How to Replace the Creatr Print Head Fans

Modified on: Tue, 19 Apr, 2016 at 3:42 PM

This applies to the Creatr Single Extruder, Dual Extruder, and XL models.

Should the front fans on the Creatr print head get damaged and need to be replaced, please use the following steps as a guide.

Please have the printer turned off to prevent risk of shock.

Unscrew the 8 corner screws on the 2 fans using a size 3mm Hex Key:

Unbind the wire bundle from the top of the print head and disconnect the 1, red and black-wired, fan connection:

Untangle the wire from the bundle, and pull the fan wires up from between the two motors:

With the fans loose, you can slide them out from the side of the print head. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF THE HOLE THAT THE FAN CONNECTOR FEEDS THROUGH AS YOU WILL HAVE TO FEED THE REPLACEMENT CONNECTOR THROUGH THE SAME HOLE.

With the replacement fans in hand, face the labels on the fans towards the back of the printer and slide them in from one side of the print head:

Letting one fan hang out one side of the print head and the other fan hang out of the other side,...

... use your fingers to feed the wire connector through the hole inside the print head fan compartment that you took notice of in STEP 04. Once it's through, pull it up and over the narrow space between the two motors. Then, pull the fan wires back down between the motors, feeding the wires through the narrow space.

Again making sure that the label on the replacement fans faces the back of the printer, insert them back into the print head fan compartment, and screw the 8 corner screws into the fans using the 3mm hex key tool.

Connect the fan wire connector back to the connection in the bundle, and wind the wire binding back around the wire bundle.

Turn the printer on and verify that the fans are working.

Here you can find a video on pretty much the whole process:

Congratulations on replacing the print head fans on your Creatr Printer.

Looking to purchase some replacement fans? This part can be purchased from our website in the replacement parts section. Please note each printer model has it`s own section:

http://www.lpfrg.com/en/products/supply/replacement-parts

We thank you for checking out our Leapfrog 3D Printer technical support solutions online! If you were unable to fine a solution in our database, please feel free to open a new support ticket by clicking the following link: I want to open a new support ticket.

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Part 1 of 3: Unpacking your Creatr

In this clip, you will be guided through the unpacking of a brand new Creatr. The unboxing along with the location of tie wraps which need to be removed are shown, as well as the process of a connecting the cables to the printer and computer.

Part 2 of 3: Software and configuration

In this clip, we will show you how to install the required software. The first step is to download and install the Arduino software to make it possible for your computer to connect with the printer. The next step is to download and install the Repetier Host Leapfrog software or that controlls your 3D printer. We have tried to make this as simple as possible and also provided direct downloading links per operating system.

SIMPLIFY 3D SOFTWARE
If you are using the new Simplify 3D software you can follow all the steps except for the Repetier-Host Leapfrog installation and using explanation. Simply download the software via the purchase link and before first use a pop-up will appear showing you the Simplify 3D Quick start guide. You can also download the Quick start guide or access it from the software via help –> Quick start guide. The quick start guide will briefly explain the functions of the software so that you can start your first print.

Please select you operating system and follow the descriptions in the movie.

Operating systemWindows

The first step is to download and install the Arduino software to make it possible for your computer to connect with the printer. The next step is to download and install the newest version of the Repetier Host Leapfrog software as shown in the clip. This software allows you to convert your 3D software file [STL for example] to a printable file [G-Code] and allows you to control your printer. The Repetier Host Leapfrog software contains standard Creatr Print Profiles. Just select the extruder, the filament material as well as the color and Repetier will automatically select the ideal print temperature providing you the best print quality possible. There is also a Leapfrog support button implemented in the software. A Mac version will be available soon.

If you have followed the installation procedure, but you can’t control your Leapfrog Creatr and the “6 commands waiting” message in Repetier-Host Leapfrog won’t disappear, you have to install the 2.8.28 drivers. Please see Solution can’t connect 6 commands waiting in Repetier-Host Leapfrog how to do so.

For a more thorough description of Slic3s settings please check this guide!

Windows 8
To install the Arduino drivers on a computer with Windows 8 follow these steps after downloading the Arduino software.

- Save unsaved work and write the instructions down
[your computer will reboot into startup options screen]
- Press the Windows Key and the ‘R’ key simultaneously
- Copy the command inside the brackets
–>[ shutdown.exe /r /o /f /t 00 ] – Select ‘Troubleshoot’
- Select ‘Advanced options’
- Select ‘Startup Settings’
- Select ‘Disable Driver Signature Enforcement’
- Install driver as usual via device manager

Mac

In this clip, we will explain you how you can generate a STL file using Sketchup. We show you what to download and how to export your design in STL.

Part 3 of 3: Making your first print!

In this final clip, the process of creating your first print will be explained. This starts with removing the callibration print that is already on the print bed. How to insert the filament and operate the Repetier Host Leapfrog software is also shown, which should culminate in your first 3D Print on the Creatr!

Google sketchupHow to export STL files from Sketchup

The first step is to download and install the Arduino software to make it possible for your computer to connect with the printer. You will then need to in stall this driver for OSX to recognize the hardware.

The next step is to download the Repetier software as shown in the clip. This software allows you to convert your 3D software file [STL for example] to a printable file [G-Code] and allows you to control your printer. We have developed standard print profiles for the Creatr. Please follow the instructions below to install the print profiles for Mac [not yet included in the video]:

- Download This file
- Go to your Home Folder on Mac and select “Go to Folder” from the Go Menu en type “Library/Application Support/Slic3r/” - Unzip the file you just downloaded and dump the contents in the Slic3r folder, it will replace your existing settings. If you want to keep your current settings as well, take the contents from each folder and put this in the same folder in the Home/Libaray/App../Slic3r folder.

Download instructions by Deepak Dinesh Mehta For a more thorough description of Slic3s settings please check this guide!

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