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FT-5
Owner's Manual
93 pgs6.5 Mb0

Folger Tech FT-5 Owner's Manual

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FT-5 User Manual Page 1
Table of Contents
CONTENT S
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Contact Folger Tech ................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Inventory of Parts ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Printer Features & Definitions ................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Printer Assembly ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Testing and Calibration ............................................................................................................................................................................ 67
FT-5 User Manual Page 2
Software Parameter Setup....................................................................................................................................................................... 77
Generating G-code using Cura ................................................................................................................................................................. 87
Printer Operation ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 90
Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 92
TroubleShooting ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 92
FT-5 User Manual Page 3
INT R ODUCTION
Congratulations! If you are looking over this manual it means that you are the proud owner of a Folger Tech FT-5 3D Printer, which is a powerful tool that can help you unleash your creative spirit.
Our goal as a company is to provide affordable 3D printers to consumers worldwide. On top of this we want everyone’s first printing experience to be a great one. So this User Manual was assembled to provide guidance in assembling and understanding common procedures while using our 3D printer. It covers everything from assembly to the maintenance required to keep your printer performing like new.
We look forward to helping you succeed in the exciting world of 3D printing and giving you everything you need to unlock your innovation.
NOTE: Do not soak the melamine parts in water or cleaning products. You may wipe them down with a damp rag but do not soak them. It will cause the parts to swell and/or break.
CONTAC T FOLGER TECH
We understand that manual only covers the basics of your Folger Tech printer, so if at any time you need more assistance, visit our support page at Folger Tech Support to send us a message or give us a call at (888) 397 – 8160 and we will be happy to address your question or concern.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY: FOLGER TECHNOLOGIES LLC specifically DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES and assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of the use or misuse of any of the information or product. FOLGER TECHNOLOGIES LLC assumes or undertakes NO LIABILITY for any loss or damage suffered as a result of the use, misuse or reliance on the information and or product. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK: Never leave your printer unattended. This kit involves working with 110v/220v and should only be done if you are qualified, if you are not, speak to a qualified electrician.
FT-5 User Manual Page 4
INV E N T O R Y OF PARTS
This section lists the individual parts included in the Folger Tech FT-5 3D Printer Kit. Parts are itemized by number and hardware is itemized by letter. It may be helpful to use these tables as a guide to help you navigate this manual.
FOLGER TE C H FT-5 P A R T S
Item ID
Quantity
Description
Item ID
Quantity
Description
1 4 700mm 2020 Beam
35 1 2004 LCD Screen
2 7 500mm 2020 Beam
36 1 MKS Board
3 6 460mm 2020 Beam
37 3 Endstop
4 2 500mm 2040 Beam
38 1 LCD Extension Cable
5 3 Slider Rail
39 1 Kapton Tape
6 4 500mm M8 PCR
40 1 Ceramic Screw Driver
7 2 500mm M8 Leadscrew
41
1
Filament Sample
8 6 5.0 kg/cm Motor
42
1
Spool Holder PVC
9 8 SHF8
43 1 150mm M5 Threaded Rod
10 4 KFL8
44 4 3/8 Inch Wire Heatshrink
11 4 LM8FLUU
45
1
Bed Thermistor
12 4 Rubber Foot
46 2 Green Female Block
13 2 T8 Leadscrew Nut
47 1 4pin XH (Both Ends)
14 5 20T 5mm Bore Pulley
48 1 CH2 Springs Connectors
15 2 20T 8mm Bore Pulley
49 2 Green Male Blocks
16 2 GT2 188 Belt Loop
50 2 2 Pin XH
17 3 Idler Pulley
51 1 3 Pin XH
18
4 meter
GT2 Belt
52 2 4 Pin XH
19 1 MK9
53 3 1 Meter Motor Wire W XH 4 Pin
20 1 Heat Sink Fin
54 2 2 Meter Motor Wire with XH 4 Pin
21 2 Fan
55 1 Motor Wire Pigtail W JST Connector
22 1 AL Upper Block
56
2 meter
Red 14 AWG
23 1 M6 PTFE Threaded Tube
57
.5 meter
Green 14 AWG
24 1 3D Hotend
58
1 meter
Red & Black 14 AWG
25 1 300x300 Alum Heatbed
59 2 2 Meter Green 24 AWG
60 1 1 Meter Red 24 AWG
27 1 Power Supply
61 1 1 Meter Black 24 AWG
28 1 AC Power Cord
62 1 1.5 Meter Green 24 AWG
29 1 USB Port
63 1 1.5 Meter Red 24 AWG
30 1 Power Outlet
64 1 1.5 Meter Black 24 AWG
31
1 meter
Cable Chain
65 1 1.6 Meter Red 18 AWG
32 2 Cable Chain End Female
66
1
1.6 Meter Black 18 AWG
33 2 Cable Chain End Male
67
2 meter
Braided Wire Cover
34 1 USB Cable A-A
FT-5 User Manual Page 5
FOLGER TE CH F T-5 H A R D WARE
Item
ID
Total
Supplied
Description
Item ID
Total
Supplied
Description
A
56
M3 Nylock Nut
S
12
M4 Nylock Nut
B
26
M3 T-nut
T 8 M4x8 Screw
C
12
M3 Flat Washer
U 4 M4x10 Screw
D
19
M3 Square Nut
V 8 M4x16 Screw
E
32
M3x8 Screw
W
16
M4x20 Screw
F
14
M3x10 screw
X 2 M5 Nylock Nut
G
12
M3x12 Screw
Y
164
M5 T-nut
H
48
M3x16 Screw
Z
164
M5x10 Screw
I 6 M3x20 Screw
AA 6 Small Cable Clamp
J
12
M3x30 Screw
AB 4 Large Cable Clamp
K 6 M3x40 Screw
AC
15
Black Zip Tie
L 4 M3x45 Screw
AD
10
Printed Estop Button
M 8 M3 Thumb Screw
AE 1 Printed Endstop mount
N 4 L Bracket
AF 4 Binder Clips
O 8 Bed Spring
AG 3 Belt Tensioner Spring
P 4 Med Nylon Spacers
AH 8 M4 Set Screw
Q 8 M4 set screw
AI 2 M3 Set Screws
R
28
M4 T-nut
AJ 2 Fuse
FOLGER TE CH F T-5 L A S E R CUT PAR T S
Item
ID
Total
Supplied
Description
Item ID
Total
Supplied
Description
FT1
13
Corners (4 Bolts)
FT15 1 The Hatch
FT2 8 Corners (5 Bolts)
FT16 1 Bed Plate
FT3 1 Idler Top (4 Bolts Right)
FT17 1 Upper Panel (FR w/ Cable)
FT4 1 Idler (2 Bolts)
FT18 1 Upper Panel (FL)
FT5 1 Y-Belt
FT19 1 Electronics Box (MKS +PS)
FT6 1 Y Endstop Mount
FT20 1 Electronics Box Side (power)
FT7 1 Motor Right
FT21 1 Electronics Box (USB)
FT8 1 Motor/Right/Middle
FT22 1 Electronics Box (Honey Air Vent)
FT9 1 Motor/Right/Top
FT23 1 Bottom Panel (500x500)
FT10 1 Idler (7 Bolts)
FT24 1 Spool Holder (Circle)
FT11 1 Extruder Front Plate
FT25 1 LCD Panel
FT12 1 Extruder Back Plate
FT26 1 Idler Top (4 Bolts Left)
FT13 2 Extruder Chain Mount
FT27 1 Extruder (H)
FT14 1 Extruder (H no holes)
FT28 1 Spool Holder (T-Hut)
FT-5 User Manual Page 6
1. 700mm 2020 Beam
4. 500mm 2040 Beam
2. 500mm 2020 Beam
3. 460mm 2020 Beam
8. 5.0kg/cm Motor
18. GT2 Belt
17. Idler Pulley
14. 20T 5mm Bore Pulley
15. 20T 8mm Bore Pulley
FT-5 User Manual Page 7
16. 188mm GT2 Belt Pulley
5. Slide Rail
6. 500mm M8 PCR
7. 500mm M8 Leadscrew
21. Fan
24. 3D Hotend
20. Heat Sink Fin
9. Upper Block
19. MK9
19. Drive Gear (with MK9)
23. M6 PTFE Threaded Tube
35. 2004 LCD Screen
36. MKS Base Board
37. Endstop
FT-5 User Manual Page 8
25. 300 x 300 Aluminum Heated Bed
28. AC Power Cable
29. USB Port
30. Power Outlet
27. Power Supply
FT-5 User Manual Page 9
FT23
FT19
FT22
FT17
FT18
FT15
FT16
FT-5 User Manual Page 10
FT14
FT12
FT6
FT11
FT25
FT5
FT10
FT27
FT13
FT4
FT3
FT9
FT7
FT8
FT26
FT1
FT2
FT-5 User Manual Page 11
FT21
FT20
11. LM8FLUU
10. KFL8
13. T8 Leadscrew Nut
12. Rubber Feet
9. SHF8
31. Cable Chain
33. Cable Chain End Male
32. Cable Chain End Female
FT-5 User Manual Page 12
PRINTER FEATURES & DEFIN IT IO N S
The figure below shows the features of the Folger Tech FT-5 3D printer. You can reference this graphic for clarification of printer parts mentioned in this manual.
