Getting started with 3D printing

Published on February 13, 2022
Duration: 119:33

This comprehensive guide covers the initial setup and operation of the Creality Ender 3 S1 3D printer. It details assembly, calibration, filament loading, and the first print, emphasizing proper bed leveling and Z-offset. The video also explores firmware updates, slicing software options like Creality Slicer and Ultimaker Cura, and the process of testing different filament types and print quality settings using temperature towers and sample models.

Quick Summary

The Creality Ender 3 S1 setup involves unboxing, assembling the frame and extruder, connecting wiring, and performing initial calibration like bed leveling and Z-offset adjustment using a piece of paper. After powering on and verifying the voltage, firmware updates and slicing software like Ultimaker Cura can be used for printing.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to 3D Printing for Reloading Bench
  2. 00:27Choosing the Ender 3 S1 3D Printer
  3. 01:13Considering the Prusa MK3S+
  4. 01:51Video Plan: Setup, Test Prints, Design
  5. 02:27Filament Types: PLA, PLA Plus, PETG
  6. 02:48Unboxing and Initial Inspection
  7. 03:25Assembly Tools and Spare Parts
  8. 03:50Installation Manual Review
  9. 04:12Step 1: Nozzle Assembly Installation
  10. 04:57Gantry Frame Installation
  11. 06:26Display Holder Installation
  12. 07:00Material Rack and Filament Sensor
  13. 07:17Wiring Connections and Cable Routing
  14. 09:07Identifying X and Z Axis Motors
  15. 10:03Connecting Filament Detector and Expansion Interface
  16. 10:21Connecting the Display
  17. 10:34Leftover Screws and Z-Axis Limit Switch
  18. 11:03Powering Up and Auto-Leveling Setup
  19. 11:37Manual Bed Leveling Check
  20. 12:34Voltage Selection (115V vs 230V)
  21. 13:01First Power-Up
  22. 13:27Initiating Auto-Leveling
  23. 15:45Completing Auto-Leveling
  24. 15:49Z Offset Adjustment with Paper
  25. 17:28Auxiliary Leveling Explanation
  26. 17:52Loading Filament for First Test Print
  27. 18:42Preheating PLA
  28. 19:16Starting the First Print (Cat File)
  29. 20:22First Layer Adhesion and Spaghetti
  30. 21:05Initial Print Quality Assessment
  31. 21:34Exploring the Tune Menu
  32. 22:05Decision to Let Print Run Unattended
  33. 22:23Print Progress and Minor Issues
  34. 23:46Approaching Print Completion
  35. 25:07Print Completion and Confirmation
  36. 25:32Removing the Print While Nozzle is Hot
  37. 26:10First Print Result: Impressive for Unconfigured Printer
  38. 26:22Removing the Print from the Build Surface
  39. 27:03Dealing with Difficult Print Removal
  40. 28:33Post-Print Cleaning and Adhesion Issues
  41. 30:04Researching Build Plate Cleaning
  42. 30:52X-Axis Offset Issue and First Layer Adhesion
  43. 31:27Checking and Updating Printer Firmware
  44. 32:08Firmware Update Attempt 1 (Incorrect SD Card)
  45. 32:32Firmware Update Attempt 2 (Root Directory)
  46. 32:49Firmware Update Success (Correct SD Card)
  47. 33:31Re-running Leveling and Z Offset After Firmware Update
  48. 34:29Loading PLA Filament After Update
  49. 35:02Understanding Prepare Menu and Preheating
  50. 35:10Raising Nozzle for Filament Loading
  51. 35:54Cutting Filament End to a Point
  52. 36:21Starting Second Print (Cat File)
  53. 36:45Comparing Second Print to First
  54. 37:45Printing Multiple Objects and Filament Usage
  55. 38:04Switching to Standard PLA and Temperature Adjustments
  56. 38:32Continued Difficulty Removing Thin Layers
  57. 39:43Gouging Build Plate at High Print Temperature
  58. 40:17Demonstrating Temperature Adjustment During Print Setup
  59. 41:34Printer Behavior After Temperature Targets are Met
  60. 42:12Print Calibration Lines and Start
  61. 42:35Close Look at Print Quality: Cats
  62. 43:49Comparing PLA Prints at Different Temperatures
  63. 44:27Printing a Coin: Impressive Overhangs
  64. 45:28Printing Handles: Support Structures
  65. 47:03Comparing PLA Brands for Support Removal Ease
  66. 47:36Printing Handles: Support Removal Challenges
  67. 48:38Printing Handles: Flaws and Support Structures
  68. 49:19Experimenting with Temperature for Handle Prints
  69. 50:32Comparing 200 vs 230 Degree PLA Prints
  70. 51:53Overall Success with Ender 3 S1 Prints
  71. 52:03Printing Long Jobs and Total Print Hours
  72. 52:31Finding New Print Files Online
