Ender-3 Pro Series 3D Printer
Guide Book
[To make Top-quality 3D printer]
This guide is for the Ender-3 Pro Series of 3D printers. Select the correct input voltage to match your local mains (230V or 115V). Because of software/hardware upgrades and model differences, new revisions may not be listed in this guide. Please plug the power cord into a three-hole power jack. Detailed instructions for use are available in the TF card.
Version: *.1.1
Notes
- Do not use the Printer in any way other than described herein to avoid personal injury or property damage.
- Do not place the Printer near flammables, explosives or heat sources. It is best to place it in a well-ventilated, low-dust environment.
- Do not expose the Printer to violent vibration or any unstable environment. This will cause poor print quality.
- The filaments recommended by the manufacturer are preferred to avoid clogging in the hot end and/or Printer damage.
- Do not use any other power cable than the one supplied. Use a grounded three-prong power outlet.
- Do not touch the nozzle or hot bed during printing. Keep hands away from machine while in use to avoid burns or personal injury.
- Do not wear gloves or loose clothing when operating the Printer. These loose articles can become caught in moving parts and cause personal injury or Printer damage.
- Clean off filament from the nozzle tip with the provided pliers before the nozzle cools. Do not touch the nozzle directly. This can cause personal injury.
- Clean the Printer frequently. With the machine powered off, clean the printer body with a dry cloth to remove dust, adhered printing materials and foreign objects on guide rails. Use glass cleaner or isopropyl Alcohol to clean the print surface before every print for consistent results.
- Children under 10 years of age should not use the Printer without supervision.
Preface
Dear consumers, Thank you for choosing our products. For the best experience, please read the instructions before operating the Printer. Our 3D team is always ready to provide you with assistance. Please contact us via the phone number or e-mail address provided at the end when you encounter any problem with the Printer.
For a better experience in using our product, you may learn how to use the Printer in the following ways: 1. View the accompanied instructions and videos in the TF card. 2. Visit our official website www.creality3d.cn. You will find relevant software/hardware information, contact details and operation and maintenance instructions on the website.
1. Introduction
Description of the Ender-3 Pro Series 3D Printer components:
- 1. TF Slot and USB Port
- 2. Control Box
- 3. Print Surface
- 4. Control Knob
- 5. Display Screen
- 6. Nozzle Assembly
- 7. Spool Holder
- 8. Extruder (E) Stepper
- 9. Power
- 10. Y Limit Switch
- 11. Y Stepper
- 12. Coupling
- 13. Z Stepper
- 14. Z Limit Switch
- 15. X Limit Switch
- 16. X Stepper
The printer features an aluminum frame, a heated print bed, an extruder assembly on an X-axis gantry, and a Z-axis lead screw for vertical movement.
2. Screen Information
The printer's screen displays key information and allows control via a menu system. Information displayed includes:
- Print Speed
- Model (e.g., Ender-3 Pro)
- Set Temperature of the Nozzle / Current Temperature of the Nozzle
- Set Temperature of the Hot Bed / Current Temperature of the Hot Bed
- Part Cooling Fan Speed
- Current Location of the nozzle (X, Y, Z coordinates)
- Print Time
- Print Progress (e.g., 100%)
- Prompt Message
Navigation is typically done by pushing the control knob to enter menus or select options, and turning it to change values or navigate options.
The screen menu structure includes:
- Menu: ↑Info Screen↑, Prepare, Control, Print from SD, No Card, Init. SD-Card, Change SD-Card, About Printer
- Sub Menu (under Prepare): Disable Steppers, Auto Home, Preheat PLA, Preheat ABS, Cool down
- Sub Menu (under Control): Temperature (Heat nozzle/bed, change fan speed), Motion (Move Axis), LCD contrast, Restore Failsafe
- Sub Menu (under Printing): Speed, Nozzle, Fan Speed, Flow
- Print Actions: Pause Print, Stop Print
3. Loading Filament
There are two methods for preheating and loading filament:
Method 1: Involves navigating through the screen menus: Info screen → Prepare → Control → Print from SD → Change SD-Card.
Method 2: Involves navigating through the screen menus: Info screen → Prepare → Control → No Card → Init. SD-Card. Then accessing Control options for Nozzle, Bed, Fan speed, and Autotemp.
Feeding Filament: Press and hold the extruder lever, then insert 1.75mm filament through the small hole of the extruder. Continue feeding until filament emerges from the nozzle.
Tip: How to Replace the Filament?
- Cut filament near the Extruder and slowly feed new filament until it is fed into the new filament.
- Preheat the nozzle and quickly withdraw the old filament, then feed the new filament.
4. Bed Levelling
Proper bed levelling ensures good first-layer adhesion.
