How to Successfully 3D Print

Video can be found here:

1. The 3D model you choose must be an STL (Standard Tessellation Language) file.

2. You can get this STL file from 3D modeling software after designing your part, or you could find a file online to use.

1. Cura Ultimaker is free software that transfers your 3D object into a tool path that the 3D printer can follow. The software can be found here: https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura

2. Once you open Cura Ultimaker, you must input the type of 3D printer you have. This will give the software knowledge on how large of a print area you have, and how fast your object is going to print.

3. Next, open your STL file in Cura Ultimaker.

1. Orient your object in Cura Ultimaker, using the move, rotate, scale, and other functions, to give the object a strong base to connect to the bed and try to minimize the number of supports produced. Minimizing the number of supports is important because it will save you both time and material.
2. Supports are computer-generated structures that aid the object in a proper print. They are used when the object has hanging parts that need support during the printing process.

3. Next, in the top right corner of Cura Ultimaker select the resolution/profile, and infill you want. As well as whether you want a gradual infill, supports, and adhesion. Resolution/Profile is how finely the 3D object will be printed. Infill is how much material will print on the interior of the object. Gradual infill means that as the print goes on, more material will be added to the interior of the object. Supports are the material stated above, you have an option to turn them off or on. And if you select adhesion, it creates a pad for your object so it can connect to the bed easier. The pad can then be easily broken off. This option would be good if you do not have a good base for your object.

1. Insert whatever transfer method your 3D printer has into your computer. Then in the bottom right corner after you have sliced the 3D model, save the file to either the 3D printer or the removable device.

1. Level the bed. This is arguably one of the most important steps. Because if you do not, the extruder (where the plastic comes out) can either be too close or too far away from the bed, causing the print to fail.

2. To level the bed, first lower the bed, then have the 3D printer go to “home”. Home is point 0,0,0 on the 3D axis. If you do these steps inversely, the bed could be too high, and as the printer returns to 0,0,0 causing the extruder to scratch the bed and potentially cause damage to itself.

3. Once the 3D printer is at home, you want to disable the motors, that way you can move the extruder freely. If you do not disable the motors, you could damage them by causing them to move while they are stationary.
4. Once the extruder is at home, and the motors are disabled. Move the extruder to each corner of the bed and slightly raise the bed. You want to stop raising the bed when you can pull a piece of paper between the bed and the extruder but are not able to push it in. Do this for all corners of the bed.

1. Different printers have different programs. Try looking at your manual, or searching up online, how to properly select and start the correct 3D model.

1. Adjust the temperature of the bed and the extruder, that way the plastic can easily release from the extruder and bond with the bed. This information can often be found in the description of the filament you are using. If not, the recommended temperature for your bed is between 55-65 degrees Celsius (131-149 degrees Fahrenheit), and the temperature of the extruder should be between 195-210 degrees Celsius (383-410 degrees Fahrenheit). Warning: The bed and the extruder can be extremely hot when brought up to temperature. Use caution and avoid contact with the extruder and prolonged contact with the bed, as contact can cause injury. Make sure that the first layer of the print secures well to the bed, and the height of the bed is in the right location. If no plastic comes out, lower the bed. If the plastic comes out but does not bond to the bed, raise the bed. Sometimes you can make these adjustments during the first layer of the print. If not, stop the print and restart after making the correct adjustments.

1. Once the print is finished, wait till the bed cools down, then remove your object. If you remove the object before the bed cools down, this can cause slight deformation in your object.