It is almost impossible to print out any information by connecting your 3D printer to a personal computer. However, if you’re not a tech geek, you might find it quite challenging to find your way around connecting your laptop to the Ender 3.
While it is easy to plug in a USB cable to your computer, configuring the printer often seems a bit challenging for many users. Nonetheless, the process is pretty easy, and with the proper steps, you will have the Ender 3 configured to your system in no time. With all that being said, let’s look at how to connect Ender 3 to PC without any issue.
Creality offers the Ender series in different models depending on your choice. Each model comes with a few differences and upgrades that separate them. Let’s take a look at how to connect Creality Ender 3 to PC.
The Ender 3 v2 was produced shortly after the release of the Ender 3, which makes it a successor and better version of the Creality Ender 3. However, there are some similarities between both devices. One of such similar features includes the print volume, which is quite identical, coming at 220 by 220 by 250 millimeters.
When figuring out how to connect Ender 3 v2 to PC, you will need slicing software like Cura, the most popular slicer provider around for configuration. Since the Ender 3 v2 comes with a USB port, the most apparent connection mode would be to use a USB cable. This will allow you to operate the 3D printer with your PC via USB.
The Creality software will detect your Ender 3 v2 once you set up your profile and turn the printer. It may take about a few minutes to an hour for your PC to recognize the device before the “Monitor” tab appears.
For the final step, you’ll need a slicer like Cura to configure your 3D printer to your system before you go ahead to print.
Overall, the Ender 3V2 packs more upgrades and functions than the Ender 3 at an extra cost.
When we consider the Ender 3 Pro vs. Ender 3 v2, one notable difference that stands out is the USB port. The Ender 3 pro uses a Mini-USB port compared to the micro-USB port we get on the V2. Mini USBs are pretty outdated, which means you get a slower connection and transfer speed using this 3D printer.
The Ender 3 Pro is a perfect printer for beginners looking to familiarize themselves with 3D printing. However, if you have this 3D printer, you’ll need to know how to connect Ender 3 Pro to PC.
This connection process is pretty simple. The first step is to connect the mini-USB cable to your Ender 3 Pro and attach it to the USB port of your computer. Once you connect it, you will see a message pop up on your PC screen indicating the detection of your 3D printer. It will take a while for the drivers to install on your computer.
The next step is to install slicing software on your PC. Cura and Slic3r are the most popular slicers around and support most 3D printers.
Before printing, you’ll have to add your 3D printer to your slicer, which is the next step. You will see a box that shows the “add a printer” option. This will display a list of detected printers; select your Ender 3 Pro, and you are good to go.
The final step is printing your file. All you have to do here is select the file you wish to print from your folder. Ensure your computer is turned on throughout the process.
The Ender 3 S1 is a more significant upgrade to the Ender 3 v2. While most people look to the Ender series as a go-to 3D printer, Creality has offered customers a modern feel of the Ender 3 S1.
The design, base, and overall frame are some features that separate this 3D printer from its predecessor. With dual z motors and belts, you get a more premium Ender model with better and more advanced functions. The setup process is also the same as the previous models.
The Ender 3 S1 is arguably the best Creality 3D printer available compared to previous models.
The Ender 3 Max pretty much follows the same procedure and connection process as the other Ender models. However, it would be best to remember that you must get Creality software that supports the Ender max version. This software is available on the official website of Creality.
3D printing is becoming quite popular. Many industries are looking to create more 3D printing applications to revolutionize society Trusted Source 10 Exciting Applications Of 3D Printing That Could Revolutionize Industry And Society Tech leaders see plenty of reasons to be optimistic—even excited—about the potential of 3D technology, which they say could revolutionize industries ranging from healthcare to housing as well as the ways consumers access needed goods. www.forbes.com . It also serves as an excellent hobby for children of various ages. You can now get the best 3D printer for kids at an affordable price.
Like most 3D printers, the Ender 3 comes with a USB port for conventional use and easy connection. However, you will need a few necessary hardware to connect this 3D printer to your personal computer.