Hotbed
Filament
Spool
Hotend
Electronics
cabinet
Gantry
LCD Screen
FT-5 User Manual Page 13
Nozzle
The nozzle is the brass fitting below the heater block that the plastic extrudes from.
Hot end
The hot end melts the filament as it gets pushed through the Bowden Tube by the Extruder. It is comprised of the following parts:
Gantry
The gantry moves in the Y direction and has the Extruder mounted to it.
Power Supply
The power supply is what takes the 120 AC from the wall and converts it into 12v DC.
Hot end Fan
Thermistor
Heater Core
Heater Block
Nozzle
FT-5 User Manual Page 14
LCD Screen
The LCD screen is the user interface that controls the printer. To the right of the LCD screen is a speaker (top), control knob (center), and emergency stop button (bottom). Press in the control knob to select a function or rotate it to scroll through the menu options. If the stop button is pressed the machine must be power cycled for functionality to return.
Info Screen: The info screen is the home screen display for the LCD screen.
Main Menu: Press in on the control knob from the info screen to navigate to the Main Menu.
Watch – Returns to the home screen Prepare – Option to setup a print (preheat hot end, auto home, cool down, etc.) Control – Change printer firmware settings (temperature, motion, and restore failsafe) Print from SD – Select a file to be printed
Feed Rate %,
Print Completion %,
Elapsed Time
Hot end Temp/ Target
X, Y, Z
Position
Machine
Status
Speaker
Control Knob
Stop Button
Bed Temp/Target
FT-5 User Manual Page 15
Prepare: You can reach this from the Main Menu. The two common features that will be used on this screen are:
Auto Home – Zeros the machine and returns the effector to the home position Preheat PLA – Sets the hot end temperature to 200 °C and the bed to 70 °C Preheat ABS – Sets the hotend temperature to 230 °C and the bed to 100 °C
FT-5 User Manual Page 16
PRINTER ASSEMBLY
Construction of a Folger Tech FT-5 3D Printer is broken into 13 individual phases and sub-assemblies. The table below shows the different phases required to complete your 3D printer.
Phase
Assembly Description
Page
1
Assemble the Frame
16
2
Assemble the Base Plate
20
3
Assemble the Top Plate
22 4 Install Base and Top Plate
24
5
Assemble Bed Plate
25
6
Mounting Bed
26
7
Assemble Y Gantry Rails
29
8
Gantry Assembly
32 9 Hotend
36
10
Endstops and Belts
42
11
Mounting Electronics and Spool Mount
48
12
Assemble and Mount Heat Bed
52
13
Wiring
54
FT-5 User Manual Page 17
1) ASSEM BL E T H E FR A M E
In this section, the frame of the FT-5 printer will be assembled.
You will need:
Item ID
Quantity
Description
1 4 700mm 2020 Beam
4 2 500mm 2040 Beam
2 6 500mm 2020 Beam
3 4 460mm 2020 Beam
12 4 Rubber Feet
N 4 L Bracket
FT25 1 LCD Panel
FT1
13
Corner (4 Bolt)
FT2 8 Corner (5 Bolt)
Z
96
M5x10mm Screw
Y
96
M5 T-nut
AH 8 M4 Set Screw
1. Place the 500mm 2040 beam down on the
table (standing up). Insert the L bracket so it slides into the upper slot. Insert a 500mm 2020 beam into the other end of the L bracket. Insert two M4 Set screws into the L bracket and lock the corner in place.
FT-5 User Manual Page 18
2. Repeat the process from step one until the
base is formed.
3. Take a FT1 and insert a M5x10mm screw
through each hole and finish them off with a M5 T-nut. NOTE: Only 13 FT1 will be used.
See step 7, there are none used on the bottom rear of the printer.
4. Place the corner so that the bottom two T-nuts
slide into the upper piece of the double AL beam. The end of the corner should line up with the end of the double AL beam. This is the left front of the printer.
FT-5 User Manual Page 19
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other side of the
corner. Note this one will have the screws going through the opposite way.
6. Insert the 700m 2020 beam down into all 4 M5
T-nuts. Tighten down the T-nuts and make sure the corner is tight together.
FT-5 User Manual Page 20
7. The LCD Panel (FT25) attaches to one of the
single AL beams and that side is now the front of the machine. Using the same process as steps 3-6, attach three more corners on the frame. NOTE: The opposite side of the LCD
Panel and left corner, the BACK, has no corner pieces on it and will be covered with the back electronics box panel later in this guide.
8. Using the same process before, add the top of
the frame. Note that the sides use 460mm 2020 beams and the front uses 500mm 2020 beams.
FT-5 User Manual Page 21
9. Take a middle brace and insert 5 M5x10mm
screws into the holes and finish them off using M5xT-nuts.
10. Attach it to the vertical AL beams. The inner
edge of both beams should be 170mm apart. Attach a 460mm 2020 beam to the middle brace.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 on the remaining 7
middle braces. Note that the front and back are 500mm AL beams and the sides are 460mm 2020 beams.
12. Flip the frame over. Put a M5x10mm screw
through a rubber foot and finish it off with a M5 T-nut. Attach this to one of the corners on the bottom.
13. Repeat step 12 for the remaining three
corners.
