Creality SpacePi X4 Filament Dryer Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Creality SpacePi X4 Filament Dryer is an advanced device designed to remove moisture from 3D printer filaments, ensuring optimal print quality and preventing common issues such as stringing, clogging, and poor layer adhesion. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your SpacePi X4.

Key features include a capacity for 4 spools, drying temperatures up to 80°C, dual independent heating chambers, active dehumidification, automatic desiccant regeneration, auto silent operation, an intuitive EDry UI, and triple safety protection mechanisms.

2. Safety Information

Please read and understand all safety instructions before operating the device. Failure to do so may result in injury or damage to the product.

• Electrical Safety: Ensure the power supply matches the device's requirements. Do not operate with damaged power cords or plugs.
• Hot Surfaces: The internal chambers can reach temperatures up to 80°C. While the double-layer insulation design ensures the outer average temperature remains below 60°C, exercise caution when handling the device during or immediately after operation.
• Ventilation: Ensure the device is placed in a well-ventilated area.
• Flammable Materials: Keep the device away from flammable materials.
• Children and Pets: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Triple Safety Protection: The SpacePi X4 is equipped with intelligent self-checking features for early detection of issues, including:
  • Automatic drying pause if fan speed is abnormal or interrupted.
  • PTC fuse with self-reset: disconnects at high temperature, reconnects when normal.
  • NTC sensor at the air outlet: drying automatically pauses if temperature is abnormal.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in the package:

• Creality SpacePi X4 Filament Dryer Unit
• User Manual
• Power Cable

For a visual guide to unboxing, please refer to the official unboxing video:

Creality SpacePi X4 Unboxing and Setup Video

4. Product Overview

The Creality SpacePi X4 is designed for efficient and simultaneous drying of up to four filament spools. Its dual-chamber design allows for independent temperature control, catering to different filament types.

Front view of the Creality SpacePi X4 Filament Dryer.

Overview of the SpacePi X4's main features including 4-spool capacity, 80°C heating, active dehumidification, desiccant regeneration, dual independent heating, auto silent operation, EDry UI, and triple safety protection.

Key Components & Features:

• Dual Independent Heating Chambers: Allows simultaneous drying of two different filament types at varying temperatures.
• Active Dehumidification: Dual dehumidifying fans actively expel moisture during drying, eliminating the need for manual dehumidification.
• Desiccant Regeneration: The desiccant chamber connects to the heating airflow, automatically regenerating the desiccant with each use.
• 360° Hot Air Circulation: Ensures efficient heating and consistent temperature for uniform filament drying.
• Double-layer Insulation Design: Provides effective insulation, keeping the outer casing comfortable to touch (outer average temperature ≤60°C).
• EDry UI: A 3.2-inch touch screen offers intuitive control and monitoring.
• One-Way Valve Design: Ensures air tightness after drying to prevent moisture re-absorption.
• Wide Compatibility: Accommodates 1kg/2kg spools and standard filament diameters of 1.75mm and 2.85mm.
• Humanized Intelligent Functions: Includes Active Silent mode, a beep notification for drying completion, and a supplementary light.

5. Setup

1. Placement: Place the SpacePi X4 on a stable, level surface with adequate ventilation.
2. Power Connection: Connect the provided power cable to the power input port on the back of the unit. Plug the other end into a suitable electrical outlet. Ensure the power switch on the back is in the OFF position before plugging in.
3. Power On: Flip the power switch on the back of the unit to the ON position. The screen will light up.
4. Language Selection: On the initial boot-up, select your preferred language from the options displayed on the touch screen. Confirm your selection.
5. Loading Filament:
   1. Unlock the chamber lid(s) by sliding the lock mechanism.
   2. Open the lid(s) and place your filament spool(s) inside the chamber(s). The dryer supports up to 4 spools.
   3. Feed the filament through the designated outlet hole (top or rear) and connect it to your 3D printer's PTFE tube.
   4. Close the chamber lid(s) and secure the sliding lock(s) to ensure an airtight seal.

The SpacePi X4 can dry up to 4 spools simultaneously while connected to 3D printers for continuous printing.

6. Operating Instructions

The SpacePi X4 features an intuitive 3.2-inch touch screen for easy operation.

