This article contains some of the most frequently asked questions about Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer that we have received at Micro Center. This article aims to answer common setup and assembly related questions.
Q: Do I have to assemble the Ender 3 Pro?
A: The Ender 3 Pro comes partially assembled. However, there will be some parts that need to be put together. All assembly is extensively documented and included with the product.
Q: Can I use an SD card to print with this printer?
A: Yes, you can use an SD card to print files from.
Q: How do I print from an SD card?
A: To print from an SD card, insert the SD card into the SD card slot at the front left of the printer. Choose Print from SD on the on-screen menu and then select the file you wish to print.
Q: Can I print over my network?
A: Officially the Ender 3 Pro does not support network printing. You can however use third-party software such as OctoPrint to enable wireless printing using a Raspberry Pi. You can find instructions for OctoPrint on the manufacturer's website. However, keep in mind this is not supported by the manufacturers of the printer. As such, Micro Center Tech Support is limited in troubleshooting anything concerning wireless printing if you run into issues with this.
Q: Can I print with a USB cable?
A: You can print via USB with a USB A cable to a USB Mini B cable. This cable is not included with the printer as printing via the SD card is the recommended method. However, you can pick up one of these cables at your local Micro Center.
Q: Can I print with TPE / TPU or other flexible filaments?
A: As this printer has a Bowden style extruder, it is not recommended to print with flexible filaments. Due to its design, it will typically end in a failed print and serious clogging of the extruder.
Q: Does this printer automatically level the bed?
A: There is no automation in the bed leveling. It must be done manually. To level the bed, select Prepare, then Auto Home. After the printer finishes homing, choose Prepare, then Disable Steppers. This will allow you to move the extruder assembly so that you can properly level the bed.
Q: How do I level the bed after disabling the steppers?
A: Move the extruder to the four corners of the bed one at a time. Push the extruder assembly as low as it will go towards the bed. You should be able to place a piece of printing paper in-between the nozzle and the bed with the nozzle lightly scratching the paper. Adjust the knobs underneath the bed as needed. There will be 4, one in each corner.
Q: How do I load my filament?
A: You can load your filament by selecting Prepare on the on-screen menu, then Preheat PLA, or Preheat ABS depending on which filament you are using. Next press and hold down the extruder level and insert your 1.75mm filament through the hole of the extruder. Continue feeding until you see filament come out of the nozzle.
Q: I’m not using PLA or ABS, how do I load filament?
A: If you need to select a different temperature to preheat the printer to, select Control on the on-screen menu, then Temperature, then Nozzle, and change this to the desired value. From there you will load the filament as normal.
Q: How do I unload filament?
A: Heat up the nozzle to the melting point of the filament you are using, press down the lever on the extruder, and pull the filament out quickly, ensuring you don’t let it cool down in the extruder and clog it.
Q: I am using Cura, but I don’t see an option for the Ender 3 Pro, which printer do I select?
A: You will need to select Creality CR-10. Change the Printer Name to Ender-3 Pro, and change the X and Y values to 220, and the Z value to 250.
Q: What comes with the Ender 3 Pro?
A: The Ender Pro 3 comes with pliers, an extra nozzle, an 8GB SD card, pneumatic fittings for your filament loading tube, cable ties, a blade to remove models from the bed, various Allen keys for construction and maintenance, a needle to remove difficult clogs from the nozzle, a wrench, screwdriver, rack for the filament spool, and a PTFE tube for guiding the filament into the hot end.
Q: What is the magnetic bed that is advertised for this printer?
A: The magnetic bed makes it much easier to remove prints. You can simply lift the bed off to remove your models. This makes it much easier to remove your prints and can make the bed last longer as you do not have to scrape off the models with the included blade.
Q: Where can I purchase replacement magnetic beds for this printer?
A: You can purchase replacement beds directly from Creality.
Q: What Power Supply Unit (PSU) is included with this printer? Is it reliable?
A: The power supply used with this printer is a Mean Well LRS-350-24. You can find exact specifications on this PSU on the manufacturer's website. It is advertised to fully preheat the printer within five minutes.
Q: Can the Ender 3 Pro resume printing after powering it off?
A: The Ender 3 Pro can resume printing after a loss of power. Whether your power goes out, or you simply need to pause and resume later, the Ender 3 Pro will remember the exact coordinates it was printing at last and will resume when power returns.
Q: What upgrades are available for the Ender 3 Pro?
A: There are quite a few upgrades you can purchase or simply print for the Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro. Creality has put together a list of those on their website, and unless otherwise specified they will work for both the Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro.
Q: I want to upgrade to a glass bed. Is this possible?
A: You can upgrade to a glass bed for the Ender 3 Pro directly from the manufacturer: https://www.creality3dofficial.com/products/creality-new-upgraded-heated-bed-build-plate-surface
Q: Can I download the source code, documentation, and software for the Ender 3 Pro?
A: The source code is available from the manufacturer's website at: https://www.creality.com/goods-detail/ender-3-pro-3d-printer
Q: What is the URL for the manufacturer's website?
A: As of the writing of this document, the manufacturer's website can be found at: https://creality.com/