FT-5 User Manual Page 22
2) ASSEM BL E T H E BA S E P LATE
In this section, base panel will be assembled.
You will need:
Item ID
Quantity
Description
8 2 Medium Motor
9 4 SHF8
10 2 KPL8
21 1 Fan (Extruder Sub Kit)
FT23 1 Bottom Panel
A 4 M3 Nylock
C 8 M3 Washer
F 8 M3x10mm Screw
I 4 M3x20mm Screw
S
12
M4 Nylock
V 4 M4x16mm Screw
W 8 M4x20mm Screw
1. Insert the stepper motor through one of the
two stepper mounting holes on the Bottom Panel (the top side has the fan hole in the lower left). Secure the motor in place using four M3x10mm screws and four M3 washers. The motor wire connector should point towards the flower fan opening.
2. Repeat the last step for the second stepper
motor.
FT-5 User Manual Page 23
3. Place the fan on the top side over the fan
opening. Secure it in place using four M3x20mm screws and four M3 Nylock nuts.
4. Take two SHF8 and one KFL8 and place them on
the underside of the Bottom Panel. Secure the two SHF8 in place using two M4x20mm screws and M4 Nylocks. The KFL8 is secured in place using two M4x16mm screws and two M4 Nylocks.
5. Repeat step 4 for the other side of the base
plate.
6. With the face of the Bottom Panel pointing up,
insert 18 M5 x 10mm screws and finish them off using 18 M5 T-nuts.
FT-5 User Manual Page 24
3) ASSEM B L E T H E TOP PL ATE
In this section, the vertical rails will be installed on the base (built in step 1).
You will need:
Item ID
Quantity
Description
8 2 Medium Motors
10 2 KFL8
9 4 SHF8
FT17 1 Upper Panel (FR w/Cable)
FT18 1 Upper Panel (FL)
F 8 M3x10mm Screw
C 8 M3 Washer
V 4 M4x16mm Screw
W 8 M4x20mm Screw
R
24
M4 T-Nut
U
12
M5X10mm Screw
Y
12
M5 T-nut
1. With the lettering on one of the Upper Panel
facing up, insert one of the stepper motors through. Secure it in place using two M3x10mm screws and two M3 washers. The motor cable connector should face towards the right.
Note: Position the motor all the way to the center of the panel. This will be helpful when adding the belts in a later section.
2. Mount two SHF8 and one KFL8 on the bottom
of the middle mounting bracket (same side as the stepper motor). Put the two SHF8 in place using two M4x20mm screws and M4 T-nut. The KFL8 is secured in place using two M4x16mm screws and two M4 T-nut. Leave these a little loose for adjustment later.
3. Insert M5x10mm screws into the remaining six
holes and finish them off with six M5 T-nuts. The T-nuts should be on the same side as the rest of the T-nuts.
4. Repeats steps 1-3 for the other Upper Panel.
FT-5 User Manual Page 25
4) INSTAL L B A SE AND TOP PLATE
In this section, the base panel and upper panels will be mounted to the frame
You will need:
Item ID
Quantity
Description
1 Base Panel (Phase 2)
2 Upper Panel (Phase 3)
1. Flip the machine with the top on the table.
Insert the left Upper Panel (FT18) under the center of the frame. All of the outside T-nuts should line up and lock in place.
2. Repeat step 2 on right Upper Panel (FT17)
3. Flip the machine back over and with the LCD
corner facing forward, slide the base plate inside the frame and lay it down on the bottom. The 40mm fan should be in the back. Line up all the T-nuts and lock them into place.
FT-5 User Manual Page 26
5) ASSEM B L E B E D PLA T E
In this section, the bed panel will be assembled.
You will need:
Item ID
Quantity
Description
FT16 1 Bed Plate
11 4 LM8FLUU
13 2 T8 Leadscrew Nut
H
24
M3x16mm Screw
A
24
M3 Nylock
1. Insert two of the LM8FLUU into the outer
holes. Secure them in place four M3x 16mm screw and four M3 Nylock. Insert T8 Leadscrew nut into the center holes and secure it in place using four M3x16mm Screws and four M3 Nylocks.
2. Repeat this step for the other side of the hot
bed plate.
FT-5 User Manual Page 27
6) MOUN TIN G B ED
In this section, the bed plate will be mounted to the frame.
You will need:
Item ID
Quantity
Description
1 Bed Plate (phase 5)
6 4 500mm M8 PCR
7 2 500mm M8 Leadscrew
15 2 20T 8mm Bore Pulley
14 2 20T 5mm Bore Pulley
16 2 GT2 188 Belt Loop
1. Insert the four M8 PCR through the SHF8 on
the bottom of the frame and through the LM8FLUU on the bed.
2. Slide the M8 PCR all the way through until the
bottom of the rod is flush with the SHF8 on the bottom panel. The top of the chrome rod should slide into the upper SHF8. Tighten the screw on the SHF8 to lock the chrome rod in place. Repeat this for the other three M8 PCR.
FT-5 User Manual Page 28
3. Take the M8 leadscrew and insert it through
the KFL8 located on the bottom of the frame. You may need to loosen the set screws on the KFL8. Take one of the 20T 8mm bore pulleys and one of the GT2 belts and insert them on the threaded rod.
4. Thread the threaded rod through the bed
plate and all the way to the KFL8 on the middle mounting bracket.
5. Tighten the set screws on the bottom KFL8.
FT-5 User Manual Page 29
6. Insert one of the 20T 5mm bore pulleys onto
the stepper motor located on the base plate. Loosen the four stepper motor screws and position the belt so it is in both of the toothed groves on both pulleys. Ensure the belt is strait and tighten the screws on the stepper motor.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 on the other threaded rod.
FT-5 User Manual Page 30
7) ASSEM B L E Y GAN T R Y R AILS
In this section, Y gantry rails will be assembled. It is important that the slides on the rails do not fall off.
You will need:
Item ID
Quantity
Description
5 3 Slider Rail
2 2 460mm 2020 Beam
39 1 Kapton Tape
E
32
M3x8mm Screw
B
24
M3 T-nut
D 2 M3 Square nut
H 2 M3x16mm Screw
Z 4 M5x10mm Screw
Y 4 M5 T-nut
FT5 2 Y-Belt
FT10 1 Idler (7 Bolt)
FT7 1 Motor Right
1. Take one of the slider rail, insert a M3x8mm
screw into every other hole on the rail. Finish off each one with a M3 T-nut.
2. Repeat step one for the remaining two slider
rail.
FT-5 User Manual Page 31
3. Insert the slider rail onto the 460mm 2020
beam. Center it on the 2020 beam and lock the M3 screws in.
4. Repeat step 3 on the other 2020 beam. The
remaining slider rail will be used at a later step.
5. Line up the two rails and align the sliders with
each other. Use some kapton tape to lock each one in place. This will prevent the slides from falling off while building and they will be cut free later.
FT-5 User Manual Page 32
6. Take the FT10, FT7 and slide the FT5 into the
two gantry mounts. Insert a M3 square nut into each one and screw in a M3x16mm screw. This will lock the two parts together.
7. Insert two M5x10mm screws into each one
and finish them off with two M5 T-nuts.
8. Position the two rails parallel to each other.
Set the two laser cut assemblies on top of each slider so that the Y belt holders are on the inside. Secure each one down using four M3x8mm screws.
