3D Universe Presents: The Unofficial FlashForge Creator X Manual
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Starting a Print
Once you are happy with your print settings in the FFF window, click “Prepare to print!” to
advance to the Preview stage. An important point for your FlashForge is that when the “Prepare
to print!” button is pressed, the software creates two files. One of these files is the binary x3g
instructions that you will use for printing on the FlashForge (.x3g). The other file is the standard
ASCII G-‐Code (.gcode) file that creates the preview visualization.
We always advise that you examine the preview carefully to determine if your model appears
the way you desire. Be sure to especially pay attention to the first layer, which can be examined
using the “layer” checkbox and the layer sliders at the bottom of the preview window. If you
are happy with the build sequence in the Preview, you have two options to begin printing.
1.
Print using the SD card. Simply click on the SD card picture labeled “Save Toolpaths to
Disk” button and the software will copy the .x3g and G-‐Code file to the FlashForgeʹ′s SD
card. You can then insert the SD card back into your printer and use the built-‐in LCD
menu to select the “Build from SD” option. Select the file you wish to print and start
printing.
2.
Print over a USB connection. When you plug the USB cable into your computer, the
software will automatically connect with the printer. A pop-‐up message will let you
know when you are connected. To print, click on the “Begin Printing over USB” button.
Your machine will start receiving commands and relaying information back to the
computer. The software will alert you of the progress of the print through the same
pop-‐up message in the bottom right corner. For example, if the printer is heating the
extruders, a “Preheating Extruder” message will appear with a loading bar. When
printing over USB the Preview Mode will turn into a live tracking tool. This tool will track
the machine’s motions so that you are able to watch your print’s progress on your
computer. If you wish to change the update interval you can set it on the left side under
“Real-‐Time Updates”.
Congratulations! You are now ready to start 3D printing using the Simplify3D Software and your
FlashForge Creator X 3D printer!
