Printing

In order to print a part, a .gcode file must be created. Gcode is the machine language that the printer use to print a part. To do so, Ultimaker provides the free software Cura. The software accept a few different formats, but the most common one is .STL. If the customer provides a .STEP file or a Solidworks file, you can use Solidworks to save the part as a .STL file.
Follow these steps to print a part:

• Load the part in Cura.
• Select the options required by the customer.
• Optimize the print by playing with the different settings.
• Create the gcode by "slicing" the part.
• Note the amount of material 1 and 2 needed to make the print and the total print time. They will be needed to determine the printing cost.
• Save the file to a thumb drive.
• If the customer accept the cost, you can then proceed with the print.
• Turn on the 3D printer and insert the proper print cores and materials.
• In the "Print" menu, select the part that you wish to print.
• Once the print is completed, contact the customer to come pick it up.
  

Return to Main Page.