About a year ago my wife bought an Creality Ender 3 Pro 3d printer for me from MicroCenter, with a coupon she spent $99+tax. I left it sitting on a shelf for months because I figured, “how good can it be for $99”, but a few months back I decided to build it and give it a try.
I have built a couple of 3d printers from scratch and spent a lot of time doing upgrades to the printers that I have, so I didn’t expect too many issues with the printer. However, putting this printer together was surprisingly easy. If you are feeling intimidated about building your first 3d printer, don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through the process and share some tips and tricks to help make it easier.
Before you start, make sure that you have all the parts and tools needed to build your Ender 3 Pro. You should have received everything in the box, but just double-check to make sure. Also, you’ll need a few tools, including a set of hex keys, diagonal cutters, pliers, and a screwdriver set.
Step 1: Assemble the base frame
The first step is to assemble the base frame of the printer. Follow the instructions carefully and use the hex keys to tighten all the screws. Make sure the frame is sturdy, level and square before moving on to the next step. One thing that helped with this was that I put all of the screws in place slightly loose then I used a square to check my corners before I finished tightening things down. Making a mistake at this stage can leave your Ender 3 Pro frame racked and your prints will come out skewed.
Step 2: Attach the gantry
Next, attach the gantry to the base frame. Again, carefully follow the instructions to insure everything is lined up correctly. The slightly loosened screws idea from above helps here as well, then when you have it lined up using the square you can tighten everything down using the hex keys and pliers. After you have finished this step you can use the diagonal cutters to snip off any extra zip tie length.
Step 3: Install the electronics
Now it’s time to install the control board and power supply. My Ender 3 Pro came with the v4.2.2 “silent” controller board; this board which has the 32-bit STM32F103 RET6 CPU and TMC2208 stepper drivers.
Carefully follow the instructions and take your time with this step; you want to make sure that you are grounded so no static discharge damages the control board. Also make sure that none of the cables get crimped or otherwise damaged. There is AC going into the PSU so there is a shocking hazard if you damage the cables. Confirm that all of the cables are going to their proper connectors and routed neatly and secured with zip ties so none wander into places where they can get damaged later.
Step 4: Attach the hotend and extruder
Attach the hotend and extruder to the gantry, following the instructions carefully. Use your hex keys to tighten any screws or bolts that need it.
Step 5: Level the bed
Finally, it is time to turn you printer on and set it up for printing. The first thing you will need to do is level the bed. This step is very critical; If your bed is too low your prints won’t stick to the bed. If your bed is too high, the nozzle can scrape on the bed and damage it. If it is not level you can have both of the above issues on a single print. For help leveling your printer you can go to my article: Leveling a 3D Printer Bed: Step-by-Step
That is it. If you have followed all of these steps your printer should be level and ready for your first print.
Remember, building a 3d printer may seem daunting and at times there can be some challenges, but it’s also rewarding. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. You can search online and find many upgrades for your Ender 3 Pro, which you can print on your printer. Happy Printing.
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