QIDI I-mate - User Manual

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

Summary

Important Safety and Usage Notes

Cautionary Advice

Key precautions for printer operation, including nozzle handling and airflow for optimal printing quality.

Operational Warnings

Critical safety notices about high temperatures and moving parts to prevent injury during printing.

Slicer Software Information

Locates the electronic user manual for the slicer software on the provided USB flash drive.

Power Supply Configuration

Voltage Setting Guide

Instructions for selecting the correct voltage (115V/230V) and warnings about incorrect power supply settings.

Customer Support and Compensation

Contacting Support

Provides contact details (email, Skype) for technical assistance and information on company compensation policies.

Kit Contents Overview

Included Accessories

Lists all components included in the 3D printer package, such as filament holder, cable, screwdriver, and USB drive.

Getting To Know Your 3 D Printer

Printer Component Identification

Identifies key printer parts like the display screen, nozzle, filament holder, and ports via a labeled diagram.

Unpacking Procedure - Part 1

Initial Unpacking Steps

Guides on placing the box, removing foam, extracting the printer, and cutting cable ties on the Y-axis.

Unpacking Procedure - Part 2

Removing Protective Clips and Foam

Instructions for removing belt fixing clips from the X and Y axes and clearing internal foam.

Unpacking Procedure - Part 3

Powering On and Initial Setup

Covers plugging in the power cord, turning on the printer, and interacting with the screen for initial setup.

Display Screen Interface - System Menu

System Menu Options

Details functions within the 'System' menu: language selection, sound adjustment, and LED light control.

Display Screen Interface - Tool Menu

Tool Menu Functions

Explains 'Manual' axis control, homing, and checking the model fan status via the 'Tool' menu.

Build Platform Adjustment - Steps 1-2

Initiating Platform Leveling

Guides on selecting 'Leveling' in the 'Tool' menu and using leveling paper for initial nozzle-to-plate distance.

Build Platform Adjustment - Steps 3-4

Mid-Leveling Adjustments

Details adjusting the platform at the back center using leveling paper and notes on optimal distance thickness.

Build Platform Adjustment - Steps 5-6

Finalizing Platform Leveling

Instructs on fine-tuning distance with up/down buttons and confirming the setting for proper build plate leveling.

Filament Installation - Steps 1-3

Preparing Filament Spool

Covers pulling the rod, placing the filament roll on the spool holder, and tightening the retainer ring.

Filament Installation - Steps 4-7

Threading Filament and Attentions

Details threading filament into the extruder and provides important attentions regarding filament path for different materials.

Loading Filament Process

Initiating Filament Load

Guides on selecting 'Tool' then 'Filament', preheating, and waiting for filament to flow from the extruder.

Unloading Filament Process

Executing Filament Unload

Details the steps to unload filament: selecting 'Tool', 'Filament', 'Stop', and pulling out the filament.

First Print Execution

Printing the Test File

Instructs on selecting the 'Print' icon, finding the 'xiaogao.gcode' test file, and starting the printing process.

Printing Large Models - Tip

Preventing Build Plate Warping

Advises using clips when printing large models to prevent build plate warping caused by thermal shrinkage.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features
4. Safety Precautions
5. Customer Service Support

The QIDI Technology i-mate is a 3D printer designed for ease of use and reliable performance. This guide provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining the i-mate 3D printer, ensuring optimal printing quality and user safety.

Function Description

The i-mate 3D printer is designed to create three-dimensional objects from digital designs using filament. It features a display screen for user interaction, a magnetic bed sticker for easy model removal, and a build platform where objects are printed. The printer utilizes an extruder to melt and deposit filament layer by layer, forming the desired object. It also includes a USB port for file transfer and a power switch for controlling the device.

Usage Features

The i-mate 3D printer offers several features to enhance the user experience.

• Unpacking and Setup: The unpacking process involves carefully removing the printer from its packaging, taking out instructions and foam, and removing protective films and cable ties securing moving parts. Two people are recommended to lift the printer from the box. Foam inserts around the X and Y axes, as well as under the platform, need to be removed to free the nozzle and allow the platform to rise. After unpacking, the power cord is plugged in, and the printer is turned on. The accessories, including solid glue and a USB disk, are found in the foam at the bottom of the platform.

• Power Supply Setting: Before operation, it's crucial to ensure the power supply is set correctly. The printer's voltage switch is pre-set to 115V for USA, Canada, and Japan, and 230V for Europe. Users in other countries must check their local voltage and adjust the switch accordingly. Failure to set the correct voltage can damage the printer's electronics.

• Display Screen Operator Interface: The printer features an intuitive display screen with various icons for different functions.

  • System Menu: Clicking the "System" icon allows users to access language settings, adjust sound, and turn the LED light on or off. Multiple languages are available.
  • Tool Menu: The "Tool" icon provides access to manual controls, preheating, filament management, and internet settings.
    • Manual Control: In the "Manual" section, users can move the X, Y, and Z axes independently. Clicking the "house" icon in the center will move the axes to their home position.
    • Fan Control: Users can click an icon to check if the model fan is working properly.

