INVENT3D
TM
Printer Operating Instructions and Troubleshooting Guide
AST2 © 10/26/16
Page 5
Additionally, the printer hot end assembly includes two fans. These fans turn on when the
hot end temperature rises above 50 C, and turn off when the hot end temperature is below
50 C. Both fans run at the same speed and cannot be adjusted. The upper fan cools the hot
end and extruder motor so that heat from the hot end does not rise up and cause the filament
to melt inside the extruder drive. The upper fan should never be disconnected or turned off
while the hot end is above 50 C. The lower fan cools the layers of the printed part quickly to
allow for spherical and non-supported shapes to be printed. The lower fan may be turned off
before or during print using the quick disconnect on its wiring. Some part geometries may
print better without the lower fan.
Print Board Assembly
The print board assembly is located in the center of the printer. The print board itself is held
in place by three clamps, one in the front and two in the rear. While the two clamps at the
rear are fixed in place, the front clamp can slide out by loosening the blue thumb screw that
locks it in place, which allows the print board to be removed. The print board should always
be securely locked in place while printing and the print board should always be removed
before removing a part from the print board. The print board is mounted to the print board
plate via the clamps. The print board plate is held in place by three red thumb screws that
are used to adjust the level of the print board with respect to the hot end. For more
information on board leveling please see Section VI. The print board plate and print board
move along the Y-axis rail toward the front and rear of the printer. The entire print board
assembly moves up and down along the Z-axis via the Z-axis lead screw. For the best results,
the print board assembly should be approximately 2” or more below the hot end before
starting a print.
Extruder
Motor
Print Board
Assembly
Hot End
