Ultimaker

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Ultimaker 2 Lab Guide:

Help!

For help and if you have an emergency find a lab tech in HH1. Call them on the phone. DO NOT attempt to repair a machine on your own. If it is outside business, hours email them with photos at facilities@doc.gold.ac.uk. Also, place a note on the broken machine so no one else uses it.

Step-by-step refresher:

export your model as an ".stl" file from your CAD package.
load the ".stl" file into Cura software
tune your settings (layer thickness, infill, wall thickness, supports, etc.)
check your model in layer view and make sure your output is in line with your expectations (supports are where you want them to be, wall thickness and infill are appropriate, brim/raft is positioned correctly, etc.)
check your print time and make sure it's reasonable and in line with your 3D printing experience. Basic rule of thumb - your first print should not be longer than 30 minutes, and every following one can double the time.
save your print to the SD card
put the card in the printer
make sure the filament is loaded and there's enough of it on the spool
make sure the bed is clean and dust and fingerprint-free
start the print
watch the "initialisation poo". if it's nice and smooth - your chances are high on successful print. if it's blobby or didn't happen at all - expect trouble.
watch the first 3-4 layers closely and make sure they stick well to the bed.
if you're happy with the way things look at this point - leave a written note with your contact details and the start time of the print next to the printer and you're free to go.
after your print is done - give it time to cool down. don't try prying it off the print bed with force. If you have to yank it - it's not cool enough.
finish off your model using hand tools, such as micro files, de-burrer, sharp knife.

Filament for printing

You can get it for free from HH1. If you want to use your own material, it must be signed off on first by the lab staff.

For longer / bigger jobs

For overnight and longer than 3 hours prints - special arrangements need be made with the lab staff.
Simultaneous use of multiple printers - only on prior arrangements with the lab staff.

RTFM

See the Ultimaker Guide next to the printer for step by step guidance on each part of your process. DO NOT level the bed yourself. Ask for help.

This guide can also be found online here: https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/157-unboxing

Basic Printing check list:

When you have a model

Have you checked to see if your model is error free?

Slicing in Cura

Start off by using the auto settings.

For more info on how to tweak Cura see here: https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/21932-mastering-cura

Before you press print

Is the platform clean?
Is the platform level? If not, get help for leveling it from HH1.
Do you have enough filament?
Is the type of filament set correctly on the printer?
Do you have enough time to complete the print? (sometimes UM can display errant print times, especially for longer prints. Refer to the indication Cura gave you during slicing.)

After you press print

Watch your print for at least 10 minutes to make sure it's working and the print is sticking to the bed correctly.

When the print is done:

Wait 10-15 minutes after the print is complete and the model is properly cooled down. DO NOT yank your print off the bed. You can damage it. It should lift off seamlessly when you remove it with no effort at all.
If you have to YANK it - it's NOT COOL enough.

Is your print failing?

It could be your model. See the troubleshooting guide. That said, DO NOT try and "fix" the printer on your own. If any solution suggests adjusting the machine, get help at HH1. Remember, everyone needs these machines in good working state. https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/troubleshooting/3d-prints Also, a word on supports here https://www.3dhubs.com/talk/thread/best-printing-practices-ultimaker

What software can I use to make models in?

The most popular options are by far Blender, 123D and Fusion 360.

Get the software for slicing your model for the ultimaker:

https://ultimaker.com/en/products/cura-software

Designing for printing

https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/22015-designing-for-printability

Design Guidelines:

The print must fit in a 20x20x20cm cube. It is best to lay the model flat vs to print it standing in most cases. Overhangs can be problematic in models. Think about how the model extrudes layer by layer. If something it really far from its center of mass, the print might need supports to actually print correctly. See the Cura manual for more info https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/20406-installation-cura-2-1

Glossary of terms:

https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/22055-glossary

Tips

Layer thickness should never be more than 80% of the nozzle diameter (which is currently 0.4mm), as the deposited fused filament will not stick enough to the previous layer. You need it to be squashed a bit into the previous layer so that your part does not delaminate in the end.

student questions:

stl data format , triangular vs quad meshes???
STL: "An STL file describes a raw unstructured triangulated surface by the unit normal and vertices (ordered by the right-hand rule) of the triangles using a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. STL coordinates must be positive numbers, there is no scale information, and the units are arbitrary."