FlashForge Printers
If you are looking for more support in getting your class ready to create objects for 3D printing, please look here :
Lesson Ideas and
Getting Started
Congratulations! You have a FlashForge Guider I. This is the first generation of the FlashForge Guider 3D printer and so you will see that there are other versions available online now.
You will see a three-minute video of me showing the Guider I and highlighting the printer, the parts, and the printer in action. https://youtu.be/jw_a6Vs0CAA
If you are looking to replace the adhesive build plate cover, you could order from here: https://www.digitmakers.ca/collections/3d-printer-accessories-3d-printing-parts-3d-printing-canada/products/flashforge-creator-pro-dreamer-adhesive-sheet?variant=10054202621988
Finishing, Preparing and Slicing an Object
Need: a USB flash drive to be able to save the sliced file and load it to the printer
Here is a one-page print-out of the steps to follow from many student objects to file building on the printer. ONE-PAGER
As well, these instructions are in the printer manual that came with your printer.
You will see a six-minute video with me walking through the steps of preparing a multi-student print job and then slicing it.
Please bear with me in this video as there are some key points for you to consider for printing success.
In order to complete your print, you will need to have your .STL files sliced by "FlashPrint" for the Flashforge Guider and for your specific computer.
Resources for the slicer: https://www.flashforge.com/product-detail/40
The slicing software FlashPrint can be found here*: https://www.flashforge.com/download-center
*Please note that you are looking for FlashPrint (and notice the version you will need, because of your computer).
If the slicer FlashPrint isn't working for you, please contact edevries@sd73.bc.ca to get the username and password to access Simplify3D as an alternate slicer.
Simplify 3D https://cloud.simplify3d.com/account/login
This is my learning Simplify3D
Starting a Print on the FlashForge Guider I
Need: the sliced .gx file loaded onto a USB flash drive
Turn printer on (and plug in).
Insert Flash drive (USB drive).
Press Build
Select the object
Press Build
Watch for errors
Removing a Print from the FlashForge Guider I
Need: a putty knife or sharp and stiff object to remove the printed object and be very careful to the build plate's cover which can tear.
You might turn off the printer, if you are finished printing.
Lift the build plate out.
Insert putty knife carefully under an edge and press gently but firmly to lift the object off the plate.
Leveling Build Plate and Changing the Filament
Toubleshooting
If you are willing to share your failures, there is a spreadsheet below where we can track failed prints and the strategies used to achieve success. Click to open the file and you can open and edit with your gedu account.
Thank you for sharing your expertise.
YouTube Research on the FlashForge for Troubleshooting
The build plate is covered with an adhesive cover. This build plate does not require glue be applied before you run the print, however the cover can get scratched and torn when removing prints. It can still work when torn or cracked and has filament on it. The filament being laid will just fill in that space.
If you find that yours is worn enough that you feel like you need a new one, please look here to order: https://www.digitmakers.ca/collections/3d-printer-accessories-3d-printing-parts-3d-printing-canada/products/flashforge-creator-pro-dreamer-adhesive-sheet?variant=10054202621988
Here is a video tutorial to show you how to work with FlashPrint.