Y Belt Holders
FT-5 User Manual Page 33
8) GANTR Y A S S E MBLY
In this section, the extruder will be assembled.
You will need:
Item ID
Quantity
Description
8 1 Medium Motor
14 1 20T 5mm Bore Pulley
17 1 Idler Pulley
37 1 Endstop
2 1 500mm 2020 Beam
1 Slider Rail (Phase 7)
F 5 M3x10mm Screw
H 2 M3x16mm Screw
B 1 M3 T-nut
A 1 M3 Nylock
Z 4 M5x10mm Screw
Y 4 M5 T-nut
FT8 1 Motor/Right/Middle
FT4 1 Idler (2 Bolt)
1. Lay the 500mm rail flat on the table. The Y belt
should be on the outside.
2. Tighten the M5 screws to lock them onto the
500mm beam. The ends should be flush with the laser cut parts. This will be adjusted later to fit into the frame.
FT-5 User Manual Page 34
3. Take the FT4 Idler (2 bolt) and insert two
M3x10mm screws through and finish them off with two M3 T-nuts. Note: The countersunk side of the hole should be on the same side as the T-nuts.
4. Take the motor/right/middle and insert two
M5x10mm screws through and finish them off with two M5 T-nuts. The lettering should be on the same side as the T-nuts.
5. Place the stepper motor under the
motor/right/middle. Use three M3x10mm screws to lock the motor in place.
FT-5 User Manual Page 35
6. Take the limit switch and position it on the
same side as the stepper motor. Use two M3x16mm screws and insert them through the motor/right/middle and finish them off with two M3 Nylock.
7. Slide the 5mm bore pulley onto the shaft of
the stepper motor. Secure it in place by tightening the two set screws on the pulley.
8. Place the idler (2 bolt) on top of the 500mm
2020 beam and hold the idler pulley in between the two holes. The idler should be strait up and down. Lock the two T-nuts and secure the mount in place.
FT-5 User Manual Page 36
9. Place the slider rail on top of the 2020 beam.
The rail should butt up to the idler (2 bolt). Secure the slider rail in place.
Note: If the screws were not installed on the slider rail, refer to phase 7 step 1 for details.
10. Put the stepper motor onto the 2020 beam
and butt it up to the rail. The limit switch should be on the inside. Lock this in place using the two M5 screws.
FT-5 User Manual Page 37
9) HOTEN D
In this section, the remaining mechanical components will be mounted to the printer.
You will need:
Item ID
Quantity
Description
8 1 Medium Motor
24 1 3D Hotend
23 1 M6 PTFE Tube
22 1 Al Upper Block
20 1 Heat Sink Fin
19 1 MK9
32 2 Female Cable Chain Ends
33 1 Male Cable Chain Ends
A
10
M3 Nylock
G 6 M3x12mm Screw
H 4 M3x16mm Screw
K 6 M3x40mm Screw
L 4 M3x45mm Screw
FT9 1 Motor/Right/Top
FT11 1 Extruder Front Plate
FT12 1 Extruder Back Plate
FT27 1 Extruder (H)
FT13 1 Extruder Chain Mount
FT14 1 Extruder (H no holes)
1. Take the stepper motor and slide the brass
drive gear onto the shaft of the motor. Leave a 1 mm gap between the stepper motor and the drive gear. Tighten the set screws on the drive gear.
FT-5 User Manual Page 38
2. With the motor connector of the stepper
motor pointing to the right, slide FT11 on top of the stepper motor. Place the MK9 over the drive gear. You will need to remove the M3 nut from the back of the MK9 to get it to lay flat. Tighten the two M3 screws on the top of the MK9. One is located behind the lever by the spring.
3. Lay the Al upper block on the stepper motor so
that the M6 threaded hole is on the left.
4. Lay the heat sink fin on top of the Al upper
block. Use two M3x40mm screws to secure it in place. Insert The M6 PTFE tube (aka Barrel) into the right hole and position it flush with the top of the upper block. Secure this in place using a M3 setscrew. Screw on the 3D hotend onto the M6 tube. It may help to remove the heated core and the thermistor.
FT-5 User Manual Page 39
5. Take the FT13 and insert two M3x12mm
screws into the two center holes. Slide the Male cable chain end onto the two screws and finish them off with two M3 Nylocks. Note:
Makes sure the male chain is centered and that the four mounting holes are not covered.
6. Take four M3x16mm screws and insert them
through the four holes on the FT13. Then through four holes of the FT27. Make sure the tabs perpendicular to the male cable chain. Place this over the X slide on the gantry and tighten the M3 screws down.
7. Insert FT14 into the two slots on the FT11.
Remove the two top screws on the back of the stepper motor.
FT-5 User Manual Page 40
8. Use two M3x40mm screws to secure FT12 to
the back of the stepper motor.
9. Slide the hotend assembly over the tabs of the
top FT27. Lock this in place using four M3x45mm screws and four M3 Nylock. There are two screws on top and two on bottom.
10. Take FT9 and lay it face down. Take a female
cable mount and secure it in place using two M3x12mm screws and two M3 Nylocks.
FT-5 User Manual Page 41
11. Flip FT9 over and place a female cable mount
over the two holes. Secure it in place using two M3x12mm screw and two M3 Nylock.
12. Remove two of the screws from the back of
the stepper motor.
13. Place FT9 over the back of the stepper motor.
Secure it in place using two M3x40mm screws.
FT-5 User Manual Page 42
14. Take the gantry assembly and place it into the
fame on top of the two upper panels. Clip the kapton tape off each rail. You will need to adjust the position of the slides to get it to fit.
15. You may need to adjust the gap between each
rail. Loosen the two M5 screws on either the X motor mount or the idler.
16. When the two 2020 beams are seated on all of
the T-nuts, tighten the T-nuts and lock them in place.
17. Make sure the gantry moves smoothly. You
may need to adjust the Y rails on the 2020 beams to make sure they are parallel to each other.
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10) ENDS T O P S AND BEL T S
In this section, the GT2 belts will be mounted
You will need:
Item ID
Quantity
Description
14 2 20T 5mm Bore Pulley
17 2 Idler Pulley
31
1 meter
Cable Chain
A 7 M3 Nylock
G 5 M3x12mm Screw
I 3 M3x20mm Screw
Z 9 M5x10
Y 9 M5 T-nut
AC 6 Zip Ties
18
4 meter
GT2 Belt
FT3 1 Idler (4 Bolts Right)
FT6 1 Y endstop Mount
FT26 1 Idler (4 Bolts Left)
18. Take FT3 and insert four M5x10mm screws and
finish them off using four M5 T-nuts. Repeat this for the other FT26. They should be mirror of each other.
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19. Place an idler pulley into the hole on the Y axis.
Place FT3 over the idler pulley and one of the screws in place. This will be removed later when adding the belts. Repeat this for the other y axis idler pulley.
20. Take a 5mm bore pulley and place it onto the
shaft of one of the y axis stepper motors. Lock it in place using the two set screws. Repeat this for the other y axis stepper motor.
21. Take the cable chain and split it in half (20 links,
note using more than 20 links will cause the cables to be to short). Take one end and lock it into the female cable mount on the x axis motor. Lock the other end onto the male cable mount on top of the hotend.
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22. Take a male cable mount and secure it in place
on the right upper panel using two M3x12mm screws and two M3 Nylocks.
