QIDI i-mate s - User Manual

i-mate s
This guide only applies to i-mate s 3D printer

Summary

Power Supply Setting

Voltage Configuration and Safety Precautions

Details voltage settings for different regions and provides crucial safety warnings regarding power supply configuration.

Customer Service Support

Contact Details and Support Channels

Provides email addresses, Skype contact, and CEO contact for customer inquiries and support.

Kit Contents

Getting To Know Your 3 D Printer

Printer Components Overview

Identifies and labels the main external components of the 3D printer.

Extruder Components Overview

Identifies and labels the key components of the extruder assembly.

Unpacking

Initial Unpacking and Printer Extraction

Guides opening the box, removing foam, and safely extracting the printer with assistance.

Removing Protective Films and Ties

Details removing external protective film and cutting cable ties securing the printer's axes.

Removing Belt Fixing Clips

Instructs on removing belt fixing clips from the X and Y axes of the printer.

Removing Internal Foam Packaging

Guides removing internal foam padding from the printer's internal compartments.

Removing Top Cover

Details the process of taking out the top cover of the 3D printer.

Final Component Removal

Instructs on removing the 0.2mm extruder, accessories, and side panels from the packaging.

Display Screen Operator Interface

System Menu Options

Explains language, sound, and LED light settings accessible via the system menu.

Tool Menu Functions

Details manual axis control, home positioning, and fan status checks within the tool menu.

Adjust the Build Platform

Platform Leveling Procedure Initiation

Guides selecting the leveling function and performing initial adjustments at the front corners of the build platform.

Platform Leveling Fine-Tuning

Details adjusting the build platform at the back center and explains how knob turns affect distance.

Finalizing Platform Calibration

Instructs on using up/down buttons for final distance adjustment and confirming settings, with a note on optimal friction.

Filament Installation

Spool and Holder Preparation

Details pulling the rod, threading filament through the spool holder, and tightening the retainer ring.

Extruder Threading and Final Assembly

Guides threading filament into the extruder, completing installation, and installing top cover and side windows.

Loading Filament

Filament Loading Procedure

Provides step-by-step instructions for loading filament via the printer's interface, including temperature setting and filament feed.

Unload the filament

Filament Unloading Procedure

Outlines the steps to unload filament using the printer's interface, including stopping the process and pulling the filament.

First Printing

Performing the Initial Test Print

Guides the user to select the test file, initiate printing, and monitor the progress on the printer's display.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The QIDI TECH i-mate s is a 3D printer designed for various printing needs, offering a user-friendly experience with several features for both novice and experienced users. This guide specifically applies to the i-mate s 3D printer and provides essential information for its operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Function Description

The i-mate s 3D printer is capable of creating three-dimensional objects from digital designs using filament. It features an extruder that melts and deposits filament layer by layer onto a build platform, forming the desired object. The printer is equipped with a display screen for easy navigation and control, allowing users to manage printing tasks, adjust settings, and monitor progress. It supports various filament types, including PLA, ABS, and TPU, each with specific handling instructions to ensure optimal print quality and prevent issues like filament bounce-off. The printer also includes a USB port for loading print files, making it convenient to transfer designs from a computer.

Usage Features

Before starting any operation, it is crucial to set the power supply correctly. The printer's power supply can be switched between 115V (for USA, Canada, Japan) and 230V (for Europe). Incorrect power supply settings can damage the printer's electronics. The power supply switch is located at the back of the machine.

Unpacking the printer involves several steps to ensure safe setup. Users need to open the box, remove instructions and foam, and carefully lift the printer out with two people. Protective films and cable ties on the X and Y axes must be removed. Foam inserts inside the printer, particularly around the nozzle area, also need to be taken out. After unpacking, the top cover should be removed, and the power cord plugged into the lower right corner at the back of the printer.

The display screen operator interface is intuitive, featuring icons for "Print," "System," "Tool," and "Service."