The required hardware for this configuration process include:
Luckily for you, the Ender 3 comes with a micro-SD card to help you get started with a storage option that allows you to load new prints, save files, and documents. The Ender 3 series uses a regular micro-SD card that is quite popular and easy to use.
While the Ender series comes with a micro-SD card, you will need to purchase an SD card reader to save your files. This reader will allow you to access the details of your SD card on your PC. You can proceed to print from your SD card through the following steps:
An SD card reader helps you insert an SD card into your PC and read the files on it. Since almost no computer system comes with an SD card port, you will require an SD card reader to access the files located in the SD card.
The Ender 3 comes with a USB port for connectivity. Many devices use the connection port. This makes the micro-USB cable a commonly used cable which Creality adopted alongside their 32-bit mainboards for easy access.
Therefore, you will have to get either a micro USB cable that will connect your 3D printer to your computer. This cable is available in most electronics outlets, and you can pick one up at an affordable fee. However, you must get one with a good length that connects your 3D printer to your system without difficulty.
For instance, if your desktop computer is further away from the printer, you may require a longer cable. With a laptop, the length of the cable may not be relevant as you could place the 3D printer next to your computer system. However, it would be best to keep the device far away from your system as the heat emanating from the 3D printer could cause issues for your PC. 3D printers tend to get pretty hot, so you wouldn’t want anything around you catching fire. Note that they also may be harmful to humans Trusted Source 3D Printers May Be Toxic To Humans The chemical by-products and particles that are released into the environment during the printing process can build up the longer the process takes and some are small enough that they can infiltrate the lungs, causing damage. www.forbes.com
Your 3D printer cannot function without a computer system. The Ender 3 works on both desktop and laptop computers as they both come with Micro USB ports for connection. As long as you have a PC available, you can start using your 3D printer after configuration.
Once all necessary hardware is in place, you will need to install some software on your computer to be able to transfer prints to your Ender 3. This software is also necessary for the configuration process. You can get this software from the official Creality website Trusted Source Creality Leading 3D Printer Supplier & Manufacturer | Creality 3D Creality 3D is a professional 3d printer manufacturer, specializing in integrating 3d printing software research, 3d printer design, and 3d printer distributing & reselling as a whole. We encourage everyone to join Creality 3D to learn more about 3d printing and enjoy the convenience of technology. www.creality.com .
From the Ender 3 Pro to the V2 and Max, Creality has designed compatible software for each Ender model. After getting Creality software for your Ender model, you get program software. This software is called slicing software.
A slicing software doesn’t design print but reads your 3D design in a standard format like STL. For this purpose, you will need to get the best slicing software that reads and processes 3D print design files accurately. You must ensure that you get software that supports your Ender 3 model.
3D printers can be a little tricky sometimes, leading to encountering a few problems. If you are experiencing any connection issue, you can try out a few options to rectify this issue.
While you get a USB port for easy connection, the Ender 3 sadly does not offer a direct Wi-FiWi-Fi connection option. However, the Ender 3 Pro and V2 both support a wireless connection by using a few software combinations.
These software combinations include a Raspberry Pi & AstroBox combination or a Raspberry Pi & OctoPrint software combination.
If you cannot install this software, you can opt for a Wi-FiWi-Fi SD card or use a Creality Wi-FiWi-Fi Cloud Box for a better connection.
While printing, you may experience interruption during the process. A lot of factors could be responsible for this. One of the things you should check is the state of your computer system.
The duration your PC stays awake plays a part in the printing process. So if your computer enters sleep mode while printing, your 3D printing will pause and only continue when you turn it on. This mode makes your printing process take longer to complete.
It would help if you turned off the sleep mode or extended the display duration to prevent any halt to your printing process.
Another trick you can do is switching the 3D printer off or disconnecting it, then restart. If the issue persists, try closing your slicer program (Cura) before turning it on, then reconnect and open it again. This should refresh the memory, and you should have no connection issues.
The video below shows how to reconnect your Ender 3D printer to the slicer.
The Ender 3 series provides one of the most affordable printer options with exciting features for your designs and printing. Thanks to the various available models, you get several 3D printer options for your printing. And with our guide on how to connect Ender 3 to PC, you will have no problems setting up this printer for your use.
