Creality Ender-3 V2 3D Printer

I. Welcome

Thank you for purchasing the Creality Ender 3 V2 3D Printer from SainSmart. This Ender-3 V2 3D Printer User Guide is designed to aid Ender-3 V2 users in the assembly and use of their new printer and to help in getting started with 3D Printing. Even if you are familiar with 3D printing technology, we still recommend that you read through this user manual, as there is a lot of important information about the Ender-3 V2 for you to get a better 3D printing experience.

Support:

• Documentation like this user manual, help guide etc. can be found on https://docs.sainsmart.com/
• For technical support, please email us at support@sainsmart.com.
• Help and support is also available from our Facebook group. (SainSmart 3D Printing User Group)

[QR code to join SainSmart 3D Printing User Group on Facebook]

Basic Specifications

II. NOTICES

Please read all the instructions in the manual and familiarize yourself with the Ender-3 V2 3D Printer User Manual before setting-up and using your 3D printer.

PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE SAFETY WARNINGS AND NOTICES.

Failure to comply with the warnings and instructions may result in individual injury, inferior results and printer damage.

1. Work Environment and Safety

Keep your workplace tidy. Do not operate the 3D Printer in the presence of flammable liquids, gas or dust. The printer should be placed out of the reach of children or pets. Only operate your 3D printer in room temperatures of 5-30°C with an ambient humidity between 20%-70%.

2. Electrical Safety

• Always use a properly grounded outlet and the cable provided to prevent damage to your printer.
• Please unplug the 3D Printer if it will not be in use for a while.
• Do not use outdoors, indoor use only.
• Always keep the printer in a dry environment and out of direct sunlight.
• Do not use the 3D Printer during thunderstorms.

3. Personal Safety

• Do keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts.
• Do not operate the 3D Printer while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.
• Parts of the 3D printer will get very hot during use. Do not touch the nozzle, hot end assembly or the build plate when the printer is warming up, printing or cooling down.
• Ensure you keep others, especially children and pets away from the printer.

4. CAUTION!

• Do not leave the 3D Printer unattended.
• Do not make any modifications to the printer other than any approved SainSmart upgrades.
• When removing a model be careful not to use excessive force.
• The 3D printer must only be operated in a well ventilated area, noxious gasses can be released.
• Do not exceed the maximum print temperature of your printer or the filament you are using.
• When loading or unloading filament make sure the printer nozzle is well clear of the build plate (>50mm).

5. Filament and storage

• Follow any recommendations of your filament manufacturer.
• Do not use your printer to make anything that will come into contact with food unless specifically allowed by the filament manufacturer.
• Filament should be stored in clean and dry conditions. Filaments will absorb moisture and degrade over time if not kept dry.
• Do not open the filament from it's sealed package until it is needed.

III. Printer Components

The printer consists of the following main components:

• 1. X and E-axis Assembly
• 2. X-axis Limit Switch
• 3. Printing Platform with Glass Bed and clips.
• 4. Y-axis belt Tensioner
• 5. Tool Box
• 6. Nozzle Assembly
• 7. Filament Spool Holder
• 8. Z-axis Roller Bracket Assembly
• 9. X-axis belt Tensioner
• 10. Screen
• 11. Rotary and press Switch
• 12. Machine Base
• 13. Power Supply
• 14. Voltage Selector
• 15. Y-axis Limit Switch
• 16. Y-axis Motor
• 17. Extruder Knob
• 18. E-axis Motor
• 19. X-axis Motor
• 20. Coupling
• 21. Z-axis Limit Switch
• 22. Z-axis Motor
• 23. Power Switch and Socket

IV. Parts Identification

This section identifies all the parts included with your printer:

• 1. Printer Base x 1
• 2. Display Assembly x 1
• 3. Nozzle Assembly x 1
• 4. Z-axis Roller Bracket Assembly
• 5. X-axis Tensioner x 1
• 6. Z-axis Motor Assembly x 1
• 7. Z-axis Limit Switch Assembly x 1
• 8. XE-axis Assembly x 1
• 9. Z-axis Profile (left) x 1
• 10. Z-axis Profile (right) x 1
• 11. Gantry Profile x 1
• 12. X-axis Profile x 1
• 13. Lead Screw x 1
• 14. Filament Holder Upright x 1
• 15. Filament Holder Pipe and Nut x 1
• 16. 2020 Profile Cover x 2
• 17. Drive Belt x 1
• 18. Metal Scraper x 1
• 19. Diagonal Cutters x 1
• 20. Cable Tie x 1
• 21. Needle x 1
• 22. SD Card and Card Reader x 1
• 23. Bowden Tube Connector x 2
• 24. Power Cable x 1
• 25. Wrenches and Screwdrivers x 1
• 26. Joint Claw x 2
• 27. Hexagon Socket Flat Round Head Screw M5X8 x 2
• 28. Hexagon Socket Countersunk Head Screw M4X18 x 2
• 29. Hexagon Socket Head Spring Washer Combination Screw
• 30. M5T Nut x 2
• 31. Hexagon Socket Head Spring Washer Combination Screw M5X45 x 5
• 32. Hexagon Socket Flat Round Head Spring Washer Combination
• 33. Filament x 1
• 34. Extruder Knob x 1
• 35. Hexagon Socket Countersunk Head Screw (black) M4X14 x 1
• 36. Nozzle x 1

Please make sure all the above parts are included. If you are missing any part or have any questions, please email us at support@sainsmart.com.

V. ASSEMBLY

1. Install Z-axis Limit Switch Assembly and Z-axis Profiles

Parts: 1 Printer Base, 9 Z-axis Profile (left) x 1, 10 Z-axis Profile (right) x 1, 7 Z-axis Limit Switch Assembly x 1, 31 Hexagon Socket Head Spring Washer Combination Screw M5X45 x 5.

Instructions:

• Slide the Z-axis limit switch onto the Z-axis Profile (left) as shown in the diagram and tighten loosely.
• Use four M5X45 screws to fix the Z-axis profiles to the base.
• Slide the Z-axis limit switch down until it touches the base profile and tighten the bolts.

2. Install Z-axis Motor Assembly and Lead Screw

Parts: 13 Lead Screw x 1, 6 Z-axis Motor Assembly x 1, 28 Hexagon Socket Countersunk Head Screw M4X18 x 2.

Instructions:

• Attach the motor to the profile using two M4x18 screws; ensure it is secure but do not over-tighten.
• Slide the lead screw into the top of the coupler and tighten the set screw to clamp it securely in place.

3. Install Pneumatic Joint, XE-axis Assembly and Drive Belt

Parts: 8 XE-axis Assembly x 1, 12 X-axis Profile x 1, 23 Bowden Tube Connector x 2, 32 Hexagon Socket Flat Round Head Spring Washer Combination, 17 Drive Belt x 1, 25 Wrenches and Screwdrivers x 1.

Instructions:

• Tighten the Bowden tube connector firmly into the Extruder using an open-end wrench.
• Align the bolt head on the XE-Axis Assembly into the hole on the X Axis profile.
• Secure the XE-axis Assembly to the X-Axis Profile with two M4X16 screws (insert Allen key through outer plate holes).
• Install the Drive belt around the pulley inside the XE-axis Assembly with the toothed side facing the pulley as shown.

4. Install Nozzle Assembly, Z-axis Roller Bracket Assembly

Parts: 3 Nozzle Assembly x 1, 4 Z-axis Roller Bracket Assembly, 32 Hexagon Socket Flat Round Head Spring Washer Combination.

Instructions:

• Ensure the drive belt is in the profile slot and slide the Nozzle assembly onto the profile as shown.
• Attach the Z-Axis Roller Bracket Assembly to the profile, aligning the bolt head into the hole on the profile and using the M4x16 screw into the threaded hole in the profile.

5. Install X-axis Tensioner and Connect the Drive Belt

Parts: 5 X-axis Tensioner x 1, 35 Hexagon Socket Countersunk Head Screw (black) M4X14 x 1, 32 Hexagon Socket Flat Round Head Spring Washer Combination.