Step 1: Prepare by selecting 'Auto Home' to move the nozzle to the left/front of the platform.
Step 2: Prepare by selecting 'Disable Steppers' to release the motor tension.
Step 3: Move the nozzle to the front/left leveling screw. Adjust the platform height by turning the knob underneath. Use a piece of A4 paper (standard printer paper) to assist. The nozzle should lightly scratch the paper.
Step 4: Complete the adjustment of the screws on all 4 corners.
Step 5: Repeat steps 1-2 times if necessary.
Visual indicators for levelling: A red cross [❌] signifies incorrect levelling, a green checkmark [✔️] signifies correct levelling, and a yellow exclamation mark [⚠️] indicates adjustment is needed.
5. Software Installation
Step 1: Double-click the Creality Slicer installer to begin the software installation.
Step 2: Double-click the Creality Slicer icon to open the software.
Step 3: Follow the Configuration Wizard: Select language (e.g., English), then select your machine model (e.g., Ender-3), and proceed through the steps to Finish.
6. For the first Printing
1. Slicing: Open the Creality Slicer software, select 'Load' to choose your 3D model file, wait for the slicing process to finish, and save the resulting G-code file to the TF card.
2. Printing: Insert the TF card into the printer. Navigate to 'Print' on the printer's screen and select the file to be printed.
7. Troubleshooting
This section provides guidance for resolving common issues:
- SD Card Issues: If files are not identified or random code appears, try erasing, formatting, or replacing the SD card. Ensure file names use standard alphabets and numbers.
- Slicing Problems: If slicing fails, try moving the model in the software and restarting the slicing process, or restoring the model using software tools.
- Stepper Motor Issues (XYZ, E): If motors are not moving correctly or are misaligned, check cable connections to the motors and control board. If issues persist, consider replacement.
- Limit Switch Issues (X, Y, Z): Similar to stepper motors, check cable connections. If the printer does not home correctly, limit switches may need attention.
- Bed/Nozzle Heating Issues: If the bed or nozzle does not heat or maintain temperature, check thermistor and heater cartridge connections. Ensure temperatures are within normal ranges.
- Print Quality Issues: Problems like misalignment, poor adhesion, or filament jams can stem from incorrect bed levelling, loose belts, or extruder issues. Re-levelling the bed, adjusting belt tension, and ensuring proper filament feeding are key.
- Filament Feeding Issues: If the filament is not feeding correctly, clean the extruder gears or replace the filament.
- General Faults: For persistent or unidentifiable faults, it is recommended to check all cable connections and consult the manufacturer or support for further assistance.
Resolutions typically involve checking connections, reconfiguring settings, or replacing components.
After-Sales Service
Service
The printer may be returned within seven days for replacement within 15 days, with a one-year warranty and lifetime maintenance.
Replacement Requirement
- The product appearance must be intact, without damage, scratches, smudges, cracks, or deformation.
- Machine parts, tools, and accessories must be complete.
- A complete and valid purchase invoice and warranty are required, with matching product numbers.
Warranty Coverage
Certain accessories are not covered by the warranty unless damaged during transportation. These include the platform sticker, forming plate, acrylic cover, card reader, TF card, platform glass, USB cable, filament, rack, and tools.
Minor scratches on the profile due to testing or long-distance transportation, which do not affect normal use, are generally not covered.
The nozzle assembly (nozzle, heating block, etc.) has a 3-month warranty. The motherboard, LCD display, power supply, and hot bed have a 12-month warranty.
Items not included in warranty coverage:
- Absence of an effective after-sales service card or serial number.
- Exceeding the warranty period for the machine or components.
- Equipment failure or damage caused by unauthorized modification (e.g., nozzle assembly, machine structure, third-party components/firmware).
- Equipment failure or damage due to incorrect installation or use.
- Equipment failure or damage caused by use in an environment not specified for the product.
- Equipment failure or damage due to improper use (beyond workload) or maintenance (e.g., moisture).
- Equipment failure or damage due to the use of other branded components or low-quality consumables.
Statement
Creality 3D printers have passed various quality certifications. It is strictly forbidden to use these printers to print any products or equipment that violate specific country and regions legislation.
Company Information
Shenzhen Creality 3D Technology CO.,LTD.
Address: 11F & Room 1201, Block 3, JinChengYuan, Tongsheng Community, Dalang, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China, 518109
Official Website: www.creality3d.cn
Tel: +86 755-2105 9455
E-mail: info@creality3d.cn, cs@creality3d.cn
Certifications: [FC Certification], [CE Certification], [RoHS Compliance], [ISO 9001 Quality Management], [CQC Certification], [China Famous Brand]
Revision Date: April 24, 2019