The ELF Core XY 3D Printer is a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer manufactured by Shenzhen Creative3D Technology Co., Ltd. The company can be reached at sales@creative3dprinter.com and their website is www.creative3dprinter.com. They also maintain a presence on various social media platforms, including Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Creative3Dprinter/), VK (https://vk.com/creative3dprinter), Twitter (https://twitter.com/creative3dprint), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/creative.3dprinter/), Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/Creative3Dprinter/), and Tumblr (https://creative3dprinter.tumblr.com/).
Safety Instructions and Attentions:
The manual emphasizes several critical safety instructions and attentions for operating the ELF Core XY 3D Printer:
- Placement: The printer should be placed in a well-ventilated, low-dust environment, away from flammables, explosives, or heat sources. It should not be exposed to violent vibration or unstable environments, as this can lead to poor print quality.
- Filament: Only filaments recommended by the manufacturer should be used to prevent clogging in the hot end and/or printer damage.
- Power: Only the supplied power cable should be used, and it must be connected to a grounded three-prong power outlet. The printer operates on 220V AC/110V AC voltage, and users must select the correct voltage (230V or 115V) using the switch before powering on to avoid damage. High voltage power connectors should not be touched to prevent electric shock.
- Hot Surfaces and Moving Parts: The nozzle and hot bed should never be touched during printing to avoid burns or personal injury. Hands should be kept away from the machine while in use. When the printer is working, users should be aware of the high temperature of the hot bed, extruder head, and other hot parts. These parts need time to cool down after operation. The printer is a mechanical device, and moving parts should not be touched during operation to prevent mechanical injury.
- Clothing: Gloves or loose clothing should not be worn when operating the printer, as these can become caught in moving parts, causing personal injury or printer damage.
- Nozzle Cleaning: Filament should be cleaned off the nozzle tip with the provided pliers before the nozzle cools. The nozzle should not be touched directly.
- Supervision: Children under 12 years of age should not use the printer without supervision.
- Maintenance: The printer should be cleaned frequently. With the machine powered off, the printer body should be cleaned with a dry cloth to remove dust, adhered printing materials, and foreign objects from guide rails. Glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol should be used to clean the print surface before every print for consistent results.
- Power of Key Parts: The power of some key parts (such as the hot bed and extruder head) is strong. During installation and usage, all terminals should be connected tightly to avoid sparking caused by loose wiring. For safety, the printer should be manned during operation.
Assembly and Components:
The manual provides a detailed list of components and step-by-step assembly instructions.
Step 1: Main Controller and Frame Assembly
This step involves assembling the main controller and the basic frame structure.
- Components:
- M5*25 screws (*4)
- M5*10 screws (*4)
- 2020-L560 aluminum profiles (*4)
- 2020-L440 aluminum profiles (*2)
- Main controller (*1)
- Process: The main controller (2) is attached to the frame using the 2020-L560 (6) and 2020-L440 (7) aluminum profiles. M525 (18) and M510 (15) screws are used for this assembly. The image shows the main controller mounted on the side of the frame, with the longer profiles forming the vertical supports and the shorter ones forming the horizontal supports.
Step 2: Hot Bed Support Assembly
This step focuses on preparing the hot bed support.
- Components:
- M4*8 screws (*16)
- M3*8 screws (*6)
- Anti-Backlash Nuts-1 (*2)
- Flange bearing (*4)
- Hot Bed Support part (*2)
- Process: Two hot bed support parts (11) are assembled. M48 screws (22) and M38 screws (25) are used. Anti-Backlash Nuts-1 (23) and flange bearings (21) are incorporated into these supports.
Step 3: Optical Axis and Secure Blocks Assembly
This step involves installing the optical axes and secure blocks.
- Components:
- M5*20-P screws
- Coupling (*2)
- Optical axis (*4)
- Secure blocks (*2)
- Setp2 part (*2) (likely referring to the assembled hot bed supports from Step 2)
- Process: The optical axes (8) are inserted through the secure blocks (10) and the Setp2 parts (the hot bed supports). Couplings (5) are used. M5*20-P screws (24) are used for fastening. The M4 screws (likely from the Setp2 part) are tightened.
