Geeetech Alkaid 3D Printer

Important Safety Precautions

Please read this manual carefully to ensure correct usage of the machine.

• The product emits high-energy ultraviolet rays. Wear goggles during use to prevent harm.
• When adding or removing photosensitive resin, avoid spilling it on the product shell or resin tank rotary knobs, as this can cause corrosion and sticking.
• Clean the photosensitive resin in the resin tank promptly. If the product is not used for a long time, clean the tank to prevent damage.
• Photosensitive resin may have a peculiar smell. Use the product in a spacious and ventilated environment.
• Product instructions and detailed slicing software usage instructions are provided on the included U disk.
• Do not cut off power while the printer is working, as this can lead to printing failure.
• The 2K screen is valuable and fragile. Avoid spilling resin on it. If resin is spilled, immediately turn off the power and carefully wipe the screen clean, ensuring no residue remains.
• Do not disassemble the product privately. Contact after-sales personnel for any issues.

II. Machine Overview

The Geeetech Alkaid 3D printer features a Z-axis screw rod, build platform rotary knob, leveling screw, build platform, resin tank, resin tank rotary knob, and a touch screen.

The rear of the machine includes a power switch, USB socket, and power socket.

III. Parts List

The package includes:

• Alkaid 3D printer x1
• U Disk x1
• Rubber Gloves x3
• Filter Funnel x5
• Mask x1
• Wrench x1
• Tweezer x1
• Power Adapter x1
• Power Cord x1
• After-sales Service Card x1
• User Manual x1

IV. UI Instructions

The touch screen interface includes the following menus:

• Tool: Accesses functions like Move Z, Exposure, Set Z=0, Stop, Clean, and Back.
• System: Contains Information, Calibration, Service, Language, Network, and Back options.
• Print: Allows selection of files for printing.

Tool Menu Description:

• Move Z: Moves the build platform up and down along the Z-axis. The "Home" icon resets the platform to zero. Use the up and down arrows for manual movement. An emergency stop button is also available.
• Exposure Test: Allows setting UV lamp exposure time for test prints.
• Set Z=0: Sets the zero point for the Z-axis.
• Stop: Immediately stops the movement of the build platform and motor.
• Clean: Cures residual resin in the resin tank using UV light.

System Menu Description:

• Information: Displays machine ID and software/hardware version information. Allows turning the buzzer on/off.
• Calibration: Calibrates the touch screen.
• Service: Provides after-sales service information.
• Language: Allows switching between Chinese and English.
• Network: This function is not currently active.

V. Printing Parameter Settings

Key printing parameters include:

• Bottom Layer Count: The number of initial layers to be solidified for better adhesion.
• Bottom Exposure Time(s): Exposure time for each bottom layer.
• Exposure Time(s): Exposure time for normal layers.
• Light-off Delay(s): Time delay before the UV lamp turns off after the build platform lifts.

These parameters can also be set in the slicing software.

VI. Leveling Instructions

1. Connect the machine to power and turn on the power switch.
2. Tighten the build platform rotary knob.
3. Fix the resin tank onto the machine platform.
4. Loosen the four leveling screws on the build platform.
5. Enter the "Move Z" menu and click the "Home" icon to automatically reset the build platform to zero.
6. While pressing the top of the build platform with your hand, tighten the four leveling screws on the build platform. Ensure the build platform is level and parallel to the resin tank.

VII. Instructions for the Slicing Software (CHITUBOX)

This printer supports CHITUBOX slicing software. The necessary files are on the included U disk.

1. Install the CHITUBOX slicing software on your PC.
2. Open the software and click "Settings".
3. Add your device by clicking the "+" icon and selecting "Others" then "Default" or importing the provided profile file "Alkaid_Default_Profile_profile.cfg" from the U disk.
4. Set the printing size and LCD parameters according to the ALKAID specifications. The X resolution is 1620 px, Y resolution is 2560 px. The build volume is 82.56mm (X) * 130.56mm (Y) * 190mm (Z).

Description of Printing Parameters:

• Layer Thickness: The thickness of each printed layer (e.g., 0.025mm, 0.05mm, 0.1mm).
• Bottom Layer Count: Number of solidified layers at the bottom for better adhesion.
• Exposure Time: UV exposure time for normal layers.
• Bottom Exposure Time: Longer exposure time for bottom layers to ensure thorough curing and adhesion.
• Light-off Delay: Time delay before UV lamp turns off after platform lift. The final light-off time is the maximum of the Z-axis movement time and the light-off delay.
• Bottom Light-off Delay: Light-off delay time for bottom layers.
• Bottom Lift Distance: Lifting distance of the build platform when printing bottom layers.
• Lifting Distance: Lifting distance of the build platform for normal layers.
• Bottom Lift Speed: Lifting speed of the build platform for bottom layers.
• Lift Speed: Lifting speed for normal layers.
• Retract Speed: Downward speed of the build platform.

VIII. First Print

1. Wear safety protection (mask and gloves). Slowly pour photosensitive resin into the resin tank using a filter funnel. Do not exceed the maximum scale line.
2. Copy the sliced model file to the U disk and insert it into the printer.
3. Select "Print" on the screen, choose the file, and start printing.
4. If resin is low during printing, click "Pause". After the Z-axis rises, add resin. Then click "Start" to resume printing.
5. Be careful not to spill resin on the machine shell or tank screws during refilling.

IX. Print Complete

After printing, let the model rest for a few minutes until resin stops dripping. Loosen the build platform rotary knob, remove the platform, and carefully detach the model using a tool. Be cautious to avoid scratches.

Post-processing suggestions:

• Water-soluble light-curing resin: Clean with water, dry thoroughly, then perform secondary light curing to prevent whitening.
• Light-curing resin:
  1. Clean with alcohol (over 95% concentration) for no more than 1 minute to avoid structural degradation.
  2. Air-dry or use a hairdryer to remove residual alcohol. Perform secondary light curing until the surface is dry and hard.
  3. Use clean alcohol for cleaning; reused alcohol can cause whitening. Cleaning is complete when there is no viscosity and no residual resin on the surface.

Recycle unused resin by filtering it through a funnel to remove residue, which can damage the screen and release film.

X. Specifications