23. Snap one end of the other section (about 19
links, note using more than 19 links will cause the cables to be to short) of cable chain onto the male cable mount. Secure the other end of the cable chain onto the female cable mount.
24. Take FT6 and secure an endstop using two
M3x12mm screws and two M3 Nylocks. Insert a M5x10mm screw and finish it off using a M5 T­nut.
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25. Place the limit switch onto the right side of the
frame. Lock it in place using the M5 screw. This can be adjusted later to calibrate the printer.
26. Take printed endstop mount and an endstop
and secure it in place using two M3x20mm screws and two M3 Nylocks.
27. Position the endstop onto the back right M8
PCR. Insert a M3x20mm screw through the end and finish it with a M3 Nylock. This will be adjusted during calibration.
28. Take the GT2 Belt and cut a one-meter length
of it. Loop one end of it into the left Y-Belt. Use a zip tie to secure the loop.
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29. It may help to remove the Idler Top bracket so
that the GT2 belt can loop around the idler pulley.
30. Loop the belt around the Y stepper motor
pulley.
31. Loop the end of the belt through the other end
of the Y-Belt. Pull the belt tight and use a zip tie to secure it in place. Trim any excess belt.
32. Loosen the two screws on the stepper motor
and pull so that the belt tightens. Tighten the two screws when the belt is tight.
33. Repeat steps 28-32 for the other Y Belt.
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34. Take a one-meter length of GT2 Belt and loop
one end of the belt through one end of the extruder back plate. Secure it with a zip tie.
35. Loop around the stepper motor pulley.
36. Loop around the idler pulley. Finish it off by
looping through the other end of the extruder back plate. Use a zip tie to secure it in place and trim the excess.
37. Loosen the two M5 screws and pull the motor
so that the belt is tight. Tighten these back down when the belt is tight.
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11) MOUNTIN G E LECTRO N ICS AND S P O O L M OUNT
In this section, the electronic case will be assembled and the electronics mounted. The spool mount will be assembled and mounted.
You will need:
Item ID
Quantity
Description
27 1 Power Supply
36 1 MKS Board
35 1 2004 LCD Screen
42
1
Spool Holder PVC
G 6 M3x12mm Screw
H
16
M3x16mm Screw
D
10
M3 Square Nut
P 4 Nylon Spacer
Z
2
M5x10mm Screw
Y
2
M5 T-nut
43
1
150mm M5 Threaded Rod
X
2
M5 Nylock
AD 1 Printed Estop Button
U 4 M4x10mm Screw
FT19 1 Electronics Box (MKS+PS)
FT20 1 Electronics Box Side (Power)
FT21 1 Electronics Box Side (USB)
FT22 1 Electronics Box (Honey Air
vent)
FT24 1 Spool Holder (Circle)
FT28 1 Spool Holder (T-Hut)
1. Lay the power supply face down, and FT19 on
top of it. Line up the four M4 holes on the back of the power supply and secure it in place using four M4x10mm screws.
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2. Place the MKS board next to the power supply
and secure it in place using four M3x12mm screws and four M3 Nylocks.
Note: The power supply and the MKS board should be mounted facing each other.
3. Place FT19 onto the base plate, line up the slots
with the tabs. Slide a M3 square nut into the slot and screw a M3x16mm screw in. It should look like the picture to the right with the base at the bottom and electronics facing the rear of the printer.
4. Place FT21 onto the left side, as viewing from
the rear of the machine, and secure it in place using two M3x16mm screws and two M3 square nuts.
5. Place the power outlet onto FT20 and secure it
in place using two M3x16mm screws and two M3 Nylocks.
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6. Repeat the process from step 4 with on FT20 on
the right side.
7. Take the USB cable mount plug and secure it
onto FT21 using two M3x12mm screws. This is a good time to plug the other end into the MKS board before the top goes on.
8. Place FT22 on top and secure it in place using
four M3x16mm screws and four M3 square nuts.
9. Take the LCD screen and remove the knob from
the panel. Place the orange stop button through FT25 and then place the LCD screen into it. Place the knob back on and secure the panel in place using four M3x20mm screws, four nylon spacers, and four M3 Nylocks. Place the four
larger nylon spacers between the LCD screen and FT25. Be careful not to over tighten the
screws as this can damage the screen.
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10. Take the Spool holder (FT24, FT28, and PVC
Pipe) and sandwich the PVC pipe between the two pieces. Insert the M5 threaded rod through and secure the whole thing in place using two M5 Nylocks.
11. Mount the spool holder on the back right
vertical member. Between the top bracket and the middle one.
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12) ASSE M BL E A N D MOUN T H EATED B E D
In this section, the heated bed will be assembled and mounted to the bed platform.
You will need:
Item ID
Quantity
Description
25 1 300x300 Heated Bed(Old style)
26
25
1
1
300X300 Aluminum Bed Plate(Old Style)
White Aluminum Heated Bed(New Style)
45 1 Thermistor
56 1 14 AWG Wire
63 1 Braided Cover
39 1 Kapton Tape
O 6 Bed spring
I 6 M3x30mm Screw
M 6 M3 thumb Screw
You may want to look at the
Full Wiring Diagram HERE
Note: If you have the white aluminum heated bed follow the same steps below without the aluminum plate.
1. Cut the red wire in half and strip ¼ inch of each
end. Solder on each wire to the heated bed.
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2. Fish the two red wires and the thermistor wire
through the braided cover and secure them in place with the large heat shrink.
3. Secure the thermistor down using a few pieces of
kapton tape.
Note: Add some kapton or electrical tape to the other side of the solder joints for the two power wires. This will help prevent a contact between the wires and the AL print bed.
4. Lay the bed over the bed platform, looping the
wires down through one of the openings.
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5. Secure each of the six hole locations with a
M3x30mm screw, bed spring, and a M3 thumb screw.
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13) WIRIN G
In this section, the wires will be run to all of the components.
1. Take a endstop cable and plug the 4 pin connector
into the Y endstop.
2. Take two 1 meter motor wires and plug the motor
end into the two Y axis stepper motors.
3. On each Y axis stepper motor, clip all four wires
300mm from the 4 pin board connector. Strip ¼ inch off each wire.
4. Combine the following two wires together:
Insert them into the 4 pin green connector with the screws facing up.
As from looking from the front of the printer.
Green (Right Motor)/Red (Left Motor) Gray (Right Motor)/Yellow (Left Motor) Yellow (Right Motor) /Gray (Left Motor) Red (Right Motor ) /Green (Left Motor )
Take the 4 pin pigtail, and strip ¼ inch off the ends of each wire. Insert them into the other end of the 4 pin terminal as follows: Green, Yellow, Gray, Red.
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5. Take a 2 Meter motor wire and plug the motor
end of the cable into the X axis stepper motor.
6. Take 4 pin connector and the 2 meter endstop
cable (red, green, and black 24 awg wire), insert the 4 pin connector into the x axis limit switch. Looking at the bottom of the limit switch insert the four wires in the following order: Red, Black, Empty Space and Green.
7. Take the last endstop cable and plug it into the Z
axis endstop.
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8. Take the 2M stepper motor cable and plug it into
the extruder stepper motor.
