zortrax M200 Plus Installation guide

Knowledge Base
SOURCE:
https://support.zortrax.com/m200-plus-knowledge-base/

Table Of Content
Useful Terms 3
General Questions 8
Models 13
General Notices 16

Useful Terms
Here’s a short overview of technical terms which are most commonly used in the
whole Zortrax experience. If you’re new to 3D printing technology, the list below
organizes and helps to understand all the necessary terms.
EXTRUDER
the mechanism which ensures material feeding, heating and extruding as well as cooling
of the print. Its main components include the hotend and the nozzle. The material is
melted in the hotend, and then pushed through it until it exits the nozzle. The melted
thermoplastic is deposited layer by layer to form a predesigned shape. Additionally,
there are three fans on the extruder: one which cools the whole mechanism and two
which cool the print.
EXTRUDER CABLE
the ribbon cable which connects the extruder with the motherboard. It supplies the
extruder with electricity and allows the motherboard to regulate the printing process.
FIRMWARE
the software programmed into Zortrax printers, which controls and monitors all the data
in the device. It also gives the possibility to enable/disable the printer’s options.
HOTEND
an essential heating system which consists of an aluminum block and a heater &
thermocouple. The hotend is responsible for heating and melting the material as well as
for ensuring the proper temperature of the material during the whole printing process. In
addition, the hotend is less likely to become dirty thanks to the teflon cover.
LPD (LAYER PLASTIC DEPOSITION) / FFF
a technology in which a melted material is deposited on a surface. This technique
involves applying one layer of material after another in order to accurately form a
computer-designed shape. This technology is used by Zortrax devices – the printer
starts to print from the bottom and builds the object until it is fully formed. The model and
the support structures are created using the same material.
MATERIAL ENDSTOP
the device placed at the back of the printer, which detects the presence of material and

reacts when it runs out. If during the printing process a spool of material is finished, the
material endstop will automatically make the printer pause the printing and allow the
user to load new material.
MATERIAL GUIDE
the tube which feeds the material from the spool to the extruder at the proper angle. The
material guide in the Zortrax M200 Plus has to be attached to the extruder and to the
material endstop placed at the back of the printer.
MATERIALS
specially dedicated Zortrax printing materials which maximize the benefits of 3D printing.
These thermoplastic materials are in the form of filaments wound on a spool. Zortrax
offers a wide choice of materials, which are available at: zortrax.com/materials. Each
material has different properties and can easily be adapted to a wide range of needs and
applications. Moreover, most of the materials can be mechanically or chemically post-
processed.
MODEL LIBRARY
the collection of ready-made models available within Z-SUITE. All models are divided
into categories, for instance art & design, education or robotics. You can find many
useful and attractive models there that have been uploaded by users of Zortrax printers.
Moreover, there is also one category called Zortrax Parts, in which you can find models
of parts that are useful when printing with Zortrax printers, for example spool holders or
extruder top covers.
MOTHERBOARD
the most important part of every Zortrax printer, to which all the necessary components
are connected. It is the main printed circuit board which makes it possible for other parts
of the printer to communicate with each other. The motherboard is placed under the
bottom plate, along with the cooling fan and the power supply unit.
NOZZLE
the final element of the extruder. It is used to direct a flow of material throughout the
entire printing process, allowing to form the desired shape of a model. In addition, the
nozzle is less likely to become dirty thanks to the teflon cover.
PLATFORM
an integral part of the 3D printer, on which the model is created. It consists of two parts:

