3D Printing Guide

This page is still under construction.

This page contains instructions for preparing a 3D print in UltiMaker Cura to print on an UltiMaker 3D printer in the DBE Makerspace.

Before you start

Install UltiMaker Cura

Download 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) 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 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

1. Check for non-manifold geometry (check your model is watertight)
2. Check for naked edges
3. Fill or cap holes
4. Unify normals
5. Convert your model to a mesh
6. 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:

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 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 ShowEdges command to find the non-manifold edges. You can also use a combination of commands like Cap, 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.