How to Install Filament
Instructions for Repteir-Host
You’ll need to install filament before you can use your printer. Filament is the raw material that the Solidoodle uses to build a part. It’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes. This guide shows how to install filament for the first time, or when switching to a different type of filament (e.g. different colors). You must have the software installed on your host machine before installing filament. If you have not installed the software, please see our guide: How To Install Software.
These instructions shall not vary for the Solidoodle 2 and 3. The general strategy in both cases is to simply retract the old filament and extrude to load in the new filament. The exact technique will be illustrated below. References to the outer covering of the Solidoodle 2 may be safely ignored by Solidoodle 3 owners.
Note: If it is your first time installing filament, we recommend removing the cover by unscrewing the three screws that attach it to the case. It’s a good idea to leave the cover off for the first week of printing to gain a better understanding of the inner workings of the Solidoodle 3D printer.
A quick video demonstrating the process for Repetier Host, and then for Pronterface.
filamentloading from solidoodle on Vimeo.
Instructions for Repetier Host
Step 1: Connect to the Printer
Plug the printer’s USB cable into the host computer.
Open the Repetier Host software.
Click the “Connect” Button in the upper right hand corner.
Note: In some cases you will need to select the correct port for your printer. If your printer appears to be connected, but is not responding to commands, this is the case. Click the “printer settings” button in Repetier Host, and select a proper USB or COM port instead of virtual printer to fix this.
Plug the printer’s power cable into a power outlet.
Step 2: Remove The Old Filament (If Necessary)
If you already have filament loaded into the printer then you’ll have to remove it before installing a different filament. It is advisable to remove the filament stub that comes installed from the factory before moving on.
Here’s how:
Remove the outer cover of the printer by sliding it backward and pulling up.
Hit the Manual control tab in the upper right hand corner. Scroll down and select “heat extruder.”
Note: It is important to heat the nozzle to the operating temperature before removing the filament. If the nozzle is cold, you may break the filament trying to get it out.
Watch the temperature indicator, as the temperature climbs. This should take a little under 4 minutes. The desired temperature is about 190-200c.
Click the “Retract” button. You should see the filament start to back out of the extruder. Press the “Retract” button a few more times until the filament stops coming out.
Gently pull the filament straight up while at the same time clicking the “Retract” button on Repetier Host. Repeat until the filament is completely clear of the extruder.
Check to make sure no pieces of filament remain in the extruder. If they do, you’ll have to remove the extruder clamp spring and remove the filament remnants with tweezers. The extruder should look like this:
Step 3: Install New Filament
Now you’re ready to install the new filament.
Check the extruder temperature and make sure it reads about 190-200 degrees. If not, please follow the steps above to set the temperature.
Insert the filament through the rear hole of the printer case as shown.
Insert the filament into the top of extruder until it stops as shown.
Gently push down on the filament while pressing the “Extrude” button to feed the filament into the printer. Stop pushing once the extruder grips the filament.
Press the “Extrude” button in Repetier Host a few more times until filament starts coming out the nozzle.
If you changed colors, then run the extruder until the old color (in this case white) is purged from the extruder. Notice how in this photo the bottom of the coil is white(old color) and the top is green (new color).
Instructions for Pronterface
Step 1: Connect to the Printer
Plug the printer’s USB cable into the host computer.
Open the Pronterface host software.
Select the printer’s USB port and click “Connect”.
Note: It is important to heat the nozzle to the operating temperature before removing the filament. If the nozzle is cold, you may break the filament trying to get it out.
Check the “Monitor Printer” check-box in the upper right corner of the window.
Watch the temperature reading next to the “Heater” dialog box and wait until the temperature reaches 200 degrees.
Click the “Reverse” button. You should see the filament start to back out of the extruder. Press the “Reverse” button a few more times until the filament stops coming out.
Gently pull the filament straight up while at the same time clicking the “Reverse” button on Pronterface. Repeat until the filament is completely clear of the extruder.
Check to make sure no pieces of filament remain in the extruder. If they do, you’ll have to remove the extruder clamp spring and remove the filament remnants with tweezers. The extruder should look like this:
Step 3: Install New Filament
Now you’re ready to install the new filament.
Check the extruder temperature and make sure it reads about 200 degrees. If not, please follow the steps above to set the temperature.
Insert the filament through the rear hole of the printer case as shown.
Insert the filament into the top of extruder until it stops as shown.
Gently push down on the filament while pressing the “Extrude” button to feed the filament into the printer. Stop pushing once the extruder grips the filament.
Press the “Extrude” button on Pronterface a few more times until filament starts coming out the nozzle.
If you changed colors, then run the extruder until the old color (in this case white) is purged from the extruder. Notice how in this photo the bottom of the coil is white(old color) and the top is green (new color).