Instructions:

• Undo the tensioning knob and remove the tensioner block.
• Thread the drive belt around the pulley, ensuring it is not twisted, and push the pulley back into the tensioner base, aligning as shown.
• Screw the tensioning knob back into place by a couple of turns.
• Attach the Tensioner base to the profile Z Axis Roller Bracket assembly with an M4X16 screw on one side and the countersunk screw (from the Tensioner block bag) on the other.
• Secure the ends of the drive belt by sliding them into the slots in the Nozzle assembly.

6. Install the Z-axis Gantry Assembly and Adjust X-axis and Y-axis Drive Belt Tension

Instructions:

• Turn the X-axis and Y-axis tensioner knobs to adjust the belt tension.
• The belts should be taught but not over-tight or too slack. When you press down the drive belt, you should feel some spring in the belt.
• If the belts are too loose, they can slip during printing, ruining the result.
• If the belts are too tight, they will over-stress the pulleys and motors or even break.
• Place the lower V rollers into the grooves on the outside of the Z profiles.
• Locate the lead screw in the Brass nut on the XE Assembly and turn by hand to screw the gantry down while guiding the other V rollers into the Z profile grooves.
• Adjust the tension of the X and Y axes drive belts as shown.

7. Install the Gantry Profile and Display Assembly

Parts: 11 Gantry Profile x 1, 2 Display Assembly x 1, 29 Hexagon Socket Head Spring Washer Combination Screw.

Instructions:

• Secure the Gantry profile onto the upper end of the gantry with four hexagon socket head cap screws M5x25 and tighten securely.
• Unclip the display from the bracket, slacken the screws pre-installed on the bracket, and insert the T nuts into the base profile.
• Tighten the bolts, ensuring the T nuts engage with the base profile.
• The display can be moved forwards and backwards to suit your preference, then tighten the bolts.
• Connect the ribbon cable to the display screen and clip it back onto the bracket.

8. Install Filament Holder, Gantry Cover and Extruder Knob

Parts: 14 Filament Holder Upright x 1, 15 Filament Holder Pipe and Nut x 1, 16 2020 Profile Cover x 2, 27 Hexagon Socket Flat Round Head Screw M5X8 x 2, 30 M5T Nut x 2, 34 Extruder Knob x 1.

Instructions:

• Insert the M5X8 bolts through the holes on the Filament holder upright and loosely attach the T nuts.
• Align the T Nuts in the top profile groove (the flat side faces towards the back of the printer) and tighten the nuts; the T nuts will turn in the groove as it tightens.
• Attach the filament holder and secure with the plastic nut.
• Place the extruder knob onto the top of the extruder motor shaft and push the profile covers in on both sides of the top profile.

9. Connect the Bowden Tube to the Extruder

Parts: 26 Joint Claw x 2.

Instructions:

• Press the collar on the extruder Pneumatic Connector into the fitting and hold.
• Press the Bowden tube into the connector firmly until it goes no further.
• Release the collar.
• Clip the Connector spacer between the collar and the body of the connector to lock it in place.

10. Electrical Connections

Parts: 24 Power Cable x 1.

Diagram Description: Shows connections for X, E, Z-axis motor ports and X, Z-axis limit switches. Also shows the voltage selector switch (115V/230V).

Caution:

• Select the correct input voltage to match your local supply (115/230V).
• Damage can occur if the voltage is set incorrectly.
• Connect the power cord and set the power switch to 1 to turn it on.
• Do not unplug or connect any cables when the machine is turned on.

Chinese Text: Z-axis limit switch (Z轴限位开关), Z-axis motor port (Z轴电机接口).

VI. CONTROLING THE PRINTER

1. Display and Controls

At the base of the screen is a single knob with two functions:

1. Rotating the knob moves the selection highlight.
2. Pressing the knob acts as a switch to enter the highlighted menu option.

The status bar at the bottom displays current and target temperatures for the nozzle and bed, print speed override, and Z-axis distance from home. The main screen offers four options:

• Print: Select a file from the SD card to print. Displays print details and progress.
• Prepare: Options to get the printer ready, including manually moving axes, auto homing, preheating, cooldown, and language selection.
• Control: Manual control of fan speed, nozzle and bed temperatures, and default values for motion and temperatures.
• Info: Displays current firmware version.

