BALCO HE180021 Instruction Manual

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MODEL NUMBER: HE180021

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

VERSION 1
ISSUED 10/08/17

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WARRANTY NOTE

If you experience any issues with this product, or its
performance is not what you had expected, please contact
us at Balco Lifestyle before returning the item to the store.

It is likely that we can resolve any problems for you via
phone or email.

IMPORTANT

Getting the most out of your 3D Printer Touch:

Read the manual carefully

It will help you set up with ease

Visit www.balcolifestyle.com

We have additional additional support videos and guides

Call After Sales Support - 0800 296 9698 (UK)

800-372-5715 (USA)

Email [e-mail]

We’re always happy to help

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AFTER SALES SUPPORT

[e-mail] MODEL: HE180021

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Before you get started, please read these important safety instructions.

CAUTION: The Balco 3D Printer Touch generates high temperatures and includes moving parts

that can cause injury. Never reach inside of the Balco 3D Printer Touch while it is in operation, and

allow time for the printer to cool down after operation.

Vapours/fumes may be irritating at operating temperatures. Always use the Balco 3D Printer
Touch in an open, well ventilated area.

Do not leave the Balco 3D Printer Touch unattended during operation

Contact with extruded material may cause burns. Wait for printed objects to cool before
removing them from the build platform.

Always take care when using the Scraper. Never direct the Scraper towards your ngers.

Only use the 3D Printer Touch in a clear working area

• The printer must not be exposed to water or rain, or damage will occur.

• The printer is designed to be used with ambient temperature ranging 15°C - 30°C, and humidity
ranging 20% - 50%. Operating outside these limits may result in low quality models.

• In case of emergency, turn o the 3D Printer Touch at the power outlet.

• It is recommended that you use eye protection when cleaning/sanding printed models to avoid small
particles contacting eyes.

• Please read and understand the contents of this installation and user manual carefully. Failure to read
the manual may lead to personal injury, inferior results, or damage to the 3D Printer Touch. Always
make sure that anyone who uses the 3D printer knows and understand the contents of the manual
and makes the most out of the 3D Printer Touch.

• 3D Printer Touch is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical and/or mental capabilities,
or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction
concerning the use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be under
constant supervision when using the printer.

• Before installation, you should make sure that the 3D Printer Touch is unplugged from the power
supply. Only using furniture that can safely support 3D Printer Touch.

• The socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.

3D Printer Touch has been tested according to the EN 60950, which falls under the low voltage directive.
3D Printer Touch must be used in conjunction with the original power cord. In combination, they
guarantee safe use in relation to short-circuit, overload, over-voltage and over temperature. Always
unplug the printer before doing maintenance or modications.

HOT SURFACE
DO NOT TOUCH

MOVING PARTS

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CONTENTS

Safety Instructions 5

Parts List 8

Technical Specications 9

Introduction 10

1.1 What is 3D Printing? 10

1.2 From 3D Design to Printed 3D Object 10

1.3 Good 3D Printing Practices 12

Product Overview 13

2.1 Printer Front View 13

2.2 Printer Rear View 14

2.3 Print Bed 15

2.4 Control Panel 16

2.5 Touch Screen Control Panel 17

Setup 20

3.1 Unboxing and Assembly 20

3.2 Levelling the Bed 22

3.3 Filament 24

3.3.1 Filament Types 24

3.3.2 Inserting Filament 25

3.3.3 Removing Filament 25

3.3.4 Storage 25

3.4 Using the SD Card 26

3.4.1 Loading les from your Computer 26

3.4.2 Printing from the SD Card 26

3.5. Removing 3D Objects from the Bed 27

Preparing To Print a File 28

4.1 Creating a GCODE File 28

4.2 Cura Setup 28

4.3 Download the Latest Cura Prole 28

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AFTER SALES SUPPORT

[e-mail] MODEL: HE180021

Servicing 29

5.1 Servicing your 3D Printer Touch 29

5.1.1 Replacing the Print Mat 29

5.1.2 Nozzle Cleaning 29

5.1.3 Extruder Cleaning 30

5.1.4 Routine Component Check 30

5.1.5 Storing 30

Finishing 31

6.1 Finishing Techniques 31

6.1.1 Useful Tools/Equipment 31

6.1.2 Removing Support Material 31

6.1.3 Sanding 32

6.1.4 Surface Coating 32

Maintenance 33

Disposal of Packaging 33

Disposal of Product 33

Troubleshooting 34

10.1 Troubleshooting 34

10.1.1 Printing Problems 34

10.1.2 Connectivity Problems 35

10.1.3 Other Problems 36

10.2 Useful Terms 36

Appendix 38

References 38

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PARTS LIST

1 x Balco 3D Printer Touch

(Extruder Tower,

Heated Print Bed)

1 x Filament Spool Holder

1 x Filament Spool Stand

1 x Power Cable

1 x SD Card Class 10

1 x Scraper

1 x Replacement PTFE Tube

1 x Hex Key Set

6 x Hex Bolts

2 x Cable Ties

1 x 100m PLA Filament

3 x Print Bed Mats

(1 on Print Bed and 2 spare)

