UltiMaker 3D Printer Guide

🛑 Important Reminders (Read First)

• 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 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:

• Fusion 360 – Great for parametric design and functional parts. We have Student Fusion Access, you could acces via https://www.autodesk.com/uk/education/edu-software/overview#FSN
• Rhino – Ideal for complex, freeform modeling with great STL control
• Tinkercad – Browser-based and beginner-friendly

❌ 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

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 (or Get Extensions) > Search: “3D Print Toolbox”) It helps detect non-manifold edges, intersecting faces, and other print issues. If you could't get it installed, please update your blender to a newer version (4.2+).https://extensions.blender.org/add-ons/print3d-toolbox/
9. Export as STL, and name it use your slack name Use 3D Print Add-ons > 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