Changes
/* Usage */ updated with info from new experiences
=== TL;DR ===
# Open Cura on the print machine, load & adjust your models, and then adjust the print parameters.
# Layer height: 0.1mm for detailed prints, 0.25mm for fast prints. Shell thickness: multiple of 0.4. Enable retraction: yes(no for flexible filament). Bottom top thickness: multiple of layer height. Fill density: 10% for just structural support (e.g. prototype), 30% for most prints, 60-80% for smaller/more complex objects, 100% for keys and stuff. Print speed: 6020-150mm/s, with 50-100mm/s fine for most prints. Temperature: 210°c to 240°c, the higher the print speed, the higher the temperature. Leave all other settings as is for most prints. (For PLA, 220°C seems to be good and for ABS, 255°C is just hot enough.)
# Click print, set desired temperature using up/down buttons, and check behind the printer if the filament is broken. When the extruder heats up, extrude some filament (using 10 button under +E) to check if everything works before printing. Click print and remove excess filament. Follow the print via the [http://webcam.fixme.ch webcam]. If it fucks up, cancel and read detailed instructions.
# When the print is done, use a chisel and spatula to remove printed object. Replace any blue tape if you damaged it. Clean printing area and please pay for your print into the little piggy bank by the printer.
# '''Import your model onto the print computer'''. It is easiest if you print using our dedicated print computer (Fixme-SPM) which is located next to the printer. You can import the model by dragging it into the [https://foo.fixme.ch/marcha/ drag and drop service], using a USB key, using IRC, or using a cloud hosting service such as [http://ge.tt/ Ge.tt] or [https://mega.co.nz/# Mega]. If you log into your email/dropbox/etc account on the machine, don't forget to use incognito mode.
# '''Open Cura and open your model(s)'''. Open Cura from the Activities menu, and click on the [https://fixme.ch/w/images/d/dd/Cura-load.png Load button]. Select one or more .STL or .DAE files that you would like to print. Please note that prints that reach near the limits of the print volume (21 x 21 x 20.5 cm) will fail.
# '''Adjust your model for printing'''. Use the Rotate, Scale, and Mirror button buttons to print your model as you want(bottom left of 3D view).
# '''Configure your desired print parameters'''. The print parameters will depend on what you are printing and the quality that you're looking for. Here are some guidelines:
## '''Layer height''': the Ultimaker can print between 0.06mm and 0.3mm. 0.1mm should only be used for high precision, high detail prints; 0.15mm should be used for normal prints; 0.2-0.25mm should be used for fast prints where you don't mind the quality (e.g. holder, internal component, etc).
## '''Shell thickness''': this value should be a multiple of 0.4mm (the width of the nozzle). With 0.4mm you'll get 1 solid layer, with 0.8mm you'll get 2 solid layers, etc. 0.8mm is fine for most prints.
## '''Enable retraction''': this retracts the filament when the nozzle moves from one area to another whilst not printing. It is best to leave this enabledunless you're using flexible filament.
## '''Bottom/top thickness''': the bottom and top thickness of the solid layer. This value should be a multiple of the layer height - a value between 0.2mm and 1mm is best for most prints, with 1mm used for very delicate models.
## '''Fill density''': this is the density of the fill inside your model. Due to an excellent calibration of our Ultimaker, almost all prints will require less than 30% fill. 10% for just structural support, 24% for an average print (after 25% Cura slices your model differently), 30% for a solid print of an average sized object. For objects that require superior structural strength, up to 60% is recommended. 80% can be used for very small complex objects, and 100% can be used for things like keys and bottle openers.
## '''Print speed''': this is the speed at which the Ultimaker will print. 6020-80mm50mm/s for detailed prints, 100mm50-80mm/s is recommended for most prints, 120mm100mm/s for average prints, and up to 150mm/s for fast, lower quality prints.## '''Printing temperature''': choose the temperature based on the print speed. 210° C for 60-<80mm/s, 235° C for 120mm/s. Select in the 210-240°C range.
## '''Support type''': only use for prints with significant overhangs.
## '''Platform adhesion type''': not required for PLA prints, unless you have a lot of places where the model touches the platform.
## '''Diameter''': the diameter of the filament (currently 2.89mm). Do not touch this unless you are changing the filament and have remeasured it (sometimes the value does not match the specification).
## '''Flow''': the rate at which the filament is extruded. 100% is the normal rate, if you're having issues with extrusion you can increase this.
# '''Open printer interface'''. Click on the Print button. If you see a Save button instead, make sure that the USB cable is connected, the power strip is on, and the switch on the printer is set to on. Sometimes Cura doesn't see the printer right away, so you can try ctrl + p.
# '''Prepare for printing'''. Set the desired temperature, using the up/down buttons - otherwise it doesn't start heating. Whilst waiting for the hot end to heat up, and <u>check that the filament hasn't broken</u> in the back (if it has, pull out/snap out the remaining bit, and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDizDuAyK9E reinsert new filament]). Once the extruder has heated up, lower the print platform a bit (10 button under the +Z arrow), and then extrude some filament (click the 10 button several times under the +E arrow), until the filament comes out cleanly from the extruder.
# '''Print'''. Remove any extruded filament from the extruder and from the print bed, and then click Print. Make sure that filament is coming out of the extruder as it starts printing the first layer. If it isn't, cancel the print, and repeat the previous step.
