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UltiMaker 3D Printer Guide 🌟🌟

Important Reminders (Read First)

  • Monitor the first few layers. Stay with the machine and watch the first 5 layers carefully (roughly 15~30 mins, depending on the size of your work). If you notice any issues, pause or abort the print on the machine.
  • Please name your file using your Slack name. Students are responsible for the machine they are using, improper setup can cause damage or fire, so if we can’t identify you, your print will be paused or canceled.
  • Always wear gloves when touching the build platform or removing prints, please.
  • Double-check that the build platform is correctly reinstalled — all four alignment holes must match precisely. Misalignment can damage the printer.
  • Not confident or unsure? Please ask a Technician before printing.

3D Printing Workflow Manual

From Modelling to USB Printing with UltiMaker Cura. Applies to: UltiMaker Cura users and USB-compatible 3D printers (e.g., UltiMaker series).

📌 Workflow Overview

Get a Laptop and a USB drive ready

  1. Design your model
  2. CAD Export – Export your model as .STL or .OBJ
  3. Install Cura – Download and install Ultimaker Cura
  4. Slice in Cura – Import, adjust slicing settings
  5. Printing ProfileSave your frequently used print setting as a new customer profile for quick setting up
  6. Backup – Save the file separately as .3mf further editing
  7. Export as yourSlackName.ufp – Save the file named after your SlackName.ufp before saving it to your USB drive, and the USB drive shouldn’t be bigger than 16GB, or the Ultimaker printers won’t recognise it.
  8. Pre-Print Self Check – Follow wiki to inspect setup and hardware
  9. Monitor the first few layers – Monitor the first few layers, stay with the machine and watch the first 5 layers carefully. If you notice any issues, pause or abort the print on the machine.
  10. Post-Print – Cooldown, safe removal with Gloves, cleanup

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. CAD Software Recommendation

Use CAD tools optimized for 3D printing:

❌ Avoid Maya and Blender:

  • They’re built for animation/VFX, not solid modeling, so objects might not be closed properly, or may not be watertight.
  • Blender lacks parametric accuracy and often produces non-manifold meshes.

Tip: Choose tools built for precision modeling to reduce printing errors.

2. CAD Export

  • Export as .STL, or .OBJ
  • Recommended format: .STL
  • Ensure correct unit scale (preferably millimeters)

3. Install Ultimaker Cura

  • Download from: ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura
  • Add your printer model (e.g., Ultimaker S7)
  • Set Material 1 to: White PLA AA0.8 (for a fast prototyping) or White PLA AA0.4 (for the final projects), check the available machines' nozzle sizes before exporting your print.
  • Need different materials? Please speak with a Technician

4. Slice in Cura

  • Import your model into Cura.
  • Default settings may not work for most models. Adjust them by clicking on the settings bar in the top-right corner.
  • Choose Fast for PLA prototyping and Normal for finer printing.
  • Consider whether your model needs support. If it does, enable it using the support toggle.
  • Click on Show Custom to access and adjust advanced settings such as layer height, supports, and speed.
  • If using PLA, set the printing temperature to 215 °C and speed to 80–110 mm/s.
  • If using PVA, set the printing temperature to 225 °C and speed to 35–50 mm/s.
  • For more guidance, use the “Settings Guide” plugin (Main page > Top right corner > Marketplace > Search) or speak to a technician.
  • Preview the slice before exporting (PREVIEW page – top center).
  • Check in X-ray view (PREVIEW page – top center > View type – top left corner > X-Ray view):
    • If everything is blue, it's likely safe to print.
    • If there are red areas, return to your 3D modeling software to fix any issues.

5. Export as yourslackname.ufp

  • Save your file as .3mf for further editing, .ufp for printing
  • 🔔 Filename format: yourSlackSame_modelMame.gcode
  • Unnamed or unclear files will be paused or cancelled

6. Prepare USB

  • Save .ufp file to the root directory
  • Bring it to the Lab

7. Pre-Print Self-Check

  • Confirm bed leveling — all 4 holes must be in their positions
  • Ensure the nozzles are clean and not clogged. If there is something wrong, please let the technician know and choose another machine to use
  • Load the filament; verify material matches
  • Carefully install the build platform — all 4 holes must be in their positions

⚠️ If unsure, ask a Technician – improper setup can cause damage or fire, and the user would be responsible for that.

8. Monitor the First 5 Layers

  • Insert the USB stick into the printer, choose your model, and start to print.
  • Watch the print until a few layers are complete, users are responsible for not damaging the machine
  • Check:
    • Adhesion to bed
    • No warping or dragging
  • If issues occur, pause immediately and contact a Technician

9. Post-Print Safety & Cleanup

  • Wait for the bed to cool down for few minutes
  • Always wear gloves if you need to touch the platform
  • Gently remove the model and/or build plate
  • Return tools and platform exactly as found
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