the heatbed and the perforated plate. Both parts are connected together with the use of
screws and Pogo pins. The heatbed provides proper platform heating, whereas the
perforated plate increases adhesion of the model to the platform surface. The platform
can easily be removed or put back in place.
PLATFORM CALIBRATION
a procedure which lowers the risk of issues that may occur during the printing process. It
involves checking the distance between the nozzle and five points on the platform, and
tightening/loosening the calibration screws.
POST-PROCESSING
all procedures of mechanical and chemical treatments that improve the final look of the
model. Post-processing techniques include: polishing, sanding, smoothing, painting, or
gluing two or more parts together.
POWER OUTLET AND MAIN SWITCH
the switch enables turning the printer on and off. Next to the switch, there is a power
outlet where you plug the power cable in.
RAFT
the first few layers of material, which begin the whole printing process. These layers are
always printed before the main object and have a larger area than that object. Once the
printing is done, the raft needs to be removed from the platform together with the rest of
the model. The raft enhances the adhesion of the whole print to the platform and
reduces the risk of warping.
SIDE COVERS
plastic panels that can easily be attached to the housing of the printer. They have been
designed to provide protection from drafts and temperature differences that can occur in
the printing room. Constant temperature inside the printing chamber is important for
avoiding cracks and warping. The side covers protect the model during the printing
process and help it to adhere better to the platform. The set of covers consists of: two
side covers, one front cover, magnets, and hinges. The front panel is fixed to the
housing with two hinges and closed by hidden magnets, whereas the side panels snap
on. We especially recommend using the side covers for large-sized prints and prints
made of materials with high or medium shrinkage level, like Z-ABS.
SPOOL HOLDER

the element which is used to secure the spool of material at the back of the printer. The
holder consists of two connected parts. It can be opened and closed with the push-to-
open/close mechanism.
STARTER KIT
several pieces of equipment that are put together in one set. Apart from the heatbed and
the perforated plate, the set contains tools and protective equipment. The Starter Kit is
needed to perform maintenance and repair work of your Zortrax printers. Each printer is
delivered with equipment including, for example, a set of nozzle keys or safety gloves.
STEPPER MOTOR
a type of electric motor in which the power supply does not cause full rotation of the
motor shaft, but instead, a series of steps. There are four stepper motors in each Zortrax
printer: two that are responsible for the extruder’s motion, one which allows the
platform’s vertical motion, and one which enables material loading.
SUPPORT STRUCTURES
if your model has any overhanging or protruding parts, they have to be supported with
special structures so that they don’t fall down. Without these structures, the model may
lose its predesigned shape. The support is printed with the same material as the model.
Once the printing is done, it is necessary to remove the support carefully by hand or
using pliers.
TOUCHSCREEN
the display screen placed at the front of the printer, which enables fast and intuitive
navigation through the device’s menu. The screen also displays information about the
current printing process and other information concerning the printer.
Z-AXIS SCREW
the screw which is responsible for the platform’s vertical motion. It is driven by a stepper
motor placed under the the bottom plate. The Z-axis screw constitutes an integral part of
the platform moving system.
ZCODEX
a file format which contains a model prepared for 3D printing with previously selected
print settings, such as layer thickness, infill type, etc. All print settings can be managed
in Z-SUITE before generating the .zcodex. The .zcodex format can be transferred to the
printer directly from Z-SUITE over Wi-Fi/Ethernet cable or using a USB flash drive. This
format can only be created by processing .stl / .dxf / .obj or .3mf files in Z-SUITE.

ZORTRAX HEPA COVER
a filtering device which consists of an acrylic glass frame, a filter module and a fan.
HEPA Cover is attached to the top of the printer and therefore helps to resolve several
common problems connected with 3D printing in the FDM/FFF technology. Users are
able to regulate the temperature inside the chamber, which is very important while
printing with high shrinkage materials, like ABS or ABS-based filaments. There are two
replaceable filters installed in the device: HEPA and carbon, both of which eliminate
unpleasant smells of melted material and filter over 99% of particles that are released
during the 3D printing process. The fan speed can be adjusted with the use of a knob –
lower speed ensures better warping protection, whereas higher speed provides better air
filtration.
Z-SUITE
the application created specifically for Zortrax devices. Z-SUITE prepares a model for 3D
printing by generating the file in the .zcodex format. Z-SUITE allows the users to change
and adjust the print settings, such as the size of the model, layer thickness, the type of
infill, or how many support structures will be generated. Once the .zcodex is generated,
the print settings cannot be changed. The last step is to transfer the file to the printer’s
storage using Wi-Fi, Ethernet cable, or USB flash drive.

