Hatchbox ALPHA User manual

YOUR CREATIVITY. OUR TOOLS.

USER MANUAL v 1.0

About us

02

HATCHBOX3D.COM

Disclaimer

By purchasing this product you agree to read the user

manual in its entirety before powering the 3D printer.

From professional engineers to designers and hobbyists alike,

enter into the world of HATCHBOX for endless innovation and

design opportunities in 3D printing. Our printer and extensive

collection of filaments cater to a variety of applications suitable

for home, business, or anything your creative intellect aspires for.

Our distinguished craftsmanship is what makes us unique and

sets us at the forefront of the competition. For consistency

in quality, variety in selection, and affordability in pricing, HATCHBOX

is here to be your ultimate 3D printing filament solution. We

encourage you to join our 3D printing community and share

your vision in shaping and designing the future.

At HATCHBOX, we never stop innovating, and we never cease

improving our existing products. We operate our own factory,

allowing us complete quality control from manufacturing to

packaging. Starting 2016, our filaments will have a diameter

tolerance of +/- 0.03 mm. We strive to make the best filaments

available at the lowest price possible. By providing our customers

the highest quality filaments at an affordable price, we believe

that this will accelerate the 3D printing revolution.

Table of Contents

03

1.1 Getting Started 04

Welcome ................................................................. 05

Warning and Cautions ................................................................. 06

Specifications ................................................................. 07

How it Works ................................................................. 08

2.1 Set Up 09

What’s Included ................................................................. 10

Hatchbox Alpha Diagram ................................................................. 11

Unpacking Printer ................................................................. 12

Build Plate ................................................................. 14

Filament Rack Assembly ................................................................. 15

Powering the Printer ................................................................. 16

3.1 Start Up 17

Automatic Leveling ................................................................. 18

Z-Offset ................................................................. 20

Loading/Unloading Filament .............................................................. 21

4.1 Software 22

Software Setup ................................................................. 23

5.1 Maintenance 25

Lubrication ................................................................. 26

Screw Tension ................................................................. 26

6.1 LCD Screen 27

Utilities Menu ................................................................. 28

Main Menu ................................................................. 29

7.1 Warranty 31

Warranty ................................................................. 32

8.1 Terms of Service 34

Terms of Service ................................................................. 35

04

Getting Started

1.1

05

Welcome

Getting Started

1.1

This user guide is designed to start your journey with HATCHBOX ALPHA 3D printer.

Follow this guide at a pace that you are comfortable with in order to know how to use

and operate the 3D Printer properly. Even if you are familiar with delta type 3D printers,

it is essential that you read through this guide thoroughly before starting your creative

journey. Hatchbox is excited to welcome you to the world of 3D printing. We encourage

you to join our 3D printing community and share your vision in shaping and designing

the future.

YOUR CREATIVITY. OUR TOOLS.

06

Warning and Cautions

• Failure to read this user manual before installing and using the 3D printer may cause

personal injury and/or property damage.

• HATCHBOX 3D printers generate high temperatures and include moving parts that may

cause serious injury.

• Always connect 3D printer power cord directly to the wall outlet.

• Never reach inside the printer while it is in operation.

• Always allow the 3D printer build plate to cool down before reaching inside.

• Always allow the 3D printer hot end to cool down and reach the home position before

reaching inside.

• Always ensure there are no moving parts before reaching inside.

• Before opening the 3D printer for service, ensure that the power supply is turned off,

power cord is disconnected from the power supply, and the power cord is disconnected

from the wall outlet.

• Due to the product melting plastic, operate the 3D printer in a well-ventilated, cool, dry

and dust-free environment.

• Do not use the 3D printer without personal supervision.

• Do not touch the inside of the 3D printer during printing.

• Avoid long period use of the 3D printer.

• If the 3D printer is producing abnormal noise and/or smoke, immediately turn off the

power switch, stop printing, and disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.

• Keep moving parts well lubricated and clean the 3D printer regularly. Do not use flammable

solvents to clean the 3D printer.

• Always ensure screws on the extruder and arms are adequately tightened.

• Always perform automatic leveling when the extruder hot end and build plate is cold.

• Always check the Z-offset before printing.

