Ultimaker Standard Operating Procedures
Purpose
This document will explain how to operate the Ultimaker 2 3D printer.
Prerequisites
Before you use to Ultimaker:
- Completely read through the Ultimaker 2 User Manual (spiral bound in one of the 3D printer drawers or at http://wm.edu/as/physics/makerspace/tools/ultimaker2)
- Download, install and familiarize yourself with the Cura software used to generate gcode files for printing from the STL file, and save them to an SD card.
- Gain permission and training to use the Ultimaker.
Authorization and Training
To use the Ultimaker 2, you must receive training on how to operate it. Contact any of the people listed in the authorized trainers table at the end of this document to set up a training session. If you wish to become an authorized trainer, contact either Valerie Gray vmgray@email.wm.edu or Wouter Deconinck wdeconinck@wm.edu Safety Do not touch the print head, as it can get to upwards of 260 degrees. (Celsius? Farenheit?) Procedure This is meant as a refresher for those who have already been trained; do not try to print something without getting authorized from a trainer first. Align the build plate For the initial leveling use the piece of calibration cardboard in the drawer. For the fine tuning, use the piece of calibration paper in the drawer. You should be able to pull the paper without effort, but it should bunch up when you try to push it.
Clean the build plate Use nail polish remover or acetone (wear nitrile gloves). Check that no residue is left. If you cannot clean the build plate or it is really gross, contact an expert for a more thorough cleaning.
Prepare the build plate Before every print, apply two coats of AquaNet hairspray. Apply first thin coat evenly (spray for about half a second). Allow the hairspray to dry for several minutes until it feels tacky in the corner (don’t touch the middle), then apply the second coat.
Changing the Filament coil (skip this step if the filament you want is already installed in the Ultimaker. Also, more detailed instructions can be found in the Ultimaker manual sections F3 and D3) Go to the [MATERIAL] tab on the main menu of the display and then [CHANGE.] Wait until the feeder turns and retracts the filament. Remove the filament. Make sure you have the filament guided along the filament guide, spooling in the counter clockwise direction. Wait for the print head to heat up. Insert the end of the filament into the feeder, but WAIT to hit continue until it has reached the first tube clip. Follow the rest of the on-screen prompts. Flush out the old filament by printing the Ultimaker2 robot that comes with Cura (UltimakerRobot_support.stl)
Print Insert the SD card into the SD card slot. Select [PRINT] and then select the file you wish to print. Select the proper settings for the Ultimaker based on the table below. Wait for the print to completely cool before removing it from the build plate. ABS (stock) Nozzle temperature 260 degrees Build plate temperature 90 degrees Fan 50 Flow 107 PLA (stock) Nozzle temperature 210 degrees Build plate temperature 75 degrees Fan 100 Flow 100
Clean the build plate again. Use nail polish remover or acetone (wear nitrile gloves). Check that no residue is left. If you cannot clean the build plate or it is really gross, contact an expert for a more thorough cleaning.