9. Take the 1.6 meter Red and Black 18 awg wires,
1.6 meter Red and Black 24 awg wire, and two 1.6 meter green 24 awg wire and bundle them together. Take some tape and bind one of the ends together. Take the braided wire cover and feed the bundle through. Use the heat shrink to bind the bundle together.
10. Prepare the hotend bundle by removing the
connector from the board side of the extruder motor cable. This will help with feeding the bundle through the cable chain. Using electrical or kapton tape, tape the end of the bundle together. Make sure to tape and label the motor wire cable. This will be important when feeding through the second cable chain.
Remove the pin by inserting a small screw driver or pin and lifting the tab. Pull the wire out.
11. It helps to remove the chain from the mounts for
feeding wires through it. Feed the wire bundle and the stepper motor cable from the extruder to the x axis motor.
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12. Snap both ends back in, making sure the wires are
not pinched.
13. Cut the thermistor down to 5 inches and strip the
ends of the wires. Do the same to the hotend fan wires. Take the white small 4 pin connector and solder the thermistor wires and fan wires in the following order: white, white, red, black. The orientation of the thermistor is not important but the fan wires are. Make sure to feed on heat shrink before soldering and then cover the solder with heat shrink.
14. Insert the two green, red, and black 24 awg wires
into the white connector in the following order (left to right). Green, Green, Red, Black. Note that the green wires should line up with the two thermistor wires. The red and black wires should line up with the red and black wires from the extruder fan.
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15. Take the heater core and cut it down to 5 inches.
Strip off ¼ inch of each wire and insert them into the white (H shaped) wire connector. In the other end of the H connector should be the two 18 awg wires from the hotend bundle. The connector might vary from the one pictured.
16. Remove the two top screws on the hotend and
insert two small cable clamps (one on each). The left one should have all the wiring in it and the right one should be empty. It is used as a filament guild later.
17. Insert the heater core and the thermistor into the
Al heater block on the hotend. Secure them in place using the three set screws. Make sure not to tighten the thermistor down too much as this will damage the thermistor.
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18. Using a small cable clip, insert the hotend wire
bundle and the extruder motor wire. Lock it down using a M3x12mm screw and a M3 Nylock.
19. Remove the board connector from the X axis
motor cable and the X axis endstop. Make sure to tape and label each bundle. Take the X axis stepper cable, X axis endstop cable, hotend bundle, and the extruder stepper cable and tape the ends of them together.
20. Feed the bundle made in step 18 through the Y
axis cable chain. It will help to remove the chain when feeding wires through.
21. Pull the wires tight and take the time to organize
them. This will be important during printing, so the cable will not snag on anything.
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22. Insert the cables back into their respective board
connector.
Motor Wire: Green, Yellow, Gray, Red
Endstop: Blue, Black, Red
23. Take one of the 1M motor connectors and cut it
about 12 inches from the 6 pin connector (motor end). Take a motor cable (without board connector) and combine the similar colored wires.
24. Take the green four terminal connectors, insert
the wires in the following order: Green, Gray, Yellow, and Red Take the remaining motor cable (with board connector), and strip ¼ inch off the ends of each wire. Insert them into the other end of the 4 pin terminal as follows: Green, Gray, Yellow and Red
25. Plug in the two motor connectors into the Z
stepper motors.
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26. Use kapton tape to secure the connector to the
base of the machine.
27. Cut a two-inch piece of the black 14 awg wire and
strip ¼ inch off each end. Strip ¼ inch off the red, black, and green 14 awg wires too. Solder (or use up spade connectors If you have them) the green wire to the top connector (pin 1) of the power outlet. The red wire goes on the pin 2. The two­inch black jumper goes from pin 3-4 and finally the black 14 awg wire connects to pin 5.
28. On the front of the power outlet, remove the fuse
panel. Insert one of the fuses into the fuse slot and the second fuse into the spare slot.
Spare Fuse
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29. Run the red, black, and green wires to the power
supply and trim them so they run nicely to the lower three terminals. Strip ¼ inch off the ends of the wires. Loosen the terminals using a screw driver. Insert the wires to the right of the screw. That way when the screw is tightened down, it pulls the wire in tight.
30. Take the red and black 14 awg wires and cut two
5 inch lengths of each. Strip ¼ inch off each end. Connect the red wires to the positive terminals on the power supply (there are three positive and negative terminals and each wire should have its own). Do the same for the black wires to the negative terminals.
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31. Connect the power to the board by loosening the
screw on the terminal (on the board) and inserting the stripped wire. The order is as follows (from right to left): Black, Red, Black, Red. Connecting this wrong will burn out the board.
32. Cut and strip the two wires from the electrical box
fan. Strip the two wires from the hotend fan. Insert these wires into the remaining positive and negative terminal. If there is ever a need for access to 12v, use these terminals.
33. Plug in the four motor cables into the MKS board.
The board is labeled with X Y Z E plug the cables into the corresponding holes.
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34. Plug in the three limit switches into the board.
From right to left it’s Z min, Y min, X min.
35. Plug in the two thermistor wires into the board.
The middle is the heated bed and the bottom is the hotend thermistor.
36. Insert the heatbed wires and the hotend heater
wires into the board. The color orientation of these two do not matter.
37. Add the heatsinks to the five stepper motor
drivers. Peel off the paper on the bottom and stick them on top of the main chip of the driver.
Power should be off to the machine for this step!!
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TESTING AND CALIBRATION
Congratulations on successfully assembling your Folger Tech FT-5 3D Printer Kit! Now that it is built, it’s time to verify that all the components are working properly. This will require a computer and the USB cable that came with the printer.
*** Left and right as viewed from the front ***
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ELECTRONI C S CHECK LI ST
The goal of this section is to make sure all of the electronics are plugged in correctly. It is important that you follow these steps and do not power up the printer before being instructed to do so.
1. The power coming into the board should be
Black, Red, Black, Red for the 2 big green plugs on the MKS board.
2. The thermistor wires should be plugged into
the 1st and 2rd connector. The top one should be the hot end and the bottom should be the heated bed.
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3. The endstops connectors should be in the
following order: X-Min, None, Y-Min, None, Z-Min, None
4. All of the stepper drivers should be pointing
to the left (trim pot facing away from the power input plugs).
5. Verify that the fuse (250V 3A) has been
inserted into the power outlet.
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SOFTWARE
The following software is used to test and run a Folger Tech FT-5 3D Printer.
Arduino - Arduino is an open source hardware package that is attached to the underside of the base and is
used to control the printer. The firmware running on Arduino is written in the Arduino programming language. This firmware is already loaded onto the printer and ready to go. We suggest you use version 1.6.5 or 1.6.7.
http://www.arduino.cc/en/main/software
Pronterface - Pronterface is used to test the components of the printer and run basic functions. It has a
graphical user interface (gui) that controls the printer and allows the user to send individual g-code files to the printer. http://www.pronterface.com/
Cura - Cura is the slicing software that turns the digital object, which is the stl file 3D model, into the g-code
the printer can understand. https://ultimaker.com/en/products/cura-software
Firmware - The printer will need firmware to operate. You can find it here: Firmware Download
CONNECT TO T H E PRINT ER & L O A D ING FIRM W A R E
Plug in the USB cable into the USB slot located on the right of the machine.
