This normal operations guide give instructions on typical operation of the machine, running through how to slicer a 3D file up to running a print job on the printer.
CAUTION All operators should thoroughly read and understand this guide before using the Pantheon HS3.
Index
Slicing a Part
Importing a Part
Pantheon Slicer 3 is compatible with the following file formats: .STL, .OBJ, .3MF, .AMF, .STEP, .STP
You can drag and drop files directly into the Pantheon Slicer window or use the add button or File→Import→Import 3MF… highlighted below.
Orienting a Part
You will need to rotate the part onto a face to print it, your part may import in the correct orientation already, but this step is often necessary
The Easiest way to do this is to use the Lay-on-face tool. Click your model, then click the Lay on face button. Faces will appear on your part, select the one you want contacting the bed and the object will rotate into place.
Material Selection
Printer, Filament and Process settings can be found on the left panel.
Important: An in-depth guide on slicer best practices is here, this is how the team at Pantheon uses the slicer Effectively Using Pantheon Slicer 3
Process / Filament Settings
Select the profile according to the material you are printing with. We have tuned these defaults to be effective for most applications.
Slicing and Exporting
Once you have imported a model, orientated it, and selected your process settings you can slice and export the file (.gcode).
Click the Slice plate button, then the Export G-code Button, and save the file.
You are now ready to upload and print on the HS3.
Upload G-Code to the Printer
On your web browser go to the URL of your printer.
On the web console click on the tab G-CODE FILES.
Click the Upload new G-Code button and select the .gcode file you want to print. You can also drag and drop into the G-Code Files.
The file will appear after a short time with a thumbnail of your part(s) and details about the G-Code file.
Preparing the Printer and Starting a Print
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znZBc9p6jvgLoading Filament
CAUTION You will be moving and heating up the machine in the following steps. Keep body parts out of and away from the machine while it is in motion, and use suitable gloves with interacting with heated components.
NOTICE If you’re swapping between materials, please follow Swapping Between Filament Types
Loading Filament Cartridge
Turn knob quarter-turn counter-clockwise and lift lid.
Load fresh desiccant if needed.
Load the filament spool onto the rollers.
Find the loose end of filament and feed into PTFE tube fitting at the top.
Close lid and turn knob quarter-turn clockwise.
TIP Monitor the filament cartridge humidity using the hygrometer. If it displays greater than 15% relative humidity after stabilizing for a few hours be sure the replace the desiccant.
Loading Printhead
Preheat the extruder using the front display, select the appropriate filament temperature.
Insert the PTFE tube into the port on HS3 right panel near upper rear corner.
Open HS3 lid to access printhead filament elbow, lift out of bearing holder and set aside.
Disconnect PTFE tube from filament cartridge if connected. Feed filament through PTFE tubing by hand until filament appears at the end of the elbow.
Reconnect PTFE tube to filament cartridge.
Fully insert filament into printhead until the end of travel.
If you are loading a different material than previously printed, complete these instructions before proceeding to the next step: Swapping Between Filament Types
If you are loading the same type of material or this is a brand new Hotend proceed to the next step.When the extruder is hot, select the load filament macro on the display. The printhead should now pull filament into the extruder. If you do not see any filament movement, manually feed the filament until you feel the extruder rollers grip.
Check to see material has been extruded at the nozzle. If no material is seen reselect the load filament macro again. Remove any extruded material and clean the nozzle. Minimal oozing is normal.
Reinsert the filament elbow. The printhead is now loaded and ready to print. Cooldown the printhead if you are not starting a print immediately.
NOTICE Avoid leaving the nozzle preheated for long durations as it burns the filament inside which may lead to clogs.
Start Print!
A print job can be started in one of two ways:
On the web console, navigate to the G-Code Files tab and select the job you would like to print. A window will pop up to confirm if you want to start.
On the HS3’s touchscreen, navigate too the Print menu then select the G-code job file and press start print.
Recommended
If the machine is cold, preheat the Extruder and Heater Bed to 100°C and allow it to heat for at least 5 minutes. This ensures the machine has time to thermally expand for better mesh leveling and a more perfect first layer.