Each menu or submenu has a 'Back' option to return to the previous menu.

2. The Print Menu

This menu displays a list of printable files from the SD card's root directory. If no SD card is inserted or no files are found, the list will be empty. Once a file is selected, printing begins, showing details and progress. Three options are available during printing: Tune, Pause, and Stop.

• Tune: Allows manual modification of current print speed, nozzle and bed temperature, and fan speed. Includes Z offset control.
• Pause: Pauses the print, allowing it to be resumed.
• Stop: Stops the print permanently after confirmation.

3. The Prepare Menu

This menu allows manual control of the printer for preparation. Functions include:

• Move: Move the nozzle around the axes manually and control the extruder.
• Disable Stepper: Cuts power to stepper motors to prevent damage during manual movement.
• Auto Home: Sends the nozzle to the home position (front left bottom) and calibrates.
• Set home Offsets: Sets the current nozzle position as the new desired home position.
• Preheat PLA or ABS: Heats the bed and nozzle, and runs the cooling fan to configured values for PLA or ABS.
• Cooldown: Starts a controlled cooling down of the bed and nozzle.
• Language selection: Toggle display language (English or Chinese).

4. The Control Menu

Allows manual control of printer temperatures and fan speed, and modification of default values.

• Temperature: Sub-menu with Nozzle Temperature, Bed Temperature, and Fan Speed settings.
• Preheat PLA Settings (and ABS Settings): Sets temperatures and fan speed for Prepare/Preheat options. Changes must be saved via 'Storage Configuration'.
• Motion: Sub-menu to change maximum limits for motion settings (caution advised).
• Storage Configuration: Permanently saves changes.
• Read Configuration: Restores last saved configuration values.
• Reset Configuration: Resets all parameters to factory default settings.

VII. PREPARING FOR USE

1. Bed Leveling

The first and most important step for successful 3D printing is ensuring the build plate is parallel to the plane in which the nozzle travels, maintaining a constant distance to the build plate. This is also called 'leveling'. There are four levelling points, one near each corner, each using a screw and a levelling knob to compress a spring supporting the build plate. Turning the knob adjusts the spring compression.

To level your build plate:

• Remove the glass from the bed, prising the securing clips away.
• Peel the protective film off the glass plate and ensure it and the aluminium bed are clean.
• Tighten the levelling knobs (anti-clockwise) to compress the springs and lower the build plate. If a knob turns freely, hold the screw thread while tightening the knob. Lower evenly, ensuring clearance from the Y-axis drive belt.
• Refit the glass plate (smooth side down) and secure with clips.
• Turn on the printer, navigate to Prepare > Auto Home. The printer will home the nozzle to the front left corner.

The levelling points are approximately 30mm from each corner. Use a thin sheet of paper to check the gap between the nozzle and the build plate. You can move the nozzle by hand (Y-axis by sliding the plate, X-axis by sliding the nozzle) or use the printer's controls (Prepare > Move). If moving by hand, select 'Disable Stepper' first. Be careful not to move the Z-axis when moving the X-axis. When the nozzle is in position, jiggle the paper back and forth while adjusting the levelling knob to raise or lower the build plate until there is slight friction.

Repeat this for all four corners. For the first time, it is suggested to repeat the entire leveling process a second time after re-homing.

2. What a Successful First Layer should look like

Diagram Description: Visual examples showing correct nozzle height (extruded material adheres well), nozzle too far (material doesn't stick), and nozzle too close (damage to nozzle/plate).

3. Preheating – Allowing the extruder to work

A safety mechanism prevents the extruder from working unless the nozzle is hot enough (minimum 180°C) to melt the filament. You cannot add, remove, or change filament if the nozzle is not hot enough.

• To preheat nozzle, bed, and fan to default settings: Select Prepare > Preheat PLA or Preheat ABS.
• To control nozzle, bed, or fan separately: Select Control > Temperature > Nozzle Temperature, Bed Temperature, or Fan Speed. Adjust value and tap to implement.
• To view or change Preheat PLA/ABS settings: Go to Control > Preheat PLA settings or Preheat ABS settings.

