Program-Independent > Mechanical
3D Printing
Contributors:
Maya Takabe
Embedded Files
Introduction
Introduction
This is a page dedicated to teaching any robotics student how to use a 3D printer. The printer is mainly used to bring a prototype to life or to create custom pieces for the robot that would otherwise be difficult to make with materials already available in the lab.
Section 1 | Make sure you have the right software
Section 2 | How to get CAD design to Ultimaker Cura
Section 3 | How to get your design on the hard drive
Section 4 | What you do after you export to the removable hard drive
Section 1 | Make sure you have the right software
Section 1 | Make sure you have the right software
UltiMaker Cura is a free, easy-to-use 3D printing software that we use in robotics. First, you have to make sure you download the right UltiMaker Cura for your laptop type.
Go to UltiMaker Cura this website and make sure you downloaded version 5.8(the newest version)! Follow instructions given to download it onto your computer
Also make sure that the software you are CADing in is on OnShape(OnShape Website).
Both of these things are important because the whole team actively uses these softwares and it is important that your work is easily accessible to everyone as well as easy to print!
Section 2 | How to get CAD design to Ultimaker Cura
Section 2 | How to get CAD design to Ultimaker Cura
First you will need to highlight your design. You can do this by dragging your mouse across the design until it highlights orange.
Then you will need to right click and select "Export".
When you click "Export" this is what you should see this screen and the messurements should be what is displayed on the screen here. After that hit export and open UltiMaker Cura!
Section 3 | How to get your design on the hard drive
Section 3 | How to get your design on the hard drive
Once you open UltiMaker Cura, your screen should not already have a design inputted on it. You will go to the top left corner and select "File" then "Open File," and you will need to select your design to open in UltiMaker Cura. If you have a MacBook, you can drag from your downloads taskbar to the top right of your screen.
Once you do that your screen should have your design on it. Click on your design and orrient it to the position where it is most appropriate. Then you will go to the bottom right corner and hit "Slice".
Make sure after you hit "Slice" you save it to the removable hard drive
Section 4 | What you do after you export to the removable hard drive
Section 4 | What you do after you export to the removable hard drive
Once you save it to the removable hard drive then all you have to do is plug it in the 3D pronting machine. Before you hit print make sure you put on a layer of glue right where your print is supposed to be so it will come off easily when its done. It might take a few mins but once your degin pops up you click it to run it.Once the print is running then reduce the speed of the print from 100% to 85-70%. Good job, now you are all set and all you have to do is wait for your design to print!
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