Download the firmware and extract it to a folder where you can find it. Open the Marlin.ino firmware using the Arduino IDE, press open and navigate to where you extracted the firmware a minute ago. Press the compile and load button and wait for it to say Done Uploading. Leave this open because we will be coming back to calibrate the printer.
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VERIFY THE E NDSTOPS
Now that the printer is connected to the computer and it has recognized Arduino it’s time to open the Pronterface
software. Open the Pronterface folder on the SD card, and select the Pronterface icon shown in the image below. We suggest copying the entire Pronterface folder onto your computer for later use.
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Select the “COM” port that is associated with the printer (this will depend on which one your computer assigns). Then click the “Connect” button to the right of the port pulldown. If the computer is connected to the printer correctly, then you should see “the printer is now online” on the right.
Manually move the gantry with your hands so that it is not touching the X and Y endstops. Turn the Acme threaded rods with your hands so the Z endstop is not engaged. In the bottom right of the screen in Pronterface, type in “m119” and click send. This code will tell the printer to send back the status of the end stops.
Each endstop status should return as “open,” which will appear in the text column on the right side of the screen. Now, manually move the gantry until the X endstops make a click noise and the led on the endstops turns red. Send the “m119” command again in the bottom right corner. Verify the X endstop has triggered. Repeat this for the Y and Z endstop. It helps to do them individually in case they have been wired wrong.
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VERIFY M O T O R DIRECTI O N A N D H O M I N G
To verify that the motors are wired correctly, click on the home button on Pronterface. This will tell the gantry to move towards the home position. Note that at any time durring this step be ready to turn off the printer in case the gantry moves in the wrong direction during this process.
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ADJUSTING Z H E I GHT
The Marlin Firmware comes with a z height that will work with all machines. This value can be fine-tuned to maximize z height.
Open Marlin.ino and click on the Configuration.h tab.
Scroll down until you find the Travel limits after homing then #define Z_MAX_POS. This is the value that will be adjusted to each printer. This is the value that is adjusted for the z height.
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VERIFY THE H O T E ND T E MPERATURE
Use Pronterface to verify that the hot end is working properly. Set the “heat” temperature to 230°C and click the set button. Watch the graph to make sure the temperature of the hot end is heating up and holds steady around 230°C. If the bed temp is rising, then they are plugged in backwards. Set the bed temp to 100 and click the set button.
Once the printer bed has reached temp and maintained it for a few minutes, press the off button. Before turning off the hot end, proceed to the next step “Verify the Extruder”.
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VERIFY THE E X T RUDER
With the hot end at 230°C, click on the “Extrude” button on Pronterface. The extruder will not run if the hot end is under 170°C. Now the drive gear should turn in a clockwise direction. Turn off the hot end by clicking the “Off” button next to “Heat” on Pronterface.
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SOFTWARE PARAMETER SET U P
Folger Tech recommends using Cura Software as the G-code generation software. G-code is a commonly used numerical control programing language used to control the position, speed, and path of the 3D printer. Please use version 15.xx as version 2.xx does
not work.
Note: While Folger Tech recommends using Cura for slicing and G-code generation, other slicing software can be used. The printer
parameters detailed below are a recommended for optimum performance of a Folger Tech printer, which can be used for other software.
The printer setup for Cura will only need to be completed once.
SETTING UP A P R I N TER P ROFILE IN C U R A
1. Download and install Cura at https://software.ultimaker.com/
2. Launch the Cura program from your computer’s start menu or desktop icon
3. To setup your printer, select Machine > Add new Machine
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4. Click Next on the Configuration Wizard.
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5. Under “Select your machine,” choose Other (Ex: RepRap, MakerBot, Witbox). Then click Next.
6. Under “Other machine information,” select Custom and click Next.
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Input the following values into the RepRap custom settings. Machine height was calculated in a previous section.
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PRINTING S E T T I N GS Printing settings determine the characteristics for an individual print. These settings include: print speed, fill density, shell thickness, layer height, and other advanced settings. This section should be used as a guide to the different settings that may need to be changed, and which settings should remain constant depending on your desired results.
PRINTING S E T T I N G DEF I N ITIONS
Basic Settings
The parameters that are frequently adjusted to obtain the desire results for an individual part are found under the Basic Setting tab in Cura. The figure below shows the typical Basic tab settings for most prints. A detailed explanation of each parameter can be found below in the figure.
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Quality
Layer Height (mm): This describes the Z distance between each layer. For a 0.4 mm nozzle, the average quality can be
achieved with a layer height of 0.2 mm. Average quality is sufficient for most prints except for items with fine details. If a higher resolution is desired, the layer height setting can be changed to 0.15 mm or 0.1 mm.
Shell Thickness (mm): This describes the thickness of the outer shell of a printed part. This value must be a multiple of the
nozzle size. For example, when using a 0.4 mm nozzle a 0.8 mm shell thickness is two nozzle widths.
Enable Retraction: This setting allows the extruder to retract the filament when it is traveling between points during a
print. Retracting the filament will prevent the nozzle from leaving a residue as it travels.
Fill
Bottom/Top Thickness (mm): This describes the thickness of the solid bottom and top layers of a part. This value must be a
multiple of the layer height. For example, a part with a layer height of 0.2 mm will have 3 solid bottom and top layers when the input is 0.6 mm for this parameter.
Fill Density (%): This describes the amount of infill that will be printed in a part. Typically, an infill of 20% is sufficient
internal support to make a strong part. Increasing the infill to 70% will make an almost solid part. Click on the “…” button to show the Expert config window. In this window, the top and bottom layers can be turned off. For example, a vase can be made by turning the solid infill top to off and setting the fill density to 0%.
Speed and Temperature
Printing speed (mm/s): This describes the nozzle speed while printing. Printing temperature (°C): This describes the temperature of the hotend while printing. This value can be adjusted
depending on the material being used. PLA should be set between 200 °C - 210 °C. ABS should be set between 230 °C ­240°C.
Bed Temperature (°C): This is the temperature of the heated bed. ABS should be set too 100 °C and PLA should be set to 70
°C. Although PLA can be printed without the heated bed turned on.
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Support
Support type: Support material is used when a model’s geometry exceeds 60 degrees from the vertical for a part feature.
There are three support type options: 1) None, which should be used when there are no features that exceed 60 degrees.
Touching buildplate, which will add support material everywhere that a feature exceeds the 60-degree requirement as long
as the structure overhangs the printer bed and not another section of the part, and 3) Everywhere, which will add support material to all features that exceed the 60-degree requirement, including overhangs that are over another section of the part. Clicking on the “…” button will bring up the Expert config window where additional features can be edited.
Platform adhesion type: The platform adhesion setting is used to prevent the part from warping or peeling off the printer
bed. If the printer bed is properly prepared using blue painters tape, the platform adhesion parameter should not be needed using PLA filament. There are two types of platform adhesion: 1) Brim, which is a flat single layer that extends past the footprint of the part to extend the adhesion area, and 2) Raft, which is a support structure under a print that helps secure it to the bed. A skirt is the initial pass that outlines a part to prepare the hot end for printing.
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Filament
Diameter (mm): This describes the diameter of the filament being used. This value should be adjusted to the standard
Folger Tech filament of 1.75 mm.
Flow (%): This describes the amount of filament being pushed through the nozzle. This value can be adjusted to optimize
the quality of the print. A typical value is between 90-100 % for your FT-5 printer. If excessive plastic is being extruded, reduce this value by 5%.
