UltiMaker 3D Printer Guide

🛑 Important Reminders (Read First)


3D Printing Workflow Manual

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

📌 Workflow Overview

  1. CAD Export – Save your model as .STL or .OBJ
  2. Install Cura – Download and install Ultimaker Cura
  3. Slice in Cura – Import, adjust slicing settings
  4. Export G-code – Save file named after your Slack ID
  5. Prepare USB – Format to FAT32, save .gcode
  6. Pre-Print Self Check – Inspect setup and hardware
  7. Monitor First Layers – Watch first layers carefully
  8. Post-Print – Cooldown, safe removal, clean up

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. CAD Software Recommendation

Use CAD tools optimized for 3D printing:

❌ Avoid Maya and Blender:

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


2. CAD Export


3. Install Ultimaker Cura


4. Slice in Cura


5. Export G-code


6. Prepare USB


7. Pre-Print Self-Check

⚠️ 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


9. Post-Print Safety & Cleanup


Blender for 3D Printing would be harder but not banned, here are some Key Considerations

  1. Use Manifold Geometry. Ensure the model is watertight—no holes, loose edges, or non-manifold geometry.
  2. Set Correct Units. Set the unit system to Metric and choose millimeters to match most slicers and printers. (Scene Properties > Units)
  3. Apply Scale & Transforms. Use Ctrl+A to apply Scale, Rotation, and Location before exporting.
  4. Model with Thickness. Avoid zero-thickness surfaces. All parts of your model must have physical volume.
  5. Normals Facing Outward Recalculate normals so all faces point outward. (Edit Mode > Select All > Shift+N)
  6. Check Wall Thickness. Thin parts may not print well. Minimum recommended wall thickness is usually 0.8mm to 1.2mm, depending on the printer.
  7. Avoid Too Much Detail. Overly fine details may not appear well on small prints.
  8. Use 3D Print Toolbox Add-on. Enable this built-in add-on: (Edit > Preferences > Add-ons > Search: “3D Print Toolbox”) It helps detect non-manifold edges, intersecting faces, and other print issues.
  9. Export as STL, and name it use your slack name Use File > Export > STL
  10. Check “Selection Only” if you only want to export the active object.
  11. Test in Slicer Software, Import the STL into Cura to preview printability and generate G-code

Revision #6
Created 1 May 2025 11:23:26 by Yuwei Chen
Updated 7 May 2025 14:44:19 by Yuwei Chen