The Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro is the newest standard 3D printer across FCPS engineering and tech classrooms. Below you’ll find all setup, operation, and troubleshooting resources to help your students and staff succeed.
Getting Started
Setup & First Use
Unbox the printer and remove all packaging materials.
Install the spool holder on the back of the printer.
Plug in and power on the printer.
Follow the touchscreen prompts to: Select language, Connect to Wi-Fi, Run automatic calibration, Load filament through the touchscreen.
Prepare a sliced file using FlashPrint then transfer via USB flashdrive.
FlashPrint (Official slicer)
Download FlashPrint from the FCPS Software center.
Recommended Settings for PLA:
Layer height: 0.2 mm
Infill: 15–20%
Speed: 250–300 mm/s (or slower for complex prints)
Bed temp: 55°C | Nozzle temp: 210°C
Filament Management
Use the Load/Unload function on the screen.
Cut filament tip at an angle to avoid jams.
Nozzle & Bed
Use the quick-release nozzle for easy swaps.
Run Auto-Level before every major print.
Daily
Clean the print bed with isopropyl alcohol.
Wipe nozzle tip after printing.
Weekly
Check filament pathway and guide tube.
Inspect print surface for wear.
Monthly
Grease Z-axis lead screw.
Check belts and nozzle for carbon buildup.
Replace worn nozzles if print quality drops.
Set Up & Getting Started
5M Pro Complete Guide
Maintenance Guide
(This is on Amazon)
Parts: Nozzles, Build Plates and extra parts Build Plate Adhesion: Bed Weld
(See below for more details)
Use the guide below to identify and resolve common printing issues. Always power off the machine before performing any manual checks or part replacements.
Issue: Filament Won’t Load or Feeds Inconsistently
Possible Causes:
Clogged nozzle or guide tube
Filament tip is bent or too thick
Incorrect filament type or moisture absorption
Solutions:
Cut filament tip at an angle and reinsert
Use a cleaning needle or cold pull to unclog nozzle
Check for broken filament pieces in the feeder path
Dry filament using a filament dryer or low-temp oven (PLA: ~45–50°C)
Issue: Gaps in layers, weak infill, or brittle prints
Possible Causes:
Partially clogged or worn nozzle
Print temperature too low
Filament not feeding smoothly
Extruder gear slipping
Solutions:
Increase nozzle temp by 5–10°C
Clean or replace nozzle (use the quick-release system)
Inspect filament for knots or tangles
Clean extruder gear with brush or canned air
Issue: Loud grinding noise, no filament extruding, or gouged bed surface
Possible Causes:
Nozzle too close to bed
Failed auto-bed leveling
Debris on nozzle tip or print surface
Solutions:
Re-run auto-leveling process
Clean bed and nozzle with isopropyl alcohol
Manually adjust Z-offset if needed (in settings menu)
Issue: Print won’t stick, warps or lifts mid-print
Possible Causes:
Dirty or greasy bed
Bed temperature too low
Incorrect first layer height or speed
Solutions:
Clean bed with IPA (isopropyl alcohol)
Use provided glue or Bed Weld (Available on Amazon)
Raise bed temp (PLA: 55–60°C; PETG: 70–80°C)
Print slower first layer (15–25 mm/s)
Issue: Printer pauses or stops during a print
Possible Causes:
Loose cable connections
Firmware bug
File transfer issue (USB or Wi-Fi glitch)
Solutions:
Check power cable and USB stick connection
Re-upload file from slicer
Update firmware through printer menu or FlashMaker app
Avoid sleep mode or power-saving USB devices
Issue: Black screen, frozen UI, or no menu response
Possible Causes:
Internal cable loosened during use
Firmware error
Static charge buildup
Solutions:
Power off and restart printer
If error persists, perform factory reset
Re-flash firmware via USB if necessary
Contact Flashforge support for mainboard issues
Issue: Rattling, high fan noise, or frame vibration
Possible Causes:
Loose bed screws or unbalanced printer base
Worn belts or dry lead screw
Cooling fans clogged with debris
Solutions:
Tighten all screws (check build plate + Z-axis)
Lubricate Z-axis screw with light machine oil
Clean fans gently with compressed air
Place printer on vibration-dampening surface (e.g., rubber mat)
✅ Always keep firmware updated
✅ Label and track errors on a classroom maintenance log
✅ Keep spare nozzles, PTFE tubes, and a cleaning needle kit nearby
✅ Restart prints with a known good test model if unsure of the issue
✅ Refer to the Flashforge 5M Pro user manual or contact Flashforge support
The Ultimaker S5 Pro Bundle is a professional-grade 3D printing solution designed for high-quality, reliable, and continuous printing. It includes:
Ultimaker S5 3D Printer (large build volume and dual extrusion)
Material Station (automatic material loading and humidity control)
Air Manager (fully enclosed chamber with an EPA filter for safety and airflow)
This printer is ideal for advanced CTE classrooms, engineering labs, and prototyping environments.
Ultimaker Cura (Official slicer)
Download Ultimaker Cura from the FCPS Software center.
Tips for Slicing in Cura:
Use recommended profiles for Ultimaker-branded filaments (e.g., Tough PLA, PVA for supports)
Enable breakaway supports for easy removal
Optimize print speed for quality: 50–70 mm/s standard
Filament Management
Use the Load/Unload function on the screen.
Cut filament tip at an angle to avoid jams.