4. Loading or Changing Filament

1. The nozzle must be hot to add, remove, or change filament. Preheat the nozzle before starting. Hang the filament spool on the holder so it feeds over the top towards the extruder.
2. Press the lever on the extruder to separate the toothed gear and the idler. Insert the filament into the hole in the lever, between the gear and idler, and into the hole on the other side. Keeping the lever pressed, push the filament through the Bowden tube and into the hot end and nozzle. If the nozzle is hot enough, filament should start to extrude.

To allow filament to feed smoothly, cut an angle on the end of the filament to help it enter the extruder.

To Change Filament:

1. If filament is loaded, heat up the nozzle, then gently pull the filament out of the nozzle and extruder with the lever depressed.
2. Cut an angle on the end of the new filament and feed it into the extruder.
3. Once loaded, extrude filament until all traces of the previous filament have been expelled.

5. Start Printing from the SD Card

Select the Gcode file you want to print and copy it into the root directory of the SD card. Place the SD card in the printer. From the Print/file selection menu, select the file and Tap. The file will start to print.

VIII. PRINTING YOUR OWN MODELS - SLICERS

What is a slicer?

A slicer is a program that takes a 3D model file (e.g., STL, OBJ, FBX) and cuts it into thin slices, layer by layer, for the 3D Printer to build. It considers the printer, filament type, and other factors to generate a Gcode file the printer can execute.

You can download G-code files from the internet and print them directly. Ensure any downloaded G-code is suitable for the Ender 3 V2 and matches the filament type used.

Cura is recommended as a slicer for its features and ease of use, especially for beginners. It is free to use. Download the latest versions from the respective websites. Installation instructions and tutorials are also available.

Download Cura from: https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura

Many other slicers are available for most PC operating systems; some are free, others require a subscription or purchase. Follow the supplier's installation instructions and tutorials.

When setting up your printer, if the Ender 3 V2 is not listed, Ender 3 or Ender 3 PRO can be used. The firmware used is Marlin. The bed size is 235x235mm, printing size is 220x220mm, with a height of 250mm. Standard Nozzle size is 0.4mm.

Communicating with the Printer.

There are two options:

• SD Card: Send GCode from the slicer to a file on your PC, copy it to the SD card, insert it into the printer, and use the printer menus to select and print. This is the recommended method.
• USB Cable: Connect the printer to your PC via USB and configure the slicer to recognize it. Send the file line by line. Some slicers may duplicate printer menu functions.

NOTE:

• If using the USB cable method, the PC must remain on and active throughout the print. Check PC settings and disable sleep options for PC and USB ports, as well as Auto-Reboot settings.
• When the USB cable is connected, the host provides minimal power sufficient for the main board and display, but NOT enough for axes movement, heaters, or fans. The printer must be connected to the mains supply and turned on before pre-heating, positioning, or printing.

IX. MAINTENANCE

1. Regular Checks and Maintenance

Periodically, depending on usage, perform simple checks and maintenance. Some actions may solve problems like a clogged nozzle. New parts may 'bed in' during initial use, so perform checks often.

Routine checks:

• Re-level the build plate: The build plate level can change over time. Perform leveling checks frequently, especially if adhesion problems occur.
• Clean the Build Plate: Ensure the surface is free from dust and contamination. Do not use abrasive cleaners. Wipe with a microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol or a residue-free window cleaner.
• Check the Drive belt tension: Frequently check and adjust the tension on the X and Y axis drive belts. This takes seconds and is recommended before each print.
• Check the extruder gear: The toothed gear can get clogged with filament fragments. Remove and clean with a stiff brush, then replace.
• Check for Play in the roller assemblies: Keep V rollers and profile extrusions clean for free running. Periodically check for binding and discernible play between rollers and profile grooves.

Regular Maintenance:

• Clean and Lubricate the Z Axis lead screw: Wipe off dust and filament wisps, then apply a small amount of lubricant (PTFE based recommended) to keep it running smoothly.
• Nozzle Wear: The nozzle hole wears over time due to molten filament. This is normal wear and tear and is not covered by the product warranty.
• Bowden tube degradation: The Bowden tube can degrade inside the hot end due to repeated heating/cooling and flexing. This is normal wear and tear and is not covered by the product warranty.