• Adjusting the Build Platform (Leveling): Proper build platform leveling is essential for successful prints.

  • Initiating Leveling: From the "Tool" menu, select "Leveling."
  • Extruder Movement and Adjustment: The extruder will move to different points on the build plate (left front, right front, and back center). At each point, a black level paper is used to adjust the distance between the nozzle and the build plate. The goal is to achieve slight friction when moving the paper.
  • Knob Adjustments: Knobs under the platform are used for adjustment. Turning the knob clockwise raises the build plate, reducing the distance between the nozzle and the plate. Turning it anticlockwise lowers the build plate, increasing the distance.
  • Fine-Tuning: After the extruder moves, users can press up and down buttons on the screen to fine-tune the distance by increments of 0.05mm until the desired friction is felt with the leveling paper.
  • Confirmation: After each adjustment, an icon should be pressed. Once all points are adjusted, the "Confirm" button is pressed to save the settings. It is recommended to level the platform several times before the first print to ensure it is well-leveled.

• Filament Installation:

  • Loading: The rod is pulled up, and the filament roll is threaded through the spool holder. The retaining screw of the retainer ring is tightened. The filament guide is taken out, inserted into the 3D printer, and then the filament is inserted into the guide. Finally, the filament is threaded into the extruder.
  • Loading Filament via Display: From the "Tool" menu, select "Filament." Click on the temperature number, which will turn red as the temperature rises to 220°C. Once 220°C is reached, click the designated icon. Slowly press down on the filament until it flows out of the extruder.
  • Pull Rod Closure: To close the pull rod, the spring button opposite to the desired direction is pushed first, then the pull rod is pushed down.
  • Filament Path for Different Materials: For PLA and ABS filaments, the filament should pass through the filament tube to prevent it from bouncing off during printing. For TPU filament, it is not necessary to pass it through the filament tube. Further details can be found in file number 7 on the USB flash drive.

• Unloading Filament:

  • Initiating Unload: From the "Tool" menu, select "Filament."
  • Temperature and Extruder Action: Wait for the temperature to reach 220°C. Click the down icon. Once the filament starts to come out of the extruder, click the return icon.
  • Stopping Extrusion: Click the "Stop" icon.
  • Manual Removal: Hold down the filament buckle and slowly pull out the filament.

• First Printing:

  • Selecting File: After leveling and loading filament, click the "Print" icon. Navigate to the "xiaogao.gcode" test file and click on it to enter the print screen.
  • Starting Print: Click the designated icon to start printing.
  • Monitoring Progress: The pop-up interface will display the printing progress.

• Large Model Printing: When printing large models, the thermal barrier shrinkage of the model may cause the build plate to warp. To prevent this, it is recommended to use clips to secure the build plate.

Maintenance Features

While the manual primarily focuses on initial setup and operation, it implicitly suggests some maintenance practices:

• Keeping the Printer Clean: The unpacking process involves removing protective films and foam, implying the importance of keeping the printer free from debris.
• Proper Filament Handling: Instructions for loading and unloading filament correctly contribute to the longevity of the extruder and prevent jams.
• Saving Packaging: Users are advised to save the printer packaging for future transportation and storage, indicating a consideration for protecting the device during non-operational periods.
• Slicer Software: The electronic version of the user manual, found on the USB flash drive, includes information about 3D slicer software, which is crucial for preparing models for printing and can impact print quality and printer performance.

Safety Precautions

The manual highlights several safety precautions:

• Nozzle Wrapping: Do not remove the wrapping around the nozzle.
• Airflow: For better printing quality, take down the top cover and open the front door to ensure proper airflow.
• High Temperature Warning: The extruder and build bed generate high temperatures during printing. Do not reach inside the printer during operation. After printing, wait for the model to cool down before removing it from the magnetic bed sticker.
• Moving Parts Warning: Loose clothes, jewelry, and long hair can be caught in moving parts. Keep them away from the printer during operation.

Customer Service Support

QIDI Technology provides comprehensive customer service. Users experiencing problems can contact support via email (mateb@qd3dprinter.com, matec@qd3dprinter.com) or Skype (mateb@qd3dprinter.com). Replies are typically provided within 12 hours. As compensation for issues, the company offers 2 nozzles and 2 blue platform stickers. For suggestions or complaints, users can contact CEO Diqiang Xue at 616038502@qq.com, with replies expected within 24 hours. The company acknowledges potential delays due to time differences.

QIDI I-mate Specifications

General

Nozzle Diameter	0.4 mm
Filament Diameter	1.75 mm
Supported Filaments	PLA, ABS, TPU
Bed Leveling	Manual
Extruder Type	Single Extruder
Print Technology	FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
Heated Bed	Yes
Nozzle Temperature	Up to 250°C
Layer Resolution	0.05 - 0.3 mm
Print Speed	30-150 mm/s
Connectivity	USB, Wi-Fi
Frame Material	Metal