Ultimakers-Induction

Ultimaker-2 training guide

This guide covers the skill and knowledge prerequisites for the use of the Ultimaker 3d printers at the hackspace. The Ultimakers are very nice 3d printers and we would like them to stay that way. Please read through this doc, and be sure to bring a preprepared gcode file with you when attending the Ultimaker induction session.

The intention is that members using the Ultimakers will already have some experience with 3d-printing, and would be familiar with concepts such as CAD modelling, STL files, gcode files, and slicing models for 3d printing. If you are not familiar with these terms, I would suggest that you start with induction/training on the Lulzbot, or watch some of the excellent tutorial videos available.

The Ultimakers are setup nicely for PLA, and the manufacturer recommends PLA for beginners. So initially the plan is to only permit 3mm PLA. This is important as switching between filament material types complicates maintaining the printers and is a common source of nozzle blockage.

Reference Docs

There is some additional documentation linked to from the wiki page relating to the equipment; https://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/view/Equipment/Ultimakers

Costs

There is eventually going to be a cost associated with using the Ultimakers, but thats TBA.

Getting Started

Bring something to print, on an sdcard, sliced with Cura

Use of Cura is a prerequisite, so please design or download some small 3d print model, and prepare a gcode file that Cura says will take less than 20 minutes to print. There are loads of examples on Thingiverse, you might have to scale it down in order to print in 20 mins or less.

3mm PLA filament, and an sdcard

There is currently filament available, (Blue PLA 3mm) and it’s available for use, and the cost will be 50p per metre used. However if it’s used up, you will need to provide your own.

Our Ultimaker configuration requires that gcode be provided on an sdcard. There is one sdard in the machine at present, but I would suggest bringing your own in case it’s not there.

You will need to prepare and slice your CAD model using Cura. There is no PC attached to the Ultimakers, so do this beforehand.

Download Cura for your platform, and install

https://ultimaker.com/en/products/cura-software

Download the Ultimaker-2 user manual

It can be downloaded from here; https://ultimaker.com/download/3978/UserManual-UM2-v2.pdf

Please read the whole doc, is pretty short and mostly full of pictures, so not too much work!

Ultimaker-2 specifications

Initially we will be giving training on the Ultimaker-2 only. However the acnode approval will be extended to the UItimaker-1 when its up and running.

Filament.

Ultimaker suggests using PLA when getting started with the Ultimaker. https://ultimaker.com/en/support/view/11721-general-questions

The printer is currently loaded with this; http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00ERAL6SY/ref=pe_385721_37038051_TE_3p_dp_1

Please don't change the printer settings, as the UM2 is currently nicely setup for 3mm PLA, and if your PLA is not working, please don't use it.

Layer resolution

Fast:	200 micron	(0.2 mm)
Normal:	100 micron	(0.1 mm)
High:	60 micron	(0.06 mm)
Ulti:	40 micron	(0.04 mm)

These can be changed from the advanced tab in Cura

Maintenance

Shutting Down

Please leave the Robotics area tidy, and replace the dust cover on the Ultimaker before you departs.

Thanks!

Changing Filament

There is a youtube video showing the process to change filament here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIMXL-Qcw84

Unload Filament

1. To unload filament, turn the front dial to Material, and then turn to Change.
2. The extruder will heat up, and the UM2 will start to retract the filament
3. the filament can be removed once it is clear of the feeder wheel
4. Visually inspect the tube and the feeder mechanisms, and the extruder to ensure that all remaining filament is clear.
5. use tweezers to remove and remaining filament strands
6. Press Ready, to finish this process. The extruder will stop retracting.

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Load Filament

1) Use a pair of snips to cut a point into the end of the filament, to help it slide into the Feeder tube;

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2) To load filament, select change filament, and the UM2 will being slowly turning the feeder wheel

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3) once the filament is clear, and into the tube, press ready on the UM2 dial panel, and it will rapidly feed the filament to the extruder

4) confirm on the UM2 panel they type of filament loaded

TroubleShooting

Please don’t “press on” if there are problems. This is likely to lead to long term damage and downtime.

Ultimaker link to this Visual troubleshooting guide http://support.3dverkstan.se/article/23-a-visual-ultimaker-troubleshooting-guide#warping

Issues that might arise.

Blockage of nozzle

If the nozzle is blocked, please take the Ultimaker-2 out of service and report the problem to the maintainers.

Filament stuck in Feed Tube

If the filament becomes stuck in the feed tube, between the material feeder and the extruder filament entry hole, then the tube can be removed to allow access.

There is a white clip, possible retained by a blue horse shoe clip. The white clip should be pressed right down, and this un-grips the feeder tube to allow access.

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