Artillery Hornet 3D Printer User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Artillery Hornet 3D Printer. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your new 3D printer. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the device to ensure proper setup, usage, and maintenance. The Artillery Hornet is designed for ease of use, featuring a highly integrated structure and 95% pre-assembly for quick setup.

Figure 1.1: The Artillery Hornet 3D Printer, showcasing its compact and integrated design.

2. Safety Instructions

Always adhere to the following safety guidelines to prevent injury or damage to the printer:

• Power Supply: Use only the specified power adapter. Ensure the power outlet is properly grounded.
• Operating Environment: Operate the printer in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials, direct sunlight, and excessive humidity. Maintain a stable room temperature.
• Hot Surfaces: The print nozzle and print bed can reach high temperatures. Avoid touching these components during operation or immediately after use. Allow them to cool down completely before handling.
• Moving Parts: Keep hands, hair, and loose clothing away from moving parts during operation to prevent entanglement.
• Filament Handling: Store filament in a dry place to prevent moisture absorption, which can affect print quality.
• Children and Pets: Keep the printer out of reach of children and pets. Adult supervision is required if children are present.
• Emergency Shutdown: Familiarize yourself with the location of the power switch for quick shutdown in case of an emergency.

3. Package Contents

Upon unpacking, please verify that all components are present and undamaged. Due to the 95% pre-assembled design, the number of loose parts is minimal.

• Artillery Hornet 3D Printer (Main Unit)
• Power Cable
• Filament Holder
• USB Cable
• Tool Kit (e.g., wrenches, screwdrivers, nozzle cleaning needle)
• Sample Filament
• SD Card / USB Drive (with software and test models)
• User Manual (this document)

4. Setup

The Artillery Hornet is designed for quick assembly, with 95% of the printer pre-assembled. Follow these steps to complete the setup:

1. Unpacking: Carefully remove the printer and all accessories from the packaging. Retain the packaging for future transport or storage.
2. Base and Gantry Assembly: The main gantry structure is largely pre-assembled. Attach the gantry to the base unit using the provided screws. Ensure it is securely fastened.
   

   Figure 4.1: Front view of the printer, showing the integrated base and gantry structure.

3. Connect Cables: Connect the hotend and motor cables to their respective ports. Ensure all connections are firm and correct. Refer to the labels on the cables and ports.
   

   Figure 4.2: Detail of the hotend and extruder, showing cable connections.
4. Install Filament Holder: Mount the filament holder onto the designated slot on the printer.
5. Power Connection: Connect the power cable to the printer's power input and then to a grounded electrical outlet. Ensure the power switch is in the OFF position before connecting.
   

   Figure 4.3: Rear view of the printer base, highlighting the power input and switch.

6. Leveling the Print Bed: The Artillery Hornet features a tempered glass print bed. While often pre-leveled, it's crucial to verify and adjust if necessary for optimal first layer adhesion.
   • Turn on the printer.
   • Navigate to the "Leveling" or "Prepare" menu on the LCD screen.
   • Move the nozzle to each corner of the print bed and adjust the leveling knobs underneath the bed until a piece of paper (standard printer paper) can slide with slight friction between the nozzle and the bed.
   • Repeat for all four corners and the center until consistent.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. Software Installation (Slicer)

To prepare 3D models for printing, you will need a slicer software. Popular options include Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Simplify3D. An SD card or USB drive with a recommended slicer profile might be included with your printer. Install the software on your computer and configure it for the Artillery Hornet.

• Install the slicer software from the provided SD card or download the latest version online.
• Add a new printer and select "Artillery Hornet" if available, or configure a custom FDM printer with the following build volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm.
• Import the recommended printer profile (if provided) or configure basic settings like nozzle diameter (0.4mm), filament diameter (1.75mm), and retraction settings.

5.2. Loading Filament

Follow these steps to load filament into your printer:

1. Place the filament spool onto the filament holder.
2. Preheat the nozzle to the recommended temperature for your filament type (e.g., 200-210°C for PLA). You can do this via the printer's LCD menu (Prepare > Preheat PLA/ABS).
3. Insert the filament into the extruder's input hole.
4. Gently push the filament until it engages with the extruder gears.
5. Use the "Extrude" or "Load Filament" option from the printer's menu to feed the filament through the hotend until molten plastic comes out of the nozzle. This purges any old filament and ensures a smooth flow.

5.3. Starting a Print

Once your model is sliced and filament is loaded, you can start printing:

1. Save the sliced G-code file to an SD card or USB drive.
2. Insert the SD card/USB drive into the printer's slot.
3. Navigate to the "Print from SD" or "Print" menu on the LCD screen.
4. Select your G-code file from the list.
5. The printer will begin heating the bed and nozzle, then start the print. Monitor the first layer to ensure proper adhesion.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Artillery Hornet 3D Printer:

• Clean the Print Bed: After each print, allow the bed to cool and carefully remove the printed object. Clean the glass bed with isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue, ensuring good adhesion for future prints.
• Clean the Nozzle: Periodically clean the exterior of the nozzle with a brass brush to remove any accumulated plastic. If the nozzle is clogged, use the provided cleaning needle to clear the obstruction while the nozzle is hot.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply a small amount of lithium grease or similar lubricant to the Z-axis lead screw and smooth rods every few months to ensure smooth movement.
• Check Belts: Ensure the X and Y axis belts are properly tensioned. They should be taut but not overly tight. Adjust if necessary.
• Inspect Cables: Regularly check all cables for wear, fraying, or loose connections.
• Firmware Updates: Check the official Artillery website for any available firmware updates. Follow the instructions carefully if updating.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter and their potential solutions.

8. Specifications

Key technical specifications for the Artillery Hornet 3D Printer:

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or spare parts inquiries, please refer to the official Artillery website or contact your retailer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.

Online Resources:

• Artillery Official Website (for product information, drivers, and firmware)
• Product Page on Amazon.com.be