General Questions
How does printing with the Zortrax M200 Plus work?
Everything begins with preparing a model. The work on the model can be started in any
program which creates 3D models and generates .stl, .obj, .3mf or .dxf files. These are
the standard file formats supported by most 3D modeling software – the model is saved
as a set of three-dimensional triangles (triangle mesh).
The next step is to open the .stl file (or other) in Z-SUITE – the program created
specifically for Zortrax devices. Z-SUITE prepares the model by slicing it into individual
later and saving it as a .zcodex file. Each layer represents the movement pattern of the
extruder and the platform while building the whole object. Z-SUITE also allows you to
choose the material type to be used for the model and to adjust the necessary print
settings, such as the size of the model, layer thickness, the type of infill or how many
support structures should be generated. The file is then ready to be printed.
Also, it is possible to use ready-made models from the Zortrax Model Library available
within Z-SUITE. The Library offers a collection of models that have been uploaded by
users of Zortrax printers. The collection is divided into many categories, such as
art&design, education, or robotics. There is also one category called Zortrax Parts, in
which you can find models of parts that are useful when using Zortrax printers, for
example, extruder top covers.
To start the printing process, turn on the printer, prepare and load the material which
corresponds with the one you have chosen in Z-SUITE. The full material offer is
available at: zortrax.com.
While working with the Zortrax M200 Plus, you can start, stop and pause the printing
process in Z-SUITE. Once your file is prepared, you can transfer it from Z-SUITE to the
printer’s storage in two ways. You can either save the file on a USB flash drive and plug
it into the port at the front of the printer or transfer the file from Z-SUITE over Wi-
Fi/Ethernet cable. In addition, Z-SUITE allows you to add several printers to the
program’s panel and create a network of devices. This solution makes it possible to
start small series manufacturing processes and manage them from the screen of your
computer. Each printer can still be operated using the touchscreen at the front.
What changes have been introduced in the M200 Plus comparing with the
standard M200?
Zortrax M200 Plus is equipped with a number of hardware and software improvements
comparing with the standard M200. First of all, the M200 Plus has a touchscreen and a
Wi-Fi module, which enable fast and intuitive operation of the device as well as wireless
transfer of files for 3D printing. Also, the printer has a material endstop which pauses the

printing process once the material runs out, and, as a result, lowers the number of failed
prints. Other improvements include: the new hotend (v3) which has been designed for
faster heating and adapted to print with Z-SEMIFLEX, no small connector on the
perforated plate (communication between the heatbed and the perforated plate is
provided by the Pogo Pins), an upgraded cooling system of the extruder and prints
(additional extruder fan) which significantly improves the printing quality, and a camera
which makes it possible to monitor the printing process in Z-SUITE.
How does the Support Center work?
Support Center is a part of zortrax.com website. It is a platform where you can find
various manuals and tips&tricks articles. If you have a technical problem, just browse
through the categories of: Repair it yourself or Printing/material issues to find the
appropriate instructions. There are also guidelines and maintenance work tips that you
should follow while keeping your printer in good condition. You can also use tags to
search for solutions for hardware and software issues.
If you cannot find the solution to your problem, or need more help while repairing your
device, fill out the support form available within the Support Center. Once you report the
issue in detail, our specialists will diagnose the problem and provide you with the best
solution. Our team will be able to make the diagnosis faster once you attach a photo or a
short video showing the problem with your printer. With a detailed description of the
issue and a photo/video, the feedback will be more precise – it always includes
suggested solutions and, if it is covered by the warranty, you will receive the part that
needs to be replaced.
What software is necessary to print with the Zortrax M200 Plus?
The only program that you need to print with Zortrax devices is Z-SUITE. You can
download it here. In order to download Z-SUITE, you need to enter the serial number of
your device.
What electronic equipment do I need to print with the Zortrax M200 Plus?
All you need to have is a computer with Windows (or Mac OS X), and a USB drive.
How can I connect my printer to a network?
Zortrax M200 Plus can be connected to a local network in two ways: via Wi-Fi or an
Ethernet cable. Both methods allow you to manage the printer directly from Z-SUITE and
make it possible to remotely transfer .zcodex files to the printer.
To connect the printer to a Wi-Fi network, open the Settings menu and select Wi-Fi.
From the list of available networks, choose your network and if it’s required, enter the
password. The connection will be established automatically.
To connect the printer with an Ethernet cable, create a local network and connect the