The EDry UI provides options for Drying Recommendations, My Drying (custom settings), and Auto Drying.

1. Main Interface: After powering on, the screen displays current temperature and humidity for each chamber.
2. Drying Recommendations:
   1. Tap on the 'Drying Recommendation' option on the UI.
   2. Select the filament type you are using (e.g., PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, PA, PAHT, PC). The system will automatically suggest optimal target temperature and drying time.
   3. Tap 'Application' to start the drying process with the recommended settings.
3. Manual Drying:
   1. If you prefer custom settings, navigate to 'My Drying' or manually adjust the target temperature and drying time for each chamber.
   2. The temperature range is 45-80°C, and drying time can be set from 1 to 48 hours.
   3. Confirm your settings to begin drying.
4. Single vs. Dual Chamber Mode: You can choose to operate one or both chambers. Single-chamber operation is more energy-efficient, saving up to 43% energy compared to dual-chamber operation for the same drying time and temperature.
5. Active Silent Mode: Once the target temperature is reached, the drying fan speed automatically reduces, operating quietly.
6. Drying Completion: The unit will emit a beep sound when the set drying time is complete.
7. Supplementary Light: The internal light can be toggled on/off manually or set to automatic mode, where it illuminates when drying starts and turns off when drying ends.

Recommended Filament Drying Temperatures:

Please refer to the filament manufacturer's recommended drying temperatures for best results.

Visual representation of recommended drying temperatures for various filament types.

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your SpacePi X4.

• Cleaning: Wipe the exterior of the unit with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Ensure no liquids enter the internal components.
• Desiccant Regeneration: The SpacePi X4 features automatic desiccant regeneration. No manual intervention or replacement of desiccant is required. The desiccant chamber connects to the heating airflow, regenerating automatically with each use.
• Fan Vents: Periodically check the fan vents for any dust or debris accumulation. Gently clean with a soft brush or compressed air if necessary.
• Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the filament dryer in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity.

Diagrams illustrating active dehumidification with dual fans and the one-way valve design for maintaining air tightness.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your SpacePi X4, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• Unit Not Powering On:
  • Check if the power cable is securely connected to both the unit and the power outlet.
  • Ensure the power switch on the back of the unit is in the ON position.
  • Verify the power outlet is functional.
• Filament Not Drying Effectively:
  • Confirm that the selected temperature and drying time are appropriate for your filament type (refer to the Recommended Drying Temperatures table).
  • Ensure the chamber lids are properly closed and the sliding locks are engaged to maintain an airtight seal.
  • For highly hygroscopic or very wet filament, a longer drying time may be necessary.
• Abnormal Fan Noise or Operation:
  • The unit's Triple Safety Protection should automatically pause operation if fan speed is abnormal.
  • Check for any obstructions in the fan vents on the back of the unit.
  • If the issue persists, contact customer support.
• Outer Casing is Hot to Touch:
  • While the double-layer insulation is designed to keep the outer temperature below 60°C, some warmth is normal during operation, especially at higher internal temperatures.
  • If the outer casing feels excessively hot or you notice any burning smell, immediately power off the unit and disconnect it from the power supply. Contact customer support.
• Print Quality Issues Persist After Drying:
  • Ensure the filament was dried for the recommended duration and temperature.
  • Some filaments may require multiple drying cycles or longer durations if they were severely saturated.
  • Verify that other factors affecting print quality (e.g., printer calibration, nozzle temperature, bed adhesion) are not the cause.

9. Specifications

Detailed product parameters for the Creality SpacePi X4.

10. User Tips

• Pre-Dry New Filament: Even new, sealed filament can contain some moisture. Consider a short pre-drying cycle for all new spools, especially for hygroscopic materials like Nylon, PETG, or ABS, to ensure the best possible print quality from the start.
• Continuous Drying During Printing: For optimal results with moisture-sensitive filaments, keep the SpacePi X4 running during long prints. This maintains the filament's dryness as it's fed to the printer.
• Experiment with Settings: While recommended settings are a great starting point, don't hesitate to fine-tune temperature and time based on your specific filament brand, environmental humidity, and desired print quality.
• Utilize Dual Chambers: Take advantage of the dual independent heating chambers to dry different filament types simultaneously, saving time and increasing efficiency.

11. Warranty & Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official Creality website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.