Going from unboxing to printing with the Pulse is an easy and intuitive process. We've gone ahead and put together some handy guides to get you started and on your way into the 3D printing community.

Have a different model of the Pulse than the one you see in this guide? Download the previous version of our Getting Started Guide at the bottom of the page.

Hardware Setup

The Pulse is neatly prepped and packed for shipping to ensure that your 3D printer is securely held in the box and only requires a couple steps to set up the hardware.

Step 1 - Unboxing

  • Remove printer and accessories from the packaging (LCD is an optional upgrade - not included with all Pulse models).
  • Visually inspect for any damage that may have occurred in shipping.

Pulse XE 3D printer with filament spool and included accessories

What's in the box

Step 2 - Remove RED Zip Ties

  • Cut and remove RED zip ties. These help protect your printer during shipping. (A)
  • DO NOT cut or remove any BLACK zip ties; they are used for wire management and are meant to remain in place.

Tightening a zip tie on a 3D printer extruder carriage

Location of red zip ties can be found on the tool head, the back of the printer, the front of the printer, and on the LCD control panel interface (if one was purchased).

Step 3 - Mount Screen (Optional Upgrade - Skip to Step 4)

  • Slide the screen into place as shown. (B)
Sliding the LCD control panel interface onto the printer’s front dovetail mounts
Slide the LCD Control Panel Interface straight down onto the two dovetail mounts located in the front of the printer.

Step 4 - Attach Spool Holder Rod

  • Slide the spool holder rod into place as shown. (C)

Hand attaching a 3D printed handle to a desktop 3D printer

Slide the spool holder rod in the designated slot located on side of the power supply.

Step 5 - Connect the Power Supply

  • Connect the power supply to your Pulse. (A)
    • Make sure that the power adapter coming from the Pulse isn't coming through the wires that go to the bed.
  • Turn the power switch on. (B)
Pressing the Pulse 3D printer power button

Connecting power and turning on Pulse.

Step 6 - Plug USB Cable Into Pulse

  • Locate the USB input on the back of your Pulse 3D printer and plug the USB cable in. (C)
  • DO NOT plug the USB cable into your computer yet. Doing so may cause difficulties with the initial connection setup.

Step 7 - Clear the Bed

  • Every Pulse 3D printer is tested before it is shipped out. Remove the test print from the bed. (D)
Plugging in USB cable and removing test print from 3D printer bed

Plug USB and remove test print.

That wraps up the unboxing of your Pulse. From here, you are ready to setup and connect your Pulse to MatterControl.

Connecting Your Pulse to MatterControl.

Now that your Pulse is removed from the box and things are settled on the hardware side of things, it's time to set up the software. Head on over to "MatterControl Setup for Pulse" to get a quick rundown of installing and setting up MatterControl, the software that Pulse is designed to be paired with.

MatterControl 3D printing software download page with laptop interface and Pulse 3D printer

What's Next?

With both hardware and software setup, you're ready to go to start printing. Head on over to the "Starting Your First 3D Print on Your Pulse" to dive into load material, setting up your bed surface, and starting a test print.

As always, we've got your back.

We don't expect you to run into any problems, but if you do, please do not hesitate to contact a MatterHackers Technician at support@matterhackers.com or by phone at (949) 613-5838. We're here to help!

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