router/modem/switch to the printer. The connection will be established automatically.
You can control the Ethernet connection settings in the main menu; select Settings and
Ethernet.
Do I have to connect my printer to the Internet?
No. However, connecting your printer to the Internet will give you the ability to download
the latest firmware update automatically and make the whole process of updating easier.
If you have decided not to connect your printer to the Internet and still want to transfer
the files for printing wirelessly, create a local network that will connect your computer
and printer with each other. This solution will make it possible for you to send files from Z-
SUITE directly to the printer.
How can I update the firmware in my device?
If your printer is connected to the Internet using either Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable, it
automatically checks for available firmware updates. Once you get a notification
informing that the firmware can be updated, follow the instructions displayed on the
screen.
If you have decided not to connect the printer to the Internet, check
support.zortrax.com/downloads regularly for updates. To update the firmware, transfer
the Update.zar file to a USB flash drive and plug it into the port at the front of the device.
To start the installation, select Refresh.
What are the technical specifications of the Zortrax M200 Plus?
All technical specifications are available here.
How much time is needed to print a model?
It all depends on several factors. First of all, the size and shape of the model strongly
influence the time of a particular print job. Secondly, the printing time can be extended or
shortened by changing the print settings in Z-SUITE, for example, smaller layer
thickness or maximum infill will make the printing process longer. All print parameters
are entirely controlled by the user in Z-SUITE.
Is it possible to print more than one model at the same time?
Yes, it is possible to print more than one model at one go. Simply add several models to
the workspace in Z-SUITE and arrange them with an appropriate distance between
them.
What are the best conditions for 3D printing?
First of all, place the printer on a flat and stable surface. Always provide adequate
conditions: avoid drafts and ensure appropriate temperature (between 21 and 28 ?C / 70
– 82 ?F) in the print room. We also recommend that you use the Zortrax HEPA Cover as

additional equipment. It helps to resolve some common problems that occur while 3D
printing: warping and unpleasant smells. The Zortrax HEPA Cover has been designed to
improve the quality of models, lower the number of failed prints and increase protection
of users, especially those who work near desktop printers.
Is it possible to manage the printing process wirelessly?
Yes. Once your printer is connected to the network, open the My Devices panel in Z-
SUITE. You can search for devices available in the local network and add them to the
program’s panel. Select the icon with your printer’s IP address and click on it to add the
printer to the panel. You can also add a printer manually by typing its IP address. Each
added printer can easily be managed in Z-SUITE. You can start, stop, and pause the
printing process, see the printer’s current state (Ready to Print / Printing / Paused /
Offline), change the name of your printer, preview basic information about the printer, or
display the preview from the printer’s camera.
In the 3D Printer Files tab, you can preview all .zcodex files that are stored on the
printer’s USB flash drive.
What materials can be used with the Zortrax M200 Plus?
Zortrax offers a wide range of specially dedicated materials, which are available here. In
order to obtain the best quality of models, we advise you to print with Zortrax certified
materials, however, it is possible to print with third-party materials.
Where can I find the TDSs and SDSs for Zortrax materials?
Here you can find all the necessary information on Zortrax materials. Just click on the
material of your choice to learn more about it. You can also download Technical Data
Sheets and Safety Data Sheets for each material available in our offer.
How much maintenance work is required while using the Zortrax M200 Plus?
Maintenance work should be regular in order to keep the printer in good condition and
achieve high quality prints every time. Some parts require maintenance before each print
and some every few hundred working hours. All maintenance activities do not take much
time and are not complicated. Each printer is delivered with a full set of tools needed to
carry out maintenance work. While working with Zortrax M Series printers, follow the
rules included in maintenance guides for each model: M200, M200 Plus and M300.
Where can I find the Warranty Card for the Zortrax M200 Plus? What are the main
warranty terms?
The Warranty Card is available at the Support Center. Read it thoroughly to learn the
details connected with the Warranty.
The Warranty applies to all Zortrax M200 Plus 3D printers purchased and used within
the European Union and in the United States of America. The Warranty period starts on
the day of purchase and is valid for twelve (12) months. If your printer has defects and