Advanced Settings Defined
The Advanced tab parameters are printer specific and most will only need to be adjusted once. The figure below shows the typical advanced tab settings for your FT-5 printer. A detailed explanation of each parameter can be found below in the figure.
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Machine
Nozzle size: The size of the nozzle being used.
Retraction
Speed (mm/s): The speed at which the filament is retracted. Distance (mm): The distance the filament is retracted. This value can be raised if there is excessive residue during printing.
Quality (Only applicable parameters discussed)
Initial layer thickness (mm): The distance between the printer bed and the nozzle for the initial printed layer.
Speed (Only applicable parameters discussed)
Travel speed (mm/s): The speed at which the hot end moves when it’s not extruding filament. Bottom layer speed (mm/s): The speed at which the hot end moves when printing the first layer. This value is typically set
lower than the normal print speed to ensure adhesion of the first layer.
Individual Part Settings (located at the lower right of the printer window)
Rotate - This function allows the part to be rotated inside the printer’s workable volume. To rotate a model, click on the
rotate function in the lower left corner. Select the axis of rotation by selecting and holding the desired circle around the part. Drag the circle to change the orientation of the part.
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Scale – The scale function adjusts the dimensions of the part. Click on the scale icon in the lower left corner. The scale can be adjusted by a percentage or a dimension.
Note: Cura interprets all dimensions in millimeters. If the model was made using inches it will appear very small in the Cura window. Simply select the part and uniformly scale it by 25.4 to restore the part to its correct size.
Mirror – This function allows you to mirror the part about an axis. Click on the mirror icon in the lower left corner to
activate this function. Select the desired axis to mirror part about.
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GENERAT ING G-CODE USING CURA
This section details the baseline parameters to use for generating G-code in the Cura software. G-code is the machine language that the control the printer motors and heater. Individual objects may require changing some of the parameters discussed in the previous sections to obtain the desired quality and speed.
STE P-BY-STEP P R OCESS
1. Verify that FT-5 is selected under the Machine tab.
2. Load the desired model file (typically STL but CURA does accept other formats) by clicking on the Load icon in the top
left of the print window.
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3. Once the model has loaded, reposition the part to the desired location and orientation on the printer bed. To
reposition the model, click, hold, and drag it to the desired location in the printer’s volume, identified by the shaded blue area.
Note: the orientation will determine if support structure is required. Reference the Printing Settings Definitions section for help manipulating the part.
4. Verify and adjust any of the Basic and Advanced printing settings. See the Printer Settings Definitions section for more
detailed information on these settings.
Note: Hovering the mouse over a setting will bring up a description of how the setting will affect the print.
5. Plug the printer into the computer into your computer. Click the print icon in the top left of the print window to
connect Cura to your printer.
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SD Card Slot
The SD card slot at the front of the printer allows you to insert an SD card to run the machine code and print without connecting to a computer.
3) PRINTIN G F R O M AN S D CARD
The LCD screen allows the FT-5 3D Printer to read the G-code for your print file directly from an SD card. This allows the machine to run without being connected to a computer.
STE P-BY-STEP P R O CE SS
1. Insert the SD card into the printer. The SD card slot is located next to the print bed, and to the right of the LCD
screen.
2. Turn on the printer or restart if required. When an SD card is installed the machine must be restarted to recognize
the card.
3. Press the control knob once to reach the Main Menu.
4. Scroll down to “Print from SD” and press the control knob again to select this function.
5. Use the control knob to scroll to the desired print file. Newly added files will usually appear at the bottom of the
file list.
6. Press the control knob to select the file you want to print. The printer will heat the hot end to operating
temperature and auto home the effector.
7. Watch the first layer being printed to ensure that the bed is at the correct height and properly leveled. If the bed
appears to be at the wrong level stop the printing process and relevel the bed. Once printing is completed the effector will return to the home position.
8. Allow the hot end to reach room temperature. Then remove your finished masterpiece.
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PRINTER OPERATION
This section details several processes that periodically will need to be performed to keep your printer running like new.
CHANGING F I L A M E N T
This section will guide you through the process of changing filament to allow you to replace fully consumed filament spools or change colors between prints. To change the filament, you must first completely remove the current filament and then install the next filament spool.
CAUTION: The hot end will be heated to operating temperatures and can cause injury.
Removal
1. Turn on the printer and preheat the hot end to the operating temperature (210 °C for PLA and 230 °C for ABS).
2. Push up on the extruder lever and slightly push in on the filament until it comes out of the tip of the nozzle. The figure
below shows the extruder lever and direction to push.
3. Gently pull the filament completely out of the Bowden Tube while continuing to push up on the extruder lever.
Installation
1. Prep the end of the new filament by clipping it at a 45-degree angle, and straighten 2 to 4 inches of the clipped end,
which will be inserted into the extruder.
2. Push up on the extruder lever and insert the filament into the extruder.
3. Continue to feed the filament through the extruder and the Hotend until it flushes out the old filament from the nozzle.
4. Release the extruder lever and you are now ready to get back to printing!
Extruder
Lever
Push Down
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BED PREPAR A T I O N
The bed preparation process ensures that the filament will stick to the printer bed. This process requires 3M Scotch Blue Painters Tape and a razor blade (optional).
1. Remove any old tape that needs to be replaced.
2. Apply the new Scotch Blue painters tape to the bed to replace the tape that was removed.
3. Gently press down on the new tape to smooth out the edges. Ensure there are no bubbles in the tape. Use a razor blade to
trim the edges of the tape to the dimensions of the bed (optional).
4. If printing with ABS, apply a layer of glue (normal glue stick) over the area to be printed on. Allow this layer to dry before
printing.
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MAINT ENA NCE
Regular maintenance is important for accurate worry free printing. Perform these simple steps to optimize your printing experience.
CHECK BEL T T E N S ION
Every few weeks it is important to make sure the belts are the correct tension, as they may stretch out during use. Follow the instructions in the Belt Tension section if you suspect a belt need to be tighten. The belts should be checked every few weeks for casual use and every week if the printer is used daily. Checking the belt tension regularly will help prevent print failures and/or damage to the printer.
CHECK FO R L O O S E SCRE WS
As you print, you may find that some screws will start to come loose. Go around the machine and make sure all of the screws are tight. Check to make sure the set screw for the hot end thermistor is tight, if the thermistor comes loose and falls out, the hot end will heat uncontrollably.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The table below shows some of the most common problems experienced with 3D printer use and solutions to resolve them. For more troubleshooting help, visit our FAQ page.
Symptom
Solution
Layers are shifting towards a tower
Check and tighten the belt on the tower that the layers are shifting towards. Also check for a loose belt pulley on the stepper motor on that tower.
Belt skipped
Check the belts for tension.
Nozzle too close to bed on first layer.
Adjust the Z endstop.
Initial Layer is not sticking
First try replacing the Scotch Blue Painter’s Tape. Next, check the bed level. Finally, a thin layer of Elmer’s glue (glue stick only) can be applied for maximum adhesion.
Plastic is not extruding from the nozzle.
Ensure the filament is feeding correctly and being pushed into the nozzle from the extruder. Next, verify the nozzle temperature is correctly set between 210 °C for PLA and 230 C for ABS.
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