Ultimaker

How to print things

• Download or create something. That's coming as an STL file
• power on the ultimaker (switch on, plug in usb)
• Start the cura software
• load object
• click "prepare print"
• click "print"

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. (Gunstick: "found that narrow but tall objects can easily be kicked over, then a raft may be useful")
• Be careful not to lower or raise the bed by bumping into it. The Z axis has been carefully calibrated. Verify that there is no space between the screws and the top of the bed. But don't turn the screws!
• 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. If you hear the ventilation, then it's on!
• 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.

how to on linux

It is preferable to have your own setup on your own machine, or maybe on a dedicated account on a syn2cat computer. So you can have your own settings and don't need to fiddle around with the cura profiles which then get messed up by the next user.

sketchup

Only working on intel/amd as it's a windows program. If you have windows, just use windows! (I know there is 3D software for linux, but I'm lost in how to use that)

• apt-get install wine
• download sketchup http://www.sketchup.com/intl/en/download/gsu.html
• wine sketchupwen.exe
• run it: wine '~/.wine/drive_C/Program Files (x86)/Google/Sketchup/Sketchup.exe'
• consult this http://wiki.winehq.org/GoogleSketchup (you need probably that registry: "wine regedit")
• add module for STL export http://www.guitar-list.com/download-software/convert-sketchup-skp-files-dxf-or-stl chose the *rbz file)
• draw object in millimeters
• export in millimeters

cura

• instructions http://wiki.ultimaker.com/Cura
• it's kinda working http://wiki.ultimaker.com/Installing_Cura_on_Linux (you need to do that pypy thing if you're 64 bit)
• I was unable to get it to print, clicking on the print button does not manifest a printing window (git version is even more buggy). But at least you can prepare print and write your gcode file to the SD card

printing from SD card

• switch ultimaker on
• unplug the USB cable !!! (else it will not print)
• navigate to card menu
• select file
• printer heats up, and prints the object

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