printing. It is also
the method that the Inventor 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 of 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

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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 Inventor.
Using FlashPrint, you can prepare stl. files to be g. or gx. files for printing. Then the
files can be transferred to your Inventor via USB cable, USB stick or Wi-Fi.
1.1.3 Build the 3D Model
Once the output file has been transferred to your Inventor, it will start to turn the 3D
model into a physical object by laying down layers of filament.

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Chapter 2 . About Inventor
2.1 About Your Inventor
2.1.1 Main view: 1. Camera
2. Extruder fan
3. Timing belt
4. Vent
5. Build plate
6. Filament
7. Power input
8. Power switch
9. Touch screen
10. Reset button
11. USB input
12. SD card input
13. Extruder intake
14. Spring presser
15. Extruder fun
16. Z axis guide
17. Ventilating fan
18. Nozzle
Extruder Component
Whole Machine

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2.1.2 Accessory Box
filament*2 Power Cord USB Cord Vent*2
Fan Baffle Cap Kit Box Build Sheet Quick State Guide
Tweezers SD Card Leveling Sheet Screwdriver
Scraper Screw Box Carving Knife Stamping Wrench
Unclog Tool Hex wrench（1.5、2.0、2.5、3.0mm）

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2.1.3 Terms
Build Plate The glass surface on which the Inventor builds an
object.
Build Tape The blue tape that covers Inventor’s build plate so that
the object can adhere 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 Inventor is 230*150*140mm.
Leveling Knobs Knobs under the build platform that used for adjust 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 onto the build
plate.
Nozzle Also called “print head”, which located at the bottom of
the extruder where heated filament is squeezed out.
Extruder 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
Unclog Tool A tool that used for cleaning the extruder
Stamping Wrench A tool that used for seizing the nozzle’s metal cube

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2.1.4 Reference
Name Inventor
Number of Extruder 2
Print Technology Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF)
Screen 3.5’’ color IPS Touch Screen
Build Volume 230*150*140mm
Layer Resolution 0.05-0.4mm
Print Accuracy ±0.1mm
Positioning Accuracy Z axis 0.0025mm; XY axis 0.011mm
Filament Diameter 1.75mm（±0.07）
Nozzle Diameter 0.4mm
Build Speed 30~200mm/s
Software FlashPrint
Support Formats 3MF/STL/OBJ/FPP/BMP/PNG/JPG/JPEG;
GX/G
OS Win xp/Vista/7/8/10、Mac OS、Linux
Prodcut Dimensions 485*344*382(402)mm
Net Weight 10.7Kg
AC Input 100-240V~/4.5A-2.5A
Connectivity USB cable, USB stick, WIFI

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Chapter 3. Unpacking
(Reference video:Unpacking)
This chapter will present you the whole unpacking procedure of Inventor 3D
printer.(Note: Make sure you read the whole unpacking guide)
1. （3-1）Put Inventor package on the clean, tidy workbench,using a knife to cut the
tape ,then you can see two quick start guide,which will guide you know our Inventor
3D Printer.
3-1
2. （3-2）Remove the top protective foam pieces, which also houses the Inventor’s
lid. Set this aside for now. The Inventor unit will then be exposed.
3-2

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3. （3-3）Lift the Inventor by its side openings and place it on a flat surface. Then
You will see the Expert Kit,power cord,andUSB cable in the shipping box. In the
Expert Kit, you can find a Carving Knife, a Scraper, Tweezers, a Sensor line and
a Screw Box. What's more. a SD card and some screws, Wrenches in the Box.
3-3
4.（3-4）The Inventor will have an accessory box on top of it, which will house the
extruder set. Remove the box and the foam pad from the Inventor, and gently lay the
extruder set on the Inventor build plate.
Inside the accessory box, you will find an SD card,asidefanduct,andtwo pieces
of removable side panels.
3-4
5. (3-5) Move the build plate up carefully.

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3-5
6. (3-6)Take out the PLA filament and ABS filament carefully which is under the
build plate.
3-6
(3-7)You’ve finished unpacking your Inventor. Next we will move on to the hardware
assembly.
3‐7

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Chapter 4 . Hardware Assembly
The Inventor 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 filament. It
will only take between 5 to 10 minutes before you can fire up the Inventor and
prepare for your first 3D print!
4.1 Mounting the Extruder Set
4-1
(4-1) Lay the extruder set on top of the extruder seat with the two extruder fans facing
the front.
(4-2) Secure the extruder set onto the extruder seat by using two M3x12 from the
bottom up.
4‐2

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(4-3) Install the side fan duct. To do this, find the side fan duct and attach it onto the
left side of the extruder set. Secure it with the supplied M3x8 screw.
Tip: place the M3x12 screw through the mounting hole of the extruder seat first.
Afterwards, align the extruder set and tighten.
4.2 Installing Filament
(4-4) Lock the filament in place by securing it with the filament spool holder and
turning it counter-clockwise.
4‐3
4‐4

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(4-5) Feed the filament through the filament guide tube. Attach the guide tube onto
the two filament guide tube brackets.
(4-6) Stick the build sheet to the build plate after installing filament, as picture shows.
4.3 Plugging in Power Cord&USB Cable
(4-7) Locate the power cord, and plug it into the Inventor.
Optional: Locate the USB cord and plug one end into the Inventor and the other into
4‐5
4‐6
4‐7