Step 4: Z-Limit and Anti-Backlash Nuts Assembly
This step details the installation of the Z-axis limit switches and anti-backlash components.
- Components:
- Z- L Limit (*1)
- Z- R Limit (*1)
- T8*8 screws (*2)
- Anti-Backlash Nuts-2 (*2)
- Anti-Backlash Nuts-3 (*2)
- Process: The Z-L Limit (17) and Z-R Limit (17) are installed. T8*8 screws (likely lead screws) are used with Anti-Backlash Nuts-2 (23) and Anti-Backlash Nuts-3 (likely flange bearings, though not explicitly numbered in this step's list but shown in the image). Springs (23) are also part of this assembly. The M4 screw is tightened.
Step 5: Extrusion Motor and Top Part Assembly
This step involves mounting the extrusion motor and the top part of the printer.
- Components:
- M5*14-P screws (*4)
- M3*5 screws (*2)
- Extrusion&34motor (*1)
- Top part (*1)
- Process: The extrusion motor (16) is attached to the TOP Part (1). M514-P (20) and M35 (19) screws are used for this. The TOP Part is then mounted onto the printer frame.
Step 6: Heated Bed and Rack Assembly
This step focuses on installing the heated bed and the filament rack.
- Components:
- M4*40-P screws (*4)
- Spring (*4)
- Pitaform nut (*4)
- Heat Bed (*1)
- Rack (*1)
- Process: The Heated bed (3) is mounted onto the printer frame using M4*40-P screws (14), springs (13), and Pitaform nuts (12). The Rack (4) is also installed.
Step 7: Line Connection
This step provides a wiring diagram for connecting various components.
- Connections:
- Y-limit
- X-motor
- Z-L limit
- Hot Bed Connector
- Y-motor
- Z-R limit
- Power cord
- Voltage Selection: A crucial reminder to select the correct input voltage (230V or 115V) using the switch before powering on the printer to avoid damage.
Usage Features:
Bed Leveling:
The manual outlines a manual bed leveling process:
- Auto Home and Disable XY: First, the printer is set to "Auto Home" and then "Disable XY" from the touchscreen interface. This moves the print head to its home position and allows for manual movement of the X and Y axes.
- Paper Test: A piece of A4 paper is placed under the nozzle. The nuts under the platform are adjusted until the nozzle just presses the A4 paper. This process is repeated for all four corners to ensure they are at the same distance from the nozzle. Steps 1-2 should be repeated if necessary for consistent results.
Automatic Shutdown:
The printer can be configured for automatic shutdown after printing:
- On the printer's touchscreen, navigate to the "Printing Operation" menu.
- Select the "Shutdown" option.
- Confirm the setting to enable automatic shutdown.
Software Installation (CURA):
The manual provides instructions for setting up the printer with CURA software:
- Open CURA and Add Printer: Open the CURA software (found on the SD card or downloaded online). Go to "Add Printer" and select "Custom FFF printer." Name the printer "ELF Corexy."
- Machine Settings:
- Printer:
- X (Width): 300 mm
- Y (Depth): 300 mm
- Z (Height): 330 mm
- Build plate shape: Rectangular
- Origin at center: Checked
- Heated bed: Checked
- Number of Extruders: 1
- Printhead Settings:
- X min: 0 mm
- Y min: 0 mm
- X max: 0 mm
- Y max: 0 mm
- Gantry Height: 0 mm
- Nozzle Settings:
- Nozzle size: 0.4 mm
- Compatible material diameter: 1.75 mm
- Nozzle offset X: 0 mm
- Nozzle offset Y: 0 mm
- Start G-code: The provided G-code is
G28 ;Home and G1 Z15.0 F6000 ;Move the platform down 15mm. This code homes the printer and then moves the Z-axis down by 15mm at a speed of 6000 mm/min, likely to "prime the extruder" as indicated.
- Import Profile:
- In CURA, go to "Settings" -> "Configure Cura" -> "Profiles."
- Click "Import" and select the "Elf4.2.1.curaprofile" file from the SD card.
- A confirmation message "Successfully imported profile Elf4.2.1" will appear.
This comprehensive guide covers the assembly, safety, and initial software setup for the ELF Core XY 3D Printer, enabling users to get started with their printing projects.
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