To begin using Cura, make sure these conditions are met before opening the software:

• Your 3D print file is in STL/OBJ format
• It's downloaded onto the computer
• You have checked out the USB for the printer you'll be using

To import your STL/OBJ file into Cura, select the folder icon on the right hand side and locate your downloaded file on the computer. Once loaded, you should see your file on the print bed.

Located on the bottom right of the screen are some details about your model to take note of. The filename, dimensions of your print (in mm), as well as an estimate of print time are all found here within the Print Setup Menu.

Using the scroll wheel on the mouse will allow you to zoom closer or further away from your model.

Holding the right click button on your mouse while moving the mouse (at the same time) will allow you to view your model from any direction. See GIF to left for a demonstration of both of these features.

In order for your print to adhere properly, the flat edge/base of your model must be positioned directly on top of the print bed.

If your model loaded in the wrong orientation, select the 'Rotate' icon on the left menu ribbon (not pictured). Next, use the different-colored hoops to guide your model close to the surface that will be positioned on the bed. Finally, hit the 'Lay Flat' icon. NOTE: This may take a few tries to get the right part of your model on the surface.

Using the 'scale' feature is a quick way to change the size of your model. NOTE: Your file must be under three hours in order to print.

To scale, select the 'Scale' icon on the left menu. Then, ensure that 'uniform scaling' is selected to retain the original proportions of your model. Next, select and drag any of the colored squares (blue, red, or green) to make your model larger or smaller. Once your model has been scaled, the print time estimate will adjust itself.

Using the scale feature, our model will now take under 3 hours to complete and is ready to print!

In Cura, the Print Setup Menu is conveniently embedded on the right hand side of your screen no matter which mode you are in. For a beginner print, it's best to leave settings where they are, but there are two settings worth mentioning: infill and supports.

Infill refers to the structure that will be printed inside your model.

The strength of your design is directly related to its infill. So, if you are doing something functional with your model (IE: a tool, replacement part, etc), a greater infill will lead to a stronger print.

However, if your print is for aesthetic or form purposes (IE: a decorative figure, a prototype), a lower infill is just fine (and will result in a shorter print time). In most instances, 10-20% is the setting that should be used.

NOTE: Any changes to infill will result in different print times, so make to double check the print time estimate after.

If your model has any parts with an angle greater than 45°, it needs support to print correctly. A support is a temporary structure designed to only be part of the model while printing, and then removed after printing. A good rule of thumb for determining whether or not you need supports is remembering the letters YHT.

The letter 'Y' has two overhangs, but they are not greater than 45° and wouldn't require supports if 3D printed.

The letter 'H' has a bridge in the middle with two right angles and would need supports if the distance was > 5mm.

The letter 'T' would always need support for its two side overhangs of 90°.

Clicking the 'Generate support' box in print settings means Cura will automatically generate supports for your model.

For beginner prints, make sure this box is selected so your model will have a (temporary) base. Most models print well with a brim base structure, which is a thin brim of filament around the bottom of your model that is removed after printing. The brim helps the model adhere more effectively to the build plate. If you are unsure about this step, please ask staff.

Once the print time, supports (if needed), infill, and base for your structure is confirmed, you are ready to load your model onto the printer's SD card.

Insert the SD card into the computer. Click on the 'Save to Removable Drive' button in the bottom right corner. Make a note of your file name, as this is how you will locate it on the printer!

Once completed, a popup should come up letting you know the print was properly saved, and your SD card can be ejected.

NOTE: Don't log off your computer before starting your print, as if there are any errors you might need to re access the file.

Load your SD card into the port on the front of the Ultimaker. Next, use the click wheel on the front to select the 'Print' option and press on it to click.