Daily Maintenance
Clean build plate and check for leftover filament
Remove any debris or material from around the nozzles
Check filament spools and storage in the Material Station
Weekly Maintenance
Run the nozzle cleaning cycle from the touchscreen
Inspect Bowden tubes and check for kinks or breaks
Clean camera and air manager vents with a microfiber cloth
Monthly Maintenance
Grease Z-axis screw (use manufacturer-recommended lubricant)
Calibrate print core alignment if dual-extrusion errors occur
Clean the print cores using the cold-pull method
Getting Started Video (~3.5 minutes)
Log in Instructions (regardless if first time)
Go to TinkerCAD.com
"Sign In"
"SIGN IN USING SOCIAL PROVIDERS"
"SIGN IN WITH GOOGLE"
Once logged in for the first time, it will automatically kick you into 6 tutorials. They can be done in ~1.5 hours.
Note: Can have complications with 3D Printing the designs.
SketchUp can be accessed from the App Menu
My.Sketchup is SIMILAR to the desktop version but not the same.
Online
Google Sign in
Saves Auotmatically
Chromebook Friendly
Some desktop features not available
Students Design on TinkerCAD
Students download the .STL file of their final design.
Students Submit that .STL file via Schoology or Drive.
Teacher downloads the .STL File
Teacher uploads the .STL File into the Slicing Software (Dremel= IdeaBuilder or Didgilab, Simplify3D, XYZWare, Etc.)
Teacher "Slices" the file with the appropriate settings for that print
Teacher Downloads the .gCode/file.
Teacher Saves the .gCode to a SD Card (IT IS NOT ADVISED TO USE THE USB CABLE)
The SD Card goes into the printer
"Build" (print) from SD Card.
If you have an older Dremel 3D20, you need to have IdeaBuilder slicing software installed. (Orange = IdeaBuilder) NOTE: This only works on older models, (~2017 or earlier)
If you have a newer Dremel 3D20, 3D40, or 3D45, you can get the BETTER Digilab Slicing software installed. (Green= Digilab)
Resources:
March 2019, Digilab is available for staff through the App Menu and/or the "Software Center" (Home button > Microsoft System Center> Software Center) It will download and install on the computer.
If you want to use the newer (better) slicing software for your older 3D20, follow these steps!
Note: All of these will require Administrative rights to run (Except Digilab if installed from the App Menu). Your Tech Coordinator/ User Support should be able help. If you need additional assistance with getting these installed or completed, contact the Teacher Specialist Korbin Shoemaker (korbin.shoemaker@fcps.org)
Using Simplfy3D? Here is a getting started presentation for using it with Dremel 3D20's (with old firmware)
Nozzles- If you plan to print PLA that is Glow in the Dark or has materials such as wood, bambo, etc. embedded into it, you will need to upgrade your nozzle.
Here is the Nozzle that needs purchased. ( 1.75mm, MK10, .04mm) Instructions on replacing it can be watched here.
Bed/ Build Plate- For 3D20's the print bed is acrylic and can warp over time. You may choose to have a 2nd bed that you can swap out inbetween prints to reduce downtime.
Build Sheet- The black Dremel build sheets that go on the build plate are a consumable. Depending on how much you print and the take care of these sheets, they can last a while. If you choose to buy more, they are pricey. It is recommended to use Blue Painter's Tape instead.
Filament- You can purchase Dremel brand Filament for any of the printers. These come in 1/2 Kg spools and fit inside the printers designated spool holders.
If you want a more economical alternative, Hatchbox and 3DSolutech are two brand that work just fine in the printers. However, these are 1 KG spools and a stand or spool holder (2) will need to be built to hold the spools outside the printer.
Make sure you get 1.75mm filament
3D20's and 3D40's only Print PLA. *************
3D45's will print PLA, Nylon, PETG, and ABS
Embedded filament such as Glow in the Dark or Wood PLA are corrosive and you will need to upgrade your nozzle. See above information.
If you want to buy genuine Dremel Filament, consult this page.
5. Maintenance- You may want to clean and lubricate the metal shafts and bearings in the printer.
Cleaning can be done with a lint free towel or cloth. Remove any dust, filament particles, or excess grease from the metal rods and Z-Screw (large threaded rod.
Apply a small amount of grease/lubricant to the shafts. Super Lube is recommended.
Move the printer head and bed to allow the bearings to spread the grease.
How to Do a Deep Unclog on a 3D20 (another video)
Document 2 (after completing steps in Doc 1)
6. Helpful Tools- There are a variety of tools that are useful when 3D printing
Putty knife- Used to pry objects off the print bead
BuildTak Spatula- Used to pry or scrape materials from the print bead
Small metal Spatulas- Used to pry delicate objects off the print bead (works great!)
Sprue Cutters - Used to cut supports and remove excess plastic.
Needle Brush set/ Cleaners.- Used to clean the print head and assist with removing deep clogs.
Nozzle Unclog Tool- Each printer comes with one but this tool is often lost. Highligh recommend always having one on hand.
If your printer is having issues that are sporadic such as, not finishing a print/specific file, shutting off randomly, or not regulating the temperatures correctly, you may need to perform a "Hard Reboot".
Turn the printer off
Unplug the printer
Disconnect the USB cord and take the SD card out
Push the reset button and hold it for 15 seconds
Plug printer back in and power it back on
(da Vinci 1.0, 1.0 A, 2.0 Duo, 2.0 A Duo, 1.0 Aio, 1.1 Plus, Jr. 2.0 Mix )
This is the slicing software that is needed. XYZware It will require admin access to install.
Here is a user manual that applies for most models. If not, go to their website and get the appropriate one.