3D Printing Guide - Revision history

Amy.Hickman: Made all images responsive

2026-09-17T01:19:39Z

Made all images responsive

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:04, 17 September 2026
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	[[File:Screenshot - UltiMaker Cura UM2+C Configuration.png\|alt=A screenshot of UltiMaker Cura showing the printer configuration for an UltiMaker 2+ Connect with Generic PLA and a 0.4mm nozzle.\|none\|thumb\|800x800px\|Configuration for an UltiMaker 2+ Connect with generic PLA]][[File:Screenshot - UltiMaker Cura UMS3 Configuration.png\|alt=A screenshot of UltiMaker Cura showing the printer configuration for an UltiMaker S3 with Transparent PLA and Green PLA, and two AA 0.4mm nozzles.\|none\|thumb\|800x800px\|Configuration for an UltiMaker S3 with UltiMaker brand Transparent PLA and Green PLA]]</div>		[[File:Screenshot - UltiMaker Cura UM2+C Configuration.png\|alt=A screenshot of UltiMaker Cura showing the printer configuration for an UltiMaker 2+ Connect with Generic PLA and a 0.4mm nozzle.\|none\|thumb\|800x800px\|Configuration for an UltiMaker 2+ Connect with generic PLA]][[File:Screenshot - UltiMaker Cura UMS3 Configuration.png\|alt=A screenshot of UltiMaker Cura showing the printer configuration for an UltiMaker S3 with Transparent PLA and Green PLA, and two AA 0.4mm nozzles.\|none\|thumb\|800x800px\|Configuration for an UltiMaker S3 with UltiMaker brand Transparent PLA and Green PLA]]</div>
	# Select your print settings. Always review the recommended print settings, even if you don’t think you need to change any.		# Select your print settings. Always review the recommended print settings, even if you don’t think you need to change any.
	# Add support as needed. Areas likely to need supports will be highlighted in red. Consider whether you should use normal or tree support structures, and whether you need support everywhere, or only touching the build plate. A good rule of thumb is to use normal supports for large and geometric overhangs, and use tree supports for small or organic overhanging shapes, or shapes where you have an overhang suspended over another part of your model. You can test and preview different structures to better predict what will be most suitable for your work. [[File:Support structures demonstration.png\|alt=Two side-by-side screenshots of the preview window in Cura showing a Benchy tugboat model with supports. The support structures are shown in cyan. The left screenshot has been sliced with normal supports, which are straight, vertical structures holding up overhanging parts of the model. The right screenshot has been sliced with tree supports, which are branching, tapered structures holding up overhanging parts of the model. Below, a text caption reads: "The same model sliced with normal supports, everywhere (left); and tree supports, touching build plate (right)."\|frameless\|800x800px]]		# Add support as needed. Areas likely to need supports will be highlighted in red. Consider whether you should use normal or tree support structures, and whether you need support everywhere, or only touching the build plate. A good rule of thumb is to use normal supports for large and geometric overhangs, and use tree supports for small or organic overhanging shapes, or shapes where you have an overhang suspended over another part of your model. You can test and preview different structures to better predict what will be most suitable for your work. <div class="res-img">[[File:Support structures demonstration.png\|alt=Two side-by-side screenshots of the preview window in Cura showing a Benchy tugboat model with supports. The support structures are shown in cyan. The left screenshot has been sliced with normal supports, which are straight, vertical structures holding up overhanging parts of the model. The right screenshot has been sliced with tree supports, which are branching, tapered structures holding up overhanging parts of the model. Below, a text caption reads: "The same model sliced with normal supports, everywhere (left); and tree supports, touching build plate (right)."\|frameless\|800x800px]]</div>
	# '''Preview your work.''' Check if your model looks complete and solid and that all overhangs are appropriately supported. Take note of the amount of material used in grams.		# '''Preview your work.''' Check if your model looks complete and solid and that all overhangs are appropriately supported. Take note of the amount of material used in grams.
	# Check the first layer in the preview using the slider on the right-hand side of the screen. Check that parts of your model are being printed on the first layer (so it’s not floating), and that it has enough of a footprint to stick to the plate well.		# Check the first layer in the preview using the slider on the right-hand side of the screen. Check that parts of your model are being printed on the first layer (so it’s not floating), and that it has enough of a footprint to stick to the plate well.
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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.
	\|}		\|}
			<div class="res-img">
	[[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]]		[[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]]
			</div>

