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Digital technologies/3D printing/Tutorial: How to 3D print (view source)
Revision as of 19:56, 19 June 2024
, 19 Juneno edit summary
This tutorial covers the necessary steps to take to use the Ultimaker series 3D printers at the Makerspace.
So, you've got an STL file that you’re ready to bring to life, or perhaps you're just here to experiment and have fun? Whether you're a newcomer to the Makerspace or just need a refresher, this guide will take you through the steps of 3D printing.
== Step-by-step 3D printing ==
So, you've got an STL file that you’re ready to bring to life, or perhaps you're just here to experiment and have fun?
Whether you're a newcomer to the Makerspace or just need a refresher, this guide will take you through the steps of 3D printing.
If you don't yet have an idea of what you want to print, we recommend looking through [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] for ready-to-print files and inspiration.
Print preparation
=== Print preparation ===
Once you have an .STL file, you now need to turn it into machine code that can be read by the 3D printer, a .gcode, using a slicer. We have Ultimaker 2+ printers, so you will need to use Ultimaker Cura. It’s free to install or you can use one of the computers in the Makerspace
Once you have an .STL file, you now need to turn it into machine code that can be read by the 3D printer, a .gcode, using a slicer. We have Ultimaker 2+ printers, so you will need to use Ultimaker Cura. It’s free to install or you can use one of the computers in the Makerspace (<nowiki>https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/#downloads</nowiki>).
==== Setting up Cura ====
# Use this button to access your files and bring in your .STL. It will automatically be centered on the build plate.
# Use this button to access your files and bring in your .STL. It will automatically be centered on the build plate.
# Once you're happy with your settings, you can press this slice button to convert the STL into a gcode. It will give you an accurate time estimate.
# Once you're happy with your settings, you can press this slice button to convert the STL into a gcode. It will give you an accurate time estimate.
=== Printing ===
Printing
To use a printer at the Makerspace, you need to sign in to the space and ask a staff member to use a printer. When you ask to use one of the printers, you will need to specify what nozzle size you want. You will receive an SD card and an identifying tag that tells you which printer is yours.
To use a printer at the Makerspace, you need to sign in to the space and ask a staff member to use a printer. When you ask to use one of the printers, you will need to specify what nozzle size you want. You will receive an SD card and an identifying tag that tells you which printer is yours.
# The print will be completed before the space closes
# The print will be completed before the space closes