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
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 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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