Ultimaker

When working with the Ultimaker, pay attention to the following things:

• When printing small objects and objects with a very small base, don't print on a raft, especially for PLA. Rafts are just a waste of plastic with a well-calibrated Z axis.
• Be careful not to lower or raise the bed by bumping into it. The Z axis has been carefully calibrated.
• Clean the head and bed with isopropyl alcohol before you start. If you want to be extra nice, clean the bed when you're done.
• If the extrusion head doesn't heat, flick the switch next to the USB port.
• After preparing the print, press "Print" in the main window (the one with the 3D Model) and wait for the second Cura window to pop up. If you can't see it, look for it. Check that the Windows is called after the file you want to print. When printing several files in a row, always be sure to close the second smaller Cura window before printing the next item or you will print the first item again (check window title).
• Sometimes the plastic won't stick to the surface. Cancel the print and use the controller (little box hanging on the machine) to return the extrusion head to "Auto Home". To do this, navigate (using push and scroll on the wheel) into the Menu->Prepare->Auto Home. To make it work, the plastic has to stick to the surface before it makes the skirt outline, or it will only start to stick at a random moment before or during the skirt, with a high risk of leaving a small drop of extra plastic. Try cleaning the bed with alcohol. If that fails, try helping the plastic filament down on the bed when the head initially lowers, or re-taping the bed. But this probably means the Z axis is de-calibrated.
• Don't forget to take the object off the platform before printing the next one.

TODO (more or less in that order):

• Spring-loaded NEMA 17 steppers / belt tensioner
• Ulti-Foot
• Handle
• Printhead cover
• Locking key for Ultimaker filament feeder
• Ikea Dioder LED strip on Ultimaker
• Collection of tools
• Some kind of Tool thing or awesome laser-cut Ultimaker Tool Holder

See also http://wiki.ultimaker.com/Calibrate

DONE:

• curious llama belt tensioner
• Ultimaker: Z-axis end-switch fine-adjuster, Switch mount (or some variation of that idea)
• Ultimaker Z axis calibration

Some links:

• kit at 1214 EUR + VAT + shipping
• Ultimaker FAQ: but what about the quality of prints
• Ultimaker Wiki with specs and features and a FAQ
• Reprap wiki on the Ultimaker
• This is the home of my modified Ultimaker 3D Printer
• No strings attached

Paint gallery:

• Cool blue paint job 1 2
• Cool black paint job