Flashforge DREAMER User manual
DREAMER DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
User Guide
v2.0.109082014
WELCOME TO FLASHFORGE DREAMER
A. How to use this manual 5
B. The FlashForge Experience and Promise 6
C. Understanding 3D Printing in 3 Minutes 7
Chapter 1. SETTING UP THE DREAMER
A. What’s included in the box 10
B. Unboxing the Dreamer 11
C. Hardware assembly 14
C1. Changing voltage on Dreamer power supply 14
C2. Mounting the extruder set 15
C3. Installing filament 16
C4. Plugging in power cord & USB cable 18
D. Loading/unloading filament 19
D1. Loading filament 19
D2. Unloading filament x 21
E. Leveling the build plate 22
Chapter 2. A THOROUGH LOOK AT THE FLASHPRINT SOFTWARE
A. Overview of the functions 27
Chapter 3. MAKING YOUR FIRST PRINT
A. Overview 43
B. Single & dual-extrusion print 44
B1. Single-extrusion print 44
B2. Dual-extrusion print 45
C. Methods of printing 46
C1. Printing from USB 46
C2. Printing from SD card 49
C3. Printing from Wi-Fi 52
C4. Printing with support 56
Chapter 4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Getting support 58
Dreamer User Guide | www.ashforge-usa.com
CONTENTS
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Dreamer User Guide | www.ashforge-usa.com
WELCOME TO
FLASHFORGE DREAMER
A. How to use this manual
B. The FlashForge Experience & Promise
C. The 3D printing process
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Dreamer User Guide | www.ashforge-usa.com
This user manual is divided into four chapter for ease of navigaon and
will use examples based on Microso Windows 7 operang system. The
rst chapter lays out the guide on seng up the Dreamer and preparing
for its rst print. You will learn the ins and outs of FlashPrint soware in
the second chapter. The third poron is the actual prinng and covers
the procedures for various methods of prinng and techniques. The last
chapter includes informaon regarding obtaining support.
Please make sure to read this section carefully prior to setting
up and operating the Dreamer.
• The Dreamer is very sensitive to static electricity, so please make sure
you contact a grounded object before operating the machine.
• Before repairing or making any alterations to the Dreamer, it is
essential that the machine is turned o, and the power cord is
unplugged.
• The Dreamer operates at a very high temperature; allow the nozzle,
extruded plastic and heating plate to cool before touching.
• Certain types of plastic lament may give o a slight odor when
heated. Because of this, the Dreamer should always operate in a well-
ventilated area.
• Do not leave the Dreamer unattended when in operation.
A. HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
PRECAUTION:
Prior to powering on the Dreamer, make sure the power supply switch
is set to 115v if you are located in the United States and Canada. For
other countries, please refer to your country’s AC output voltage.
Failure to do so will damage the mainboard. For instrucons on how
to do this, please refer to page 14.
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Dreamer User Guide | www.ashforge-usa.com
The FlashForge Experience
Congratulations on your purchase of the FlashForge Dreamer 3D
desktop printer. You may already had prior experience with other
FlashForge products or know the technology behind 3D printing.
However, we still recommend that you read this manual as it contains
important information helpful to getting the best experience out of the
Dreamer. By following the user manual thoroughly and correctly, you
will be able to make your rst print in no time. If you’d like to go over the
fundamentals of 3D printing and how it works, please read page 7.
The FlashForge Promise
Our team is composed of geeks and makers who are passionate
about 3D printing and want to share this new technology with the
world. We understand the importance of product and service support,
especially the challenges that a new technology may bring along. With
FLASHFORGE USA, you can always expect a close, personal service from
our team of experts.
At FLASHFORGE USA, we understand that 3D printing is a new
technology to many individuals. Our aim is to educate and guide you
through the entire process of 3D printing. With 3D printing, there
are no limits — you can go as far as your imagination takes you. With
the Dreamer, dreams are no longer simply just imaginations. They
can become physical realities that you can hold, touch, and feel. It is
amazing to see a 3D printer turn an idea into real life, layer by layer,
and we are delighted to have you on-board with us to experience this
phenomenon!
B. THE FLASHFORGE EXPERIENCE & PROMISE
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Dreamer User Guide | www.ashforge-usa.com
What is 3D Printing?
Simply put, 3D printing is transforming three-dimensional models into
physical objects that you can hold and touch. It is also called additive
manufacturing because the 3D model is created by “adding”layers upon
layers of material until the object is fully formed.
The Technique
Fused lament fabrication is the most common method of 3D printing.
It is also the method that the Dreamer uses. It works by melting plastic
material called lament onto a print surface using high temperature. The
lament solidies after it cools down, which happens instantaneously
after it is extruded from the print head. 3D objects are formed with the
lament laying down multiple layers.
3D Printing Process
3D printing involves three steps: 1.) 3D model design, 2.) Slicing and
exporting the 3D model, and 3.) Making the print
1. Designing the 3D Model: Currently, there are three ways of creating a
3D model.
Designing From Scratch. You can use free CAD (computer aided
design) software such as Google Sketchup, Tinkercad, and Blender
to design your very own 3D model. Or grab a copy of one of the
commercial 3D design software such as AutoCAD, Maya, or Rhino3D.
C. UNDERSTANDING 3D PRINTING IN 3 MINUTES
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Dreamer User Guide | www.ashforge-usa.com
3D Scanners. An alternative method to creating a 3D model is to scan
an object. 3D scanners work by digitizing a physical object, collecting
its geometric data, and saving it to a le on your PC. There are also
apps that can turn a mobile device into a 3D scanner.
From the Cloud. The most popular way of obtaining a 3D model is to
download it from websites that allow users to upload 3D models that
they designed.
2. Slicing and Exporting the 3D Model:
A slicing software is required to process and interpret the 3D model
into the language FFF 3D printers understand. The FlashPrint is the
slicing software used for the FlashForge Dreamer.
FlashPrint will slice the 3D model into numerous layers and output
it as a .g le, which is the format read by the Dreamer. The le is then
transferred to the Dreamer by USB cable, SD card, or Wi-Fi.
Making the Print:
Once the output le has been transferred to the Dreamer, it will start
to turn the 3D model into a physical object by laying down layers of
lament.
UNDERSTANDING 3D PRINTING IN 3 MINUTES CONT.
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CHAPTER 1.
SETTING UP
THE DREAMER
A. What’s included in the box
B. Unboxing the Dreamer
C. Hardware assembly
D. Loading & unloading lament
E. Leveling the build plate
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Dreamer User Guide | www.ashforge-usa.com
A. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE BOX
FF Expert Kit 3M Blue Painter’s Tape (4) Side Panels
4 GB SD Card Side Fan Duct USB 2.0 Cable
Power Cord (1) ABS Filament
(1) PLA Filament
(2) Filament Spool Holder
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