	==== Tools to check your geometry ====		==== Tools to check your geometry ====

Amy.Hickman: Testing responsive image class

2026-09-17T01:10:17Z

Testing responsive image class

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:55, 17 September 2026
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	# Import your work into Cura by using the folder icon, or dragging your STL from File Explorer or Finder onto the build plate. See [https://support.makerbot.com/s/article/1667411313586 UltiMaker’s guide] for more detailed information on opening models, including opening multiple models.		# Import your work into Cura by using the folder icon, or dragging your STL from File Explorer or Finder onto the build plate. See [https://support.makerbot.com/s/article/1667411313586 UltiMaker’s guide] for more detailed information on opening models, including opening multiple models.
	# Use the transform controls to scale, position and rotate your model if needed. It’s usually best to have the flattest part of your model touching the build plate.		# Use the transform controls to scale, position and rotate your model if needed. It’s usually best to have the flattest part of your model touching the build plate.
	# Configure your printer setup. Check your printer type matches the printer you will be using, and set your material configuration. Your nozzle size should always be the default (0.4mm/AA 0.4mm) unless you are getting help from a technician to use a different one. [[File:Screenshot - UltiMaker Cura UM2+C Configuration.png\|alt=A screenshot of UltiMaker Cura showing the printer configuration for an UltiMaker 2+ Connect with Generic PLA and a 0.4mm nozzle.\|none\|thumb\|800x800px\|Configuration for an UltiMaker 2+ Connect with generic PLA]][[File:Screenshot - UltiMaker Cura UMS3 Configuration.png\|alt=A screenshot of UltiMaker Cura showing the printer configuration for an UltiMaker S3 with Transparent PLA and Green PLA, and two AA 0.4mm nozzles.\|none\|thumb\|800x800px\|Configuration for an UltiMaker S3 with UltiMaker brand Transparent PLA and Green PLA]]		# Configure your printer setup. Check your printer type matches the printer you will be using, and set your material configuration. Your nozzle size should always be the default (0.4mm/AA 0.4mm) unless you are getting help from a technician to use a different one.
			<div class="res-img">
			[[File:Screenshot - UltiMaker Cura UM2+C Configuration.png\|alt=A screenshot of UltiMaker Cura showing the printer configuration for an UltiMaker 2+ Connect with Generic PLA and a 0.4mm nozzle.\|none\|thumb\|800x800px\|Configuration for an UltiMaker 2+ Connect with generic PLA]][[File:Screenshot - UltiMaker Cura UMS3 Configuration.png\|alt=A screenshot of UltiMaker Cura showing the printer configuration for an UltiMaker S3 with Transparent PLA and Green PLA, and two AA 0.4mm nozzles.\|none\|thumb\|800x800px\|Configuration for an UltiMaker S3 with UltiMaker brand Transparent PLA and Green PLA]]</div>
	# Select your print settings. Always review the recommended print settings, even if you don’t think you need to change any.		# Select your print settings. Always review the recommended print settings, even if you don’t think you need to change any.
	# Add support as needed. Areas likely to need supports will be highlighted in red. Consider whether you should use normal or tree support structures, and whether you need support everywhere, or only touching the build plate. A good rule of thumb is to use normal supports for large and geometric overhangs, and use tree supports for small or organic overhanging shapes, or shapes where you have an overhang suspended over another part of your model. You can test and preview different structures to better predict what will be most suitable for your work. [[File:Support structures demonstration.png\|alt=Two side-by-side screenshots of the preview window in Cura showing a Benchy tugboat model with supports. The support structures are shown in cyan. The left screenshot has been sliced with normal supports, which are straight, vertical structures holding up overhanging parts of the model. The right screenshot has been sliced with tree supports, which are branching, tapered structures holding up overhanging parts of the model. Below, a text caption reads: "The same model sliced with normal supports, everywhere (left); and tree supports, touching build plate (right)."\|frameless\|800x800px]]		# Add support as needed. Areas likely to need supports will be highlighted in red. Consider whether you should use normal or tree support structures, and whether you need support everywhere, or only touching the build plate. A good rule of thumb is to use normal supports for large and geometric overhangs, and use tree supports for small or organic overhanging shapes, or shapes where you have an overhang suspended over another part of your model. You can test and preview different structures to better predict what will be most suitable for your work. [[File:Support structures demonstration.png\|alt=Two side-by-side screenshots of the preview window in Cura showing a Benchy tugboat model with supports. The support structures are shown in cyan. The left screenshot has been sliced with normal supports, which are straight, vertical structures holding up overhanging parts of the model. The right screenshot has been sliced with tree supports, which are branching, tapered structures holding up overhanging parts of the model. Below, a text caption reads: "The same model sliced with normal supports, everywhere (left); and tree supports, touching build plate (right)."\|frameless\|800x800px]]

Amy.Hickman: Changed category

2026-09-16T04:37:29Z

Changed category

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:22, 16 September 2026
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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:Makerspace]]
	~~[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]~~
	[[Category:Digital Modelling]]		[[Category:Digital Modelling]]

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:54, 11 December 2025
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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)

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:43, 11 December 2025
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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 ====