3D Printing Guide - Revision history

Amy.Hickman: Categorised, removed 'under construction'

2025-12-11T04:54:01Z

Categorised, removed 'under construction'

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:39, 11 December 2025
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	~~This page is still under construction.~~

	This document contains instructions for preparing and producing a 3D print using [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/ UltiMaker Cura] and an UltiMaker 3D printer in the [[About Makerspace\|DBE Makerspace]] or [[About Digital Modelling\|Digital Modelling Workshop]].		This document contains instructions for preparing and producing a 3D print using [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/ UltiMaker Cura] and an UltiMaker 3D printer in the [[About Makerspace\|DBE Makerspace]] or [[About Digital Modelling\|Digital Modelling Workshop]].

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	In Blender, you can use the [https://extensions.blender.org/add-ons/print3d-toolbox/ 3D Print Toolbox] add-on to check your geometry. Before you start designing, it’s also wise to make sure you set up Blender for 3D print modelling – [https://www.talleye.com/posts/beginner-blender-setup-for-3d-print-modeling this online guide] covers the essentials.		In Blender, you can use the [https://extensions.blender.org/add-ons/print3d-toolbox/ 3D Print Toolbox] add-on to check your geometry. Before you start designing, it’s also wise to make sure you set up Blender for 3D print modelling – [https://www.talleye.com/posts/beginner-blender-setup-for-3d-print-modeling this online guide] covers the essentials.
			[[Category:Makerspace]]
			[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]
			[[Category:Digital Modelling]]

Amy.Hickman: added link

2025-12-11T04:51:23Z

added link

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:36, 11 December 2025
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	# Check for small features (e.g. under 1mm), like thin columns or railings, and minimize these as far as possible. You may need to thicken some parts of your model to ensure a good print.		# Check for small features (e.g. under 1mm), like thin columns or railings, and minimize these as far as possible. You may need to thicken some parts of your model to ensure a good print.
	# Look for disconnected parts; either join your model into one polysurface, mesh, or body, or export disconnected parts as separate STLs.		# Look for disconnected parts; either join your model into one polysurface, mesh, or body, or export disconnected parts as separate STLs.
	# Check for non-manifold geometry (check your model is watertight); see common issues below.		# Check for non-manifold geometry (check your model is watertight); see [[3D Printing Guide#Common issues\|common issues]] below.
	# Convert your model to a mesh		# Convert your model to a mesh
	# Export your model as an STL (stereolithography) file		# Export your model as an STL (stereolithography) file

Amy.Hickman: added link

2025-12-11T04:09:56Z

added link

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:54, 11 December 2025
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	\|When an object has edges and/or surfaces that are not connected. The object does not have volume.		\|When an object has edges and/or surfaces that are not connected. The object does not have volume.
	\|Some or all of the model has no volume. This usually makes it difficult or impossible to print.		\|Some or all of the model has no volume. This usually makes it difficult or impossible to print.
	\|Geometry must be fully enclosed (watertight), and only 2 faces may share an edge. See Tools to check your geometry below.		\|Geometry must be fully enclosed (watertight), and only 2 faces may share an edge. See [[3D Printing Guide#Tools to check your geometry\|Tools to check your geometry]] below.
	\|-		\|-
	\|'''Non-unified faces'''		\|'''Non-unified faces'''

Amy.Hickman: Added troubleshooting

2025-12-11T04:09:19Z

Added troubleshooting

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	\|Consider whether your model can be redesigned to support or reduce overhangs. Try rotating your model, or breaking it into separate parts (e.g. separating a roof from a building). Add supports in Cura and remove after printing.		\|Consider whether your model can be redesigned to support or reduce overhangs. Try rotating your model, or breaking it into separate parts (e.g. separating a roof from a building). Add supports in Cura and remove after printing.
	\|}		\|}
			[[File:2025-04-06-3dPrintGuide-GeometryTypesV1.png\|alt=Image that shows different types of geometry. Top left shows faces, edges, and vertices. Top right shows different watertight and open polysurfaces and meshes. Centre shows different forms of non-manifold geometry. Bottom shows offset surface and offset mesh to produce closed models. \|none\|thumb\|600x600px\|Identifying manifold and non-manifold geometry]]

			==== Tools to check your geometry ====
			Cura will highlight some, but not all common issues. It shows areas needing support in red. It will show some non-manifold geometry errors in fluorescent patterned colours, and show an error message when importing the model.


			In Rhino, the Properties pane shows what kind of object your selection is. Check the type shown in the Properties pane. It should be a '''closed solid polysurface''' or '''closed mesh'''. If it's open instead of closed, try using the [https://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/8/help/en-us/commands/showedges.htm ShowEdges] command to find the non-manifold edges. You can use a combination of commands like [https://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/8/help/en-us/commands/cap.htm Cap] and [https://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/8/help/en-us/commands/patch.htm Patch] (for polysurfaces), or [https://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/8/help/en-us/commands/fillmeshhole.htm#FillMeshHoles FillMeshHoles], [https://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/8/help/en-us/commands/meshrepair.htm MeshRepair] and/or [https://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/8/help/en-us/commands/shrinkwrap.htm Shrinkwrap] (for meshes) to fill holes and make your model watertight.

			Make sure you don’t export your construction geometry (i.e. the curves and surfaces you used to make your model, but aren’t part of it); one way to make sure is to isolate your model before exporting.


			In Blender, you can use the [https://extensions.blender.org/add-ons/print3d-toolbox/ 3D Print Toolbox] add-on to check your geometry. Before you start designing, it’s also wise to make sure you set up Blender for 3D print modelling – [https://www.talleye.com/posts/beginner-blender-setup-for-3d-print-modeling this online guide] covers the essentials.