2. Adjusting the V Rollers

The V rollers guide the movement along the profiles. Adjustment is made via an offset nut that moves the roller into or away from the profile groove, adjusting the pressure.

• If there is play, the rollers are too slack; rotate the offset nut to tighten roller contact.
• If rollers are too tight, they wear faster and can cause sticking.

To adjust:

• Ensure profile grooves and V roller surfaces are clean.
• Slacken the bolt securing the adjustable roller slightly.
• Use the included spanner to rotate the hex spacer until the V rollers have minimal play but are not too tight against the profile groove.
• Retighten the bolt.
• Re-check for play and re-adjust if necessary.

3. Cleaning the Nozzle

Filament bits can accumulate on the outside and inside of the nozzle, causing issues. Heat the nozzle and clean the outside with a cloth. The inside can clog due to filament impurities or degradation.

To clean the nozzle:

• Heat it to at least the filament printing temperature, preferably to 260°C.
• Remove the filament completely.
• Carefully clean the outside of the nozzle and the silicon cover.
• Use a correctly sized cleaning needle (0.4mm nozzle included) and insert into the hot nozzle to dislodge blockages.
• Trim the bottom inch off the filament and re-insert it.
• Extrude a few centimetres of filament to flush anything out.

If the problem persists, repeat the process or consider changing the nozzle.

4. Changing the Nozzle

If the nozzle becomes worn or badly clogged, replace it. This is normal wear and tear, not covered by warranty. Standard nozzles are brass, 0.4mm diameter, M6 thread (often called MK8 nozzles).

To remove the nozzle:

• Heat the nozzle and remove filament, then allow it to cool.
• Raise the nozzle away from the build plate.
• Remove the hot end cover by unscrewing two screws at the back.
• Carefully peel away the silicon cover from the hot end and nozzle.
• Support the heater block/hot end and unscrew the nozzle with a 6mm spanner. Heat the hot end if the nozzle is stuck.
• Clean the hot end around the nozzle.

To fit the new nozzle:

• Screw in the new nozzle finger tight, then slacken a full turn.
• Reconnect the Bowden tube to the pneumatic fitting.
• Reheat the nozzle. Support the heater block and tighten the nozzle into the heater block (final tightening when hot, 180°+, for thermal expansion).
• Allow to cool, then replace the silicon cover and outer cover.

NOTE: Before replacing the fan cover, clean any dirt or filament wisps from inside the fans and grilles.

5. Changing the Bowden Tube

The Bowden tube can deteriorate over time due to heat and flexing, weakening it. This is normal wear and tear and not covered by warranty.

To replace the tube:

• Follow instructions for removing the nozzle.
• Remove the clip from the pneumatic fitting at the top of the hot end, press the collar to release clamps, and pull out the old tube. Repeat at the extruder fitting.
• If the tube is distorted and won't release, unscrew fittings from the extruder and hot end (replace fittings too).
• If the tube doesn't release from the hot end, heat it to 180°C.
• Ensure the hole down the centre of the hot end is clean.
• Screw the nozzle back into the heater block finger tight and slacken by 1 full turn.
• Cut the new tube ends cleanly and squarely. Firmly screw in pneumatic fittings. Press the collar on the fitting at the top of the hot end and firmly push the new tube in until seated against the nozzle.
• Follow instructions for replacing the nozzle.

6. Updating the Firmware

New firmware releases are simple to install. The new firmware is contained in a .bin file.

• Download the file to your computer and copy it to the root directory of the Micro SD card.
• With the printer turned off, insert the Micro SD card, then power on the printer.
• The screen will remain blank while the firmware updates (10-20 seconds), then the normal boot process will resume.

Verify the update version on the Info screen. The .bin file can be deleted from the SD card after the update.

Some slicers offer firmware updates via USB, but the SD card method is strongly recommended.

X. PROBLEM SOLVING

NOTE: If your problem is not listed or solutions don't work, further support is available on our Facebook group 'SainSmart 3D Printing User Group' or email support@sainsmart.com.