1 x 0.4mm Drill Bit

1 x Extruder Cleaner

6 x Rubber Feet

1 x Levelling Card

1 x Instruction Manual

1 x Getting Started Guide

1 x Warranty Card

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AFTER SALES SUPPORT

[e-mail] MODEL: HE180021

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Printing

Print Technology: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

Build Volume: 200 x 200 x 180mm

Layer Resolution: 0.1 – 0.4mm

Positioning Accuracy: X 0.012mm

Y 0.012mm

Z 0.004mm

Extruder Quantity: Single Extruder

Extruder Diameter: 0.4mm

Print Speed: 10mm/s - 70mm/s

Travel Speed: 10mm/s - 70mm/s

Supported Print Materials: Balco Branded PLA, ABS, PVA,

HIPS, PLA Wood, PLA Flex, Conductive

Temperature

Ambient Operating Temperature: 15°C – 30°C

Operational Extruder Temperature: 170°C - 260°C

Operational Print Bed Temperature: 30°C - 110°C

Software

Slicer Software: Cura

Cura Input Formats: .STL, .OBJ, .DAE, .AMF

Cura Output Format: .GCODE

Connectivity: SD Card

Electrical

Input Rating: 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz, 4A

Physical Dimensions

Printer Frame Dimensions: 400 x 410 x 400mm

Weight: 10KG

This device is noise-suppressed according to the applicable EU directives. This product

fulls the European directives 2011/65/EU, 2014/30/EU and 2014/35/EU.

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1.1 What is 3D Printing?

3D Printing is a process whereby a real object is created from a 3D Design. Fused Filament

Fabrication (FFF) is one of the most common technologies used by 3D Printers to achieve this. FFF

works on an ‘additive’ principle by laying down material, such as PLA or ABS lament, in layers to

create a 3D object.

1.2 From 3D Design to Printed 3D Object

3D Design Slice to GCODE Setup 3D Printer Touch 3D Printing Process 3D Printed Object

3D Design

Having a 3D Design is the rst step to creating a 3D Object. There are

a number of free 3D Designs that can be downloaded and printed for

personal use. Websites such as Thingiverse.com, Pinshape.com and

YouMagine.com are a good place to start, but there are many more

available!

Alternatively, you can create your own 3D Design using 3D Modelling Software. Programs such as

SketchUp or Blender allow this, however this can take some practice before successfully modelling

your 3D Design. After you’ve nished your 3D Design, you can export it as an .STL le, to be

imported into a ‘Slicer’ program such as Cura.

Slice to GCODE

A ‘Slicer’ converts a 3D Design (usually in .STL or .AMF format) into

individual layers. It then generates the machine code (such as GCODE) that

the 3D Printer Touch will use for printing.

We recommend the program Cura as it uses a simple interface and includes a large amount of

support material.

INTRODUCTION

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Setup 3D Printer Touch

It’s important to set up your printer before every print. We’ve included some

steps on page 12 in section 1.3 Good 3D Printing Practices for you to

quickly refer to each time.

3D Printing Process

Now that you’ve loaded a GCODE le onto the printer, it will commence

heating up the Extruder and Heated Print Bed, then start printing. While

printing, the nozzle will move along the X and Y axis as each layer is printed.

This can take some time, depending on the size of the 3D model, print speed

of the 3D Printer Touch and resolution of each layer.

Here is an example of how size, inll, and resolution can aect printing time:

Dimensions:

62.5 x 25.75 x 67.75mm 70 x 70 x 140mm

Inll:

20% 0% 20% 20%

Resolution:

2mm 2mm 2mm 1mm

Print Time:

53min 39min 6hr 40min 13hr 12min

Filament Used:

4m 2.54m 45m 45.67m

3D Printed Object

Once the printer has completed all the layers, you will have a 3D Printed Model.

The Balco 3D Printer Touch is compatible with a broad range of lament types and is capable of

printing 3D models ranging from small and simple to complex objects with moving parts. What you

print is limited only by your imagination.

INTRODUCTION

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1.3 Good 3D Printing Practices

Please refer to these steps during every print to ensure the best quality.

Before Printing

1. Ensure your GCODE le is correctly setup, lament diameter is set to 1.75mm and correct

temperature settings for the material you are using (refer to table 3.3.1, page 24)

2. Check all cables and connectors are connected

3. Check that the Heated Print Bed is level and approximately 0.1mm from the nozzle

4. Check that the Heated Print Bed is clean, dust free and the nozzle does not have excess

material

stuck to it

During Printing

1. Closely monitor the rst layer being printed – Most problems will occur in the rst layer. If

problems occur, stop the 3D Printer Touch at the power outlet

2. Do not leave the 3D Printer Touch unattended while in operation

3. Keep hands clear while machine is operating

After Printing

1. Wait for the Heated Print Bed and Extruder to cool down

2. Carefully remove 3D Object using the supplied Scraper. Never use Scraper towards your body.

Keep Scraper evenly at when scraping to avoid damage to the Heated Print Bed. Damaged

Heated Print Bed will aect adhesion for future prints

3. Store 3D Printer Touch in a clean, dry environment

INTRODUCTION

Always check Print Mat
is clean and there is no

residual plastic

Always check all cords

are connected

Always check GCODE

file settings match

filament and printer

Always check Extruder

distance is 0.1mm

from Print Mat

Always check Print

Bed is level