Cocoon Create

The Cocoon Create is an FDM 3D printer from Cocoon Create with a 200 x 200 x 180 mm build volume.

Specifications

The Cocoon Create 3D printer is a popular entry-level Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) machine, distributed widely in Australia and Europe through the ALDI supermarket chain. Underneath the Cocoon Create badge, the machine is a rebranded and slightly modified Wanhao Duplicator i3 (v2/v2.1). Released around 2015-2016, this printer became a staple of the RepRap DIY community, offering an all-metal frame structure at a highly competitive price point.

• Hotend: Single direct-drive extruder utilizing the MK10 configuration. The hotend features a brass heater block and a thermal barrier tube (heatbreak) lined with a PTFE tube that extends directly to the nozzle tip.

Calibration

Getting clean prints from the Cocoon Create requires performing these 8 calibration steps:

• Dual Z-Axis Gantry Alignment

Because the Z-axis is driven by two independent motors without mechanical synchronization, they can drift when the printer is powered down. Before tramming the bed, place identical spacer blocks (or plastic calibration blocks) under the left and right sides of the X-axis gantry. Turn one lead screw manually until both sides rest evenly on the spacers.

Common defects

• Hardware defects and mechanical weaknesses
• Fire Hazard: Melting Melzi Board Heated Bed Connectors: This is a critical design issue with 12V printers in this series. The heated bed draws 12-15 Amps through terminals on the Melzi mainboard. The stock screw terminals are underrated and can loosen over time. This increases resistance, causing the terminals to overheat, melt, and potentially catch fire.

What it is used for

Best Use-Cases

• Educational and DIY Learning: An entry-level machine for learning printer mechanics and firmware configuration through upgrading.
• Decorative Models and Mockups: Suitable for printing PLA-based display models, enclosures, and prototypes.
• Simple Household Fixtures: Brackets, organizers, and replacement parts printed in PLA or PETG.