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Library Makerspace

This is the guide to the Library Makerspace

3D Printer

Guide

To use the 3D printer you'll need to have your 3D printable file already, as the computer for use with the 3D printer doesn't have 3D design software installed.

To convert your 3D model to a print file:

  • Log in to the computer next to the printer using your campus username and password
  • Download the Ultimaker programme via the Windows Start menu
  • Open the Ultimaker programme

  • Import your 3D file (by inserting your SD card/Hard Drive/Other device into the computer, or downloading from wherever you need to)

  • Open the file in the Ultimaker programme
  • Click on FOLDER in Ultimaker software and select file

  • Change the orientation and size of file using the X, Y and Z controls

  • Click SLICE to calculate the printing time, adjust the size as required (inform Help Desk staff if printing is likely to overrun your booking)

  • Insert your SD card into the computer's SD card reader if you haven't already
  • Save the file to your SD card

To set up the printer:

  • Turn the Ultimaker machine (the 3D printer) on using the on/off switch at the back

  • Click MATERIAL on the Ultimaker machine control button

  • Click CHANGE on the Ultimaker machine control button
  • Remove the filament from the back and cut with wiresnips

  • Feed your filament back into the printer and click READY

  • The machine should start to run small amount of filament from the nozzle

  • The default settings are 0.15mm Layer Height thickness and 10% Infill (adjust if required)

To open your file on the printer:​

  • Eject your SD card from the computer and place in Ultimaker machine SD card slot at the front

  • Return to the main menu on the Ultimaker machine

Checklist before printing:

  • How long will the object take to print? Is your booking long enough?
  • Check there's enough filament for your object as it cannot be changed half way through printing - ask at help desk for more

To Print:

  • Click PRINT on the Ultimaker machine menu

  • Find the correct file type on your SD card and click PRINT
  • The printer will warm up and PLA (the filament) should run a thin initial discharge and will then begin to print. Please note that after a print file has been chosen, the Ultimaker machine will prepare itself by homing the print head and build plate and heating up the build plate and nozzle, and this can take up to 5 minutes. 

  • Stay with the printer and monitor its progress as it goes. While printing, the display will show the progress of the print and the remaining time for completion. Do not touch the print head/nozzle while it is heating, printing or cooling down.

  • Once it's finished wait a minute for the plate to cool down before removing your print from the build plate

After Printing:

  • Once you're done remove your SD card, wait for the printer to cool down, switch it off at the back and log off of the PC