Amy.Hickman: replaced instances of 'print bed' and 'print plate' with 'build plate' for consistency

2025-12-11T03:58:21Z

replaced instances of 'print bed' and 'print plate' with 'build plate' for consistency

Amy.Hickman: Adding content: Slicing, printing, some troubleshooting

2025-12-11T02:32:31Z

Adding content: Slicing, printing, some troubleshooting

Show changes

Amy.Hickman: Amy.Hickman moved page Preparing a 3D Print in UltiMaker Cura to 3D Printing Guide: More precise title

2025-12-11T01:58:45Z

Amy.Hickman moved page Preparing a 3D Print in UltiMaker Cura to 3D Printing Guide: More precise title

← Older revision	Revision as of 10:43, 11 December 2025
(No difference)

Amy.Hickman: Created page

2025-12-08T07:42:53Z

Created page

New page

This page is still under construction.

This page contains instructions for preparing a 3D print in [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/ UltiMaker Cura] to print on an UltiMaker 3D printer in the DBE Makerspace.

== Before you start ==

=== Install UltiMaker Cura ===
Download [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/ UltiMaker Cura] from the UltiMaker website and install it on your laptop.

=== Choose a printer ===
Choose a printer based on your print requirements. See [[3D Printing#Specifications|3D Printing (Specifications)]] for reference.

For most prints in PLA under 223 x 220 x 205mm, you should use an UltiMaker 2+ Connect. Once you've completed the relevant [[Inductions and training|training]], you don't need supervision from a technician to use the UltiMaker 2+ Connect.

For dual extrusion prints, prints with PVA support, prints in PETG or other approved materials, or prints with other special requirements, use an UltiMaker S3 with support from a technician.

For larger prints up to 330 x 240 x 300mm, use an UltiMaker S5 (DBE Makerspace), 3 Extended or S7 (Digital Modelling Workshop) with support from a technician.

=== Complete your model and check your file for errors ===

==== Checklist ====

# Check for non-manifold geometry (check your model is watertight)
# Check for naked edges
# Fill or cap holes
# Unify normals
# Convert your model to a mesh
# Export your model as a .stl file

==== Common issues ====
Common issues with 3D printing occur due to bad geometry. Please make sure you check your meshes for the following before attempting to print:
{| class="wikitable"
!Issue type
!What this is?
!What does it cause?
!How do you fix it?
|-
|Non-manifold geometry
|When an objects has edges that are not totally connected or objects with added faces. The object does not have volume.
|Some or all of the model has no volume, making it impossible to print.
|Geometry must be fully enclosed (watertight), and only 2 faces may share an edge.
|-
|Non-unified faces
|When a mesh’s faces (normals) are not all facing in the correct direction.
|Printing software will not be able to understand what is inside or outside the model, leading to unexpected results.
|Check that the normals of all faces are facing the correct direction.
|-
|Unsupported areas
|When there are not enough support structures to print your object. Some parts of your object will be printed in mid-air.
|Your object may fail to print or break apart. It may cause damage to the printer.
|Consider whether your model can be redesigned to support any overhanging areas. Consider whether your model should be printed in a different orientation, or broken into separate parts (e.g. a roof separated from a building). Add supports in Cura and remove after printing.
|}

==== Tools to check your geometry ====
In Rhino, the [https://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/7mac/help/en-us/commands/properties.htm Properties] pane shows what kind of object your selection is. Check the type shown in the Properties pane. It should be a '''closed solid polysurface''' or '''closed mesh'''. If it's open instead of closed, try using the [https://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/7mac/help/en-us/commands/showedges.htm?Highlight=showedges ShowEdges] command to find the non-manifold edges. You can also use a combination of commands like [https://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/7mac/help/en-us/commands/cap.htm?Highlight=cap Cap], [https://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/7mac/help/en-us/commands/patch.htm?Highlight=patch Patch], and Shrinkwrap.

In Blender, you can use the 3D Print Toolbox to check your geometry.

Some geometry issues will be visible when you import your file into Cura - see more below.

== Preparing your print ==

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	# Wait for the machine to cool down fully and check the display to confirm.		# Wait for the machine to cool down fully and check the display to confirm.
	# Remove your ~~print bed~~ from the machine.		# Remove your build plate from the machine.
	# Remove your print(s) from the build plate using a razor scraper and cut resistant gloves as needed.		# Remove your print(s) from the build plate using a razor scraper and cut resistant gloves as needed.
	# Scrub your build plate with warm water and leave it in the rack to dry.		# Scrub your build plate with warm water and leave it in the rack to dry.
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	# Stop your print and wait for the printer to cool down		# Stop your print and wait for the printer to cool down
	# Clean your ~~print~~ plate and return it to the machine		# Clean your build plate and return it to the machine
	# Re-level your ~~print bed~~. Your ~~print bed~~ is probably '''too close''' to the nozzle.		# Re-level your build plate. Your build plate is probably '''too close''' to the nozzle.

	==== Print not sticking to the plate OR print lines look squiggly and disconnected ====		==== Print not sticking to the plate OR print lines look squiggly and disconnected ====

	# Stop your print and wait for the printer to cool down		# Stop your print and wait for the printer to cool down
	# Clean your ~~print~~ plate and return it to the machine		# Clean your build plate and return it to the machine
	# Re-level your ~~print bed~~. Your ~~print bed~~ is probably '''too far away''' from the nozzle.		# Re-level your build plate. Your build plate is probably '''too far away''' from the nozzle.

	==== Any other unexpected printer behaviour ====		==== Any other unexpected printer behaviour ====