does not operate as intended, the Manufacturer or the Authorized Reseller/Distributor
will repair the machine or replace the defective parts. However, the Warranty does not
cover any damage resulting from improper use of the printer as well as all consumable
parts, such as cables, perforated plate, nozzle, etc. The warranty claim can be submitted
via the Support Form. It is important to attach a copy of the proof of purchase and all
materials that will help to identify the device and illustrate the problem.

Models
Whether it’s a product to be mass-produced or a gadget to be used at home, 3D
printing is a solution for both. With a high-quality project and materials available in
various colors, you can print objects with diverse purposes. A wide range of materials
with different properties makes it possible to turn your ideas into shapes that can easily
be adapted in many industries – from prototypes of equipment used outside and casing
elements to architectural mock-ups and interior design elements.
The Zortrax M200 Plus is compatible with all materials for the standard M200, but in
addition, it has been adapted to work with Z-SEMIFLEX. It is a material with unique
characteristics, including high elasticity and rubber-like properties. Z-SEMIFLEX exhibits
high impact strength, which makes it ideal for prototypes tested in industrial
environments, and for models resembling organs used in medical assessment
processes.
See the gallery to learn what types of models are achievable with Zortrax 3D printers.

General Notices
Always read the Zortrax data sheets attached to the equipment and articles available
online at the Support Center. They are a source of basic information and safety
procedures for the equipment you bought. It is necessary to update the firmware to avoid
any kind of failures. Visit zortrax.com regularly to learn about the latest news and
updates.
Zortrax M200 Plus 3D printer operates at high temperatures and has easily accessible
movable components, therefore, you must be particularly careful when handling or
operating the device. While operating the printer, it is extremely important to avoid
situations that may lead to burns or interference in the device’s proper functioning.
Do not leave the machine unattended during the printing process – check it from time to
time for proper functioning in order to avoid potential accidents or breakdowns. Turn off
the printer once the print job is finished. Monitor your device for wear and tear regularly.
Contact our Support Center for assistance while replacing worn or broken parts.
Keep the printer away from heat sources, fire, flammable materials, humidity as well as
water and other liquids. Place the machine away from any equipment emitting radiation.
To prevent any inadvertent use, keep the device out of reach of children and animals. It
is forbidden to shake or drop the printer as it may cause breakdowns. The equipment is
not intended for use in a potentially explosive environment.
It is strongly recommended to set up a special, well-ventilated room dedicated only to 3D
printing. At the same time, it is not recommended to stay in a room where devices have
been 3D printing for a long time. The vapors released during the printing process do not
pose a direct hazard, but they can have negative effects when combined with
accumulated dust particles in long-term processes.
Food and beverages should be kept away from both the 3D printers and the 3D printed
objects.
More safety instructions are available in the User Guide.
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