• System: Clicking the "System" icon provides access to language settings, sound adjustments, and LED light control (on/off).
• Tool: The "Tool" icon leads to functions like "Manual," "Preheating," "Filament," "Internet," "Leveling," "Stop," "Fan," and "Back."
  • Manual: This allows users to move the X, Y, and Z axes separately. A "house" icon in the center will move the axis to its home position.
  • Filament: This function is used for loading and unloading filament.
  • Fan: Users can check if the model fan is working properly through this option.
• Print: This icon is used to select and start printing files.

Adjusting the build platform, also known as leveling, is a critical step for successful printing. This process involves using a black level paper to set the correct distance between the nozzle and the build plate.

1. Navigate to "Tool" and then "Leveling" on the screen.
2. The extruder will move to the left front corner of the build plate. Use the black level paper to adjust the distance until there is slight resistance when sliding the paper back and forth. Press the adjustment icon after each adjustment.
3. Repeat this process for the right front corner and the back center of the build plate.
4. Fine-tune the distance using the up and down buttons on the screen (+0.05mm or -0.05mm) until the paper has friction between the build plate and the nozzle.
5. Confirm the setting by pressing the "OK" button. It is recommended to level the build platform several times before the first print to ensure it is properly calibrated.

Filament installation is straightforward.

1. Pull up the rod located at the top of the printer.
2. Thread the filament roll through the spool holder.
3. Tighten the retaining screw of the retainer ring to secure the filament.
4. Take out the filament guide.
5. Insert the filament guide into the 3D printer.
6. Insert the filament into the filament guide.
7. Thread the filament into the extruder.
8. Install the top cover and side windows. To close the pull rod, push the spring button in the opposite direction first, then push down the pull rod.

Loading filament involves preheating the extruder.

1. Click the "Tool" icon, then "Filament."
2. The temperature display will show the current and target temperatures. Click on the number, and it will turn red, indicating the temperature is rising.
3. Once the temperature reaches 220°C, click the "down" icon.
4. Slowly press down on the filament, waiting for it to flow out of the extruder.

Unloading filament is also done through the "Filament" function.

1. Click "Tool," then "Filament."
2. Wait for the temperature to reach 220°C.
3. Click the "down" icon. When the filament starts to come out, click the "return" icon.
4. Click "Stop."
5. Hold down the filament buckle and slowly pull out the filament. It is important to load the filament first, then unload it, following the correct sequence to exchange filament.

For the first print, after leveling the build platform and loading filament, users can print the test file "xiaogao.gcode."

1. Click the "Print" icon.
2. Find "xiaogao.gcode" and click on it to enter the print screen.
3. Click the print icon to start.
4. The pop-up interface will show the printing progress.

When printing large models, the thermal barrier shrinkage can cause the build plate to warp. In such cases, it is recommended to use clips to secure the build plate.

Maintenance Features

The electronic version of the user manual is provided on the USB flash drive that comes with the printer, offering comprehensive guidance for maintenance and troubleshooting.

For optimal printing quality, it is advised to take down the top cover and open the front door to ensure good airflow.

Caution regarding high temperatures: The extruder and build bed generate high temperatures during printing. Users should never reach inside the printer during operation. After printing, wait for the model to cool down before removing it from the magnetic bed sticker.

Safety is paramount: Loose clothes, jewelry, and long hair can get caught in moving parts. Keep them away from the printer during operation.

Customer service support is available for any problems or suggestions. QIDI Technology aims to reply within 12 hours. As compensation for issues, the company may offer 2 nozzles and 2 blue platform stickers for free. Contact can be made via email (mateb@qd3dprinter.com, matec@qd3dprinter.com, 616038502@qq.com) or Skype (mateb@qd3dprinter.com). The CEO, Diqiang Xue, also provides an email for direct contact, with a reply expected within 24 hours. Due to time differences, a slight delay in response should be understood.

QIDI i-mate s Specifications

General

Layer Resolution	0.05-0.4 mm
Filament Diameter	1.75 mm
Nozzle Diameter	0.4 mm
Connectivity	USB, SD Card
Extruder Type	Single Extruder
Frame	Metal Frame
Print Technology	FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
Heated Bed	Yes
Nozzle Temperature	Up to 250°C
Machine Weight	15 kg
Supported Materials	PLA, ABS, TPU
Power Supply	110V / 220V