Ultimaker FDM 3D Printing DIY Guide

If at any point you need help, find a Volunteer! They can help you set up your print, change materials, and provide recommendations to achieve the best results! 

Important Information on Using the Ultimakers

  1. The Ultimaker 3D printers may only be used by trained individuals, or under the supervision of a trained volunteer or the Maker Hub Manager.

  2. Only Maker Hub Volunteers are allowed to change filaments and conduct machine maintenance.

  3. The Maker Hub is proud to provide filament for free to its users. In order to keep this sustainable, we ask that you provide your own filament or reimburse the Maker Hub if you require large amounts of material (over 500g) for your project. The suggested donation is $10 per 500g used. Payments can be made to the Maker Hub Venmo.

  4. Print jobs must be kept under 18 hours unless given express permission by a Maker Hub Volunteer.

  5. Visitors are limited to using one printer at a time unless given express permission by a Maker Hub Volunteer.

 

Ultimaker 3D Printing Guide

Set Printer, Materials, and Arrange your Model

  1. Email your model to gtownmakerhub@gmail.com for downloading. Then open it in UltiMaker Cura.

  2. In the lower left corner, rename your print job with the format NetID_model name.

  3. Select the correct printer model from the dropdown on the top left of Cura.

  4. Confirm the materials shown in Cura match the materials loaded in the 3D printer.

  5. Use the tools on the left of the window to translate, rotate, and scale your model as appropriate.

Set the Slicer Settings

  1. If using the Ultimaker S3, choose a Profile. The profiles set various default values according to the use case of your part. The other Ultimaker machines do not have this feature.

  2. Set the Resolution.

    1. Thinner layers will result in higher detail, but a longer print time.

    2. Thicker layers will result in a stronger and faster print, but less detailed.

  3. Set Infill Density.

    1. 5 - 20% | Non-functional parts: For pieces that are not functional or do not need to withstand force, such as a display model or presentation prototypes.

    2. 20 - 40% | Light-use parts: For functional parts which will undergo some force, a moderate level of infill provides nearly the same strength as a solid part at a reduced material cost.

    3. 40 - 80% | Heavy-use parts: For parts that must withstand significant force. Studies have shown that increasing infill above 80% has rapidly diminishing returns on strength.

  4. Choose Infill Pattern.

    1. For the fastest prints: line, zig zag, lightning.

    2. For light-use parts: grid, triangle, tri hexagon.

    3. For heavy-use parts: cubic, cubic subdivision, quarter cubic, octet, gyroid.

  5. Set Shell Thickness. The default settings are generally acceptable. Change them as necessary.

  6. Enable Supports if needed. If your model has overhangs larger than 45-degrees, you may need to use supports. Overhangs that require support are highlighted by Cura in red.

  7. Enable Adhesion if needed. Enable this feature if your model has a very small or very large connection to the build plate. For small models, this setting helps make sure the print sticks to the build plate. For large models, this setting helps minimize warping due to thermal contraction as the model cools. Bed contact is highlighted in Cura with a light blue color.

Start your print!

  1. Click the Slice button on the bottom right. Cura will now render the code used by the 3D printers.

  2. Start the print by clicking “Print via Cloud” if using an Ultimaker S3 or Ultimaker 3, or by transferring the file via SD card if using an Ultimaker 2+.

  3. Click “OK” to send the print job to 3Dprintinglog.com, select the 3D printer you are using, and then click “Save” when Chrome opens a new tab.