  73. 52:41Downloading Firmware from Creality Website
  74. 53:14Downloading Creality Slicer Software
  75. 53:31Contents of the Original SD Card
  76. 53:53Extracting and Installing Creality Slicer
  77. 54:46Understanding STL vs G-Code Files
  78. 55:21Setting Up Creality Slicer: Printer Selection
  79. 56:15Creality Slicer Interface and Settings
  80. 56:30Opening a G-Code File in Creality Slicer
  81. 57:13Previewing Sliced G-Code Layers
  82. 58:11Opening an STL File in Creality Slicer
  83. 58:43Slicing the STL File and Preview
  84. 59:30Print Quality Settings: Standard, Low, Dynamic, Super
  85. 60:01Build Plate Adhesion Options: Skirt, Brim, Raft
  86. 60:24Print Temperature and Build Plate Temperature Settings
  87. 60:39Accessing Material Settings in Preferences
  88. 61:00Creating a Custom Material Profile (Inland PLA)
  89. 62:08Activating Inland PLA Profile and Slicing
  90. 62:31Comparing Sliced File Sizes
  91. 63:02Printing Sliced File (Standard Quality)
  92. 63:05Comparing Sliced Print Quality to Original
  93. 64:26Testing Different Quality Settings (Low, Standard, Dynamic, Super)
  94. 65:02Printing Low Quality Coin
  95. 65:20Comparing File Sizes Across Quality Settings
  96. 65:52Searching for Long Overnight Prints (Thingiverse)
  97. 66:07Selecting a Vase Model for Testing
  98. 66:33Opening Vase STL in Slicer
  99. 67:01Selecting Dynamic Quality for Long Print
  100. 67:36Estimated Print Time for Vase (Over 1 Day)
  101. 68:31Vase Print Completion and Quality
  102. 69:18Comparing Coin Prints: Low, Standard, Dynamic, Super Quality
  103. 70:18Evaluating Print Quality Trade-offs
  104. 71:01Next Steps: Filament Testing and Custom Design
  105. 71:18Advanced Tuning Concepts (Extruder Calibration, Retraction)
  106. 71:40Testing PLA Plus and PETG Filaments
  107. 71:47Temperature Towers for Filament Testing
  108. 71:54Designing a Custom Stand for Ninja Monitor Recorder
  109. 72:51Filament Storage: Vacuum Sealing and Desiccants
  110. 73:29Impact of Humidity on PLA Filament
  111. 74:04Considering a Filament Dry Box
  112. 74:29Ultimaker Cura Slicer vs. Creality Slicer
  113. 74:52Adding Ender 3 S1 Printer Profile to Cura
  114. 75:14Comparing Printer Settings in Cura and Creality Slicer
  115. 76:07Creating Custom Material Profiles in Cura
  116. 76:26Retraction Settings Differences: Cura vs. Creality Slicer
  117. 77:16PETG Profile Settings in Cura
  118. 77:30Unsupported Filament Profiles in Cura
  119. 78:10Downloading Temperature Tower Files (PLA, PLA+, PETG)
  120. 78:34Setting Up PLA Plus Temperature Tower in Slicer
  121. 79:23Finding Layer Transitions for Temperature Changes
  122. 80:35Using Post-Processing Scripts to Modify G-Code
  123. 81:05Adding 'Change at Z' Script for Temperature Control
  124. 82:23Comparing Original vs. Modified G-Code Files
  125. 83:13Preparing PETG Temperature Tower (Max Temp Limit)
  126. 83:40Adjusting PETG Tower for Ender 3 S1's 260°C Limit

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key steps for setting up the Creality Ender 3 S1 3D printer?

Setup involves unboxing, assembling the base and gantry, connecting wiring harnesses, installing the display and filament holder, and performing initial calibration like bed leveling and Z-offset adjustment. It's crucial to verify the voltage switch setting before powering on.

How do you perform Z-offset calibration on the Ender 3 S1?

After auto-leveling, navigate to 'Prepare' > 'Z Offset' on the printer's menu. Use a piece of paper between the nozzle and the build plate, adjusting the Z offset value until you feel slight drag on the paper.

What are the recommended slicing software options for the Ender 3 S1?

Popular choices include Creality Slicer (often bundled) and Ultimaker Cura. Cura is generally recommended for its more advanced features, detailed profiles, and wider community support, offering greater control over print settings like retraction.

How can you test different printing temperatures for filament on the Ender 3 S1?

You can print a 'temperature tower' model. This involves using post-processing scripts in your slicer to change the nozzle temperature at specific layer heights, allowing you to visually assess print quality at various temperatures for a given filament.

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