Getting Started

1.1

07

Specifications

Printing:

Print Technology: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

Build Volume: 300 mm diameter, 330 mm height

Print Quality: 0.050 mm – 0.400 mm

Position Precision: X, Y, and Z at 0.05 mm

Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm

Nozzle Diameter: 0.40 mm

Print Speed: 20 – 150 mm/s

Travel Speed: 300 mm/s

Connectivity: USB and SD Card

Software:

Output file: GCODE

Software Control: Cura, Repetier, and Slic3r (to name a few)

File Type: STL, AMF, OBJ

Supports: Windows 7 and Mac OS X

Electrical:

AC Input: 100 – 240 V, 50 – 60 Hz

Power Requirement: 24 V DC at 10 amps

Temperature:

Ambient Operating Temperature: 15℃ - 35℃

Storage Temperature: 0℃ - 35℃

Extrusion Temperature: 0℃ - 270℃

Heated Build Plate Temperature: 0℃ - 110℃

Mechanical:

Build Plate: Aluminum base with a glass bed

Stepper Motor: 1.8° step angle with 1/16 micro-stepping

Belt Type: GT2

Belt Width: 6 mm Belt Pulley: 16 teeth / 10 mm diameter

Getting Started

1.1

08

How it Works

HATCHBOX Alpha 3D Printer makes solid, three-dimensional objects. The control software will

translate your 3D drawing from STL, AMF, OBJ format into GCODE, which instructs the 3D printer

to print the model via USB cable or SD Card. The 3D printer filament then feeds through the

PTFE guide tube to the extruder’s hot end, creating a 3D product layer by layer. This method is

called Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF).

STEP 1 - DESIGN or DOWNLOAD STEP 2 - SLICING

Download Design

Design in CAD

Save as .STL

(CAD Software)

Slice Process

Download .STL File

(Slicing Software)

Save on to

SD Card or USB

Save on to

SD Card or USB Cable

STEP 3 - INSERT SD CARD OR USB CABLE DIRECTLY

INTO 3D PRINTER

STEP 4 - PRINT OUT 3D DESIGN

Getting Started

1.1

09

Set Up

2.1

10

What’s included - Check list

HATCHBOX Alpha 3D Printer

20A 125V Power CordGlass Build Platform

1

1 1

High Speed 2.0 USB Cable

1

Retractable Breakaway

Utility Knife

Phillips Screw Driver8 Piece Hex Wrench Set

1 1 1

1 MM Micro Sheer

Wire Cutter

1

6/7 MM Wrench

1

Replacement Bowden

Tube Push in Fitting

1

Missing a piece? Contact us [email protected]

Set Up

2.1

√

1

0.40 MM Replacement

Nozzle

2

FIlament Rack Knob

2

1

FIlament Rack Stand A FIlament Rack Stand B

FIlament Rack Spool

1

FIlament Rack rubber feet

4

8/10 MM Wrench SD Card

1

4

Binder Clip

11

Hatchbox Alpha Diagram

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Side View

Front View

1. LCD Screen

2. Function Button

3. SD Card Input

4. Fan A

5. Fan B

6. Hot End

7. PTFE Tubing

8. Build Plate

9. Filament Extruder

10. USB A to B

11. Power Switch

12. Power Supply

13. Exhaust Fan

14. 3D Printer Rod

9

10

11

12

13

14

Set Up

2.1

12

Unpacking Printer

1. Remove the top lid of the

shipping box.

2. Remove the shipment padding.

3. Highly suggested: between 2

people, firmly hold the top of the 3D

printer and carefully lift upward and

away from the packaging. Place the

3D printer on a stable and leveled

floor or table.

Note: additional accessories may be

taped onto the inside of the box.

Set Up

2.1

13

Unpacking Printer (cont)

4. Remove the 3D printer’s plastic

covering.

5. There are 2 layers of zip ties and

foam padding protecting the rails.

Use scissors to carefully cut the

1st layer of zip ties. Remove the

1st layer of foam padding.

Use scissors to carefully cut the

2nd layer of zip ties. Remove the

2nd layer of foam padding.

6. Carefully move the extruder

upwards by the rods to remove

the foam padding and shrink-

wrap,which are holding the

build plate and accessories

in place.

Set Up

2.1

14

Build Plate

Set Up

2.1

1. Attach three (3) of the four (4) binder clips to hold the glassbuild plate securely to the

aluminum bed. There’s enough room to place the glass build plate securely onto the

aluminum bed, use your best judgment to center the glass build plate before securing it

with the binder clips.

This is the glass build plate, which is also known as the bed. The build plate can reach a maximum

temperature of 110℃ to effectively prevent warping of the model during printing. For PLA filaments

it’s recommended to use blue painters tape and ABS filaments it’s recommended to use Kapton tape.

Please view the 3D printer filament manufacture recommending setting and use of the build plate in

order to properly print your model.

1

2

3

Build plate

15

Filament Rack Assembly

Set Up

2.1

In this section, you will learn how to set up the provided spool rack. The parts needed will be

the 2 Filament Rack Knobs, Filament Rack Stand A, Filament Rack Stand B, Filament Rack

Spool, and Filament Rack Rubber Feet. Before starting, ensure that the Filament Rack is set up

on an even surface. Installation of the Filament Rubber Feet is optional, but is recommended if

the filament rack is not going to be mounted. The hardware for the filament rack to be mounted is

not included, but can be purchased at any local hardware store. Follow the steps below for

the filament rack set up.

2. Insert your Filament spool onto the Filament

Rack Spool.

3. Using the other Filament Rack Knob, secure

Filament Rack Stand B to the other side.

4. Before fully tightening both Filament Rack

Knobs, ensure that the legs of the Filament

Rack Stands are level, and then tighten.

5. Optional tabletop use: Install the Filament Rubber Feet by inserting the smaller diameter part of

the Filament Rubber Feet into the larger diameter wall mounting holes. Once inserted, do not slide the

Filament Rubber Feet down to the smaller diameter wall mounting hole, as this may damage or cut the

Filament Rubber Feet.

1. Match the Filament Rack spool with the

Filament Rack Stand A, and secure

together with a Filament Rack Knob.

16

Powering the Printer

1. Plug the female end of the Power Cord into the 3D printer’s Power Supply, which is located

on the right hand side of the 3D printer (when facing the LCD Screen). Plug the male end of the

Power Cord into the wall outlet. Do not plug into a power strip or surge protector.

2. Once the Power Cord is connected and plugged into the wall outlet, power up the 3D printer

by pressing the Power Switch down to the On (B) position. To power down, press the Power

Switch up to the Off (A) position.

A

B

A. Off

B. On

Side View

Set Up

2.1

17

Start Up

3.1

18

Automatic Leveling

Start Up

3.1

HATCHBOX Alpha 3D printer has an Automatic Leveling function that can be controlled by

adjusting it within the LCD screen. This is the first step that is required to ensure proper

first layer adhesion. Follow the steps below to continue with Automatic Leveling.

1. Once powered on, the LCD screen will automatically be set to the home

screen, and it will show that the printer is ready.

2. Push the Function Button (located to the right of the LCD screen) to go to

the Settings menu.

3. Rotate the Function Button until the Automatic Leveling option is highlighted.

Then, push the Function Button and Automatic Leveling will begin. Before

beginning with automatic leveling, the extruder hot end and build plate

must be cold. If the extruder hot end and build plate are hot or warm, wait for

it to cool down before proceeding with automatic leveling.

Note: in this menu you will see the following options.

a. Test Leveling: this will move the z-axis down to show you where

the z-offset is currently set to (always perform this test before printing).

b. Auto Leveling: this will perform the automatic leveling by taking three

points of measurement on the build plate.

c. Z-Position: This is where you will manually adjust the z-axis offset.

By increasing the number, it will raise the z-axis. By decreasing the

number, it will lower the z-axis closer to the build plate.

d. Set Z=0: This will save the z-axis offset you have set in “Z Position”

19

Automatic Leveling (cont)

1. If the hot end nozzle is too far from the

build plate, the first layer may not stick.

2. If the hot end nozzle is too close to the

build plate, the nozzle can scratch or possibly

damage the build plate, or cause uneven

first layer adhesion.

3. The distance should be about 100

microns between the hot end nozzle and

the build plate. This can be checked by

sliding a sheet of A4-sized paper between

the hot end nozzle and the build plate.

The sheet of paper should slide in between

the hot end nozzle and the build plate with

a bit of a tug.

Why is automatic leveling important?

The distance between the hot end nozzle and the build plate should be adjusted to the proper

distance in order to ensure first layer adhesion. If there is an issue, the Z-Offset parameter needs

to be corrected. To correct Z-Offset paramaters, please refer to page 20.

Do Not

Do

Start Up

3.1

20

Z-Offset

Warning: If your Z-Offset is not set properly and it is too close to the build plate, it can damage

the hot end nozzle and/or the build plate. When correcting and setting the Z-Offset, be ready to

power off the 3D printer immediately to prevent damage to the hot end nozzle and build plate.

Adjust the Z-Offset to be farther away from the build plate and perform the automatic leveling

function again. Repeat as necessary. Before correcting the Z-offset parameters, ensure that the

hot end nozzle and build plate are cold. If it is not cold, allow it to cool down before beginning.

1. In the Automatic Leveling Menu, select Test Leveling. This will lower the

z-axis to show where the z-offset parameter is currently set.

2. With a standard A4-sized paper, slide the sheet in between the hot end

nozzle and the build plate.

3. If the sheet cannot slide in between the hot end nozzle and the build plate,

the z-offset needs to be increased by adjusting the “Z-Position” (located

in the automatic leveling menu). Adjust by rotating the Function Button to

the left. The sheet of paper should slide in between the hot end nozzle

and the build plate with a bit of a tug.

If the sheet of paper slides in between the hot end nozzle and build plate

easily, then decrease the z-offset by rotating the Function Button to the right.

4. Repeat step 3 as necessary until the sheet of paper slides in between

the hot end nozzle and build plate with just a bit of tug.

5. Once you have dialed in the z-offset parameters in the Z-Position option,

save the z-offset parameters by going to “Set Z=0” and push the Function

Button. This can be confirmed by going back into Z-position and you

will see that it is set to 0.

Start Up

3.1

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Hatchbox ALPHA User manual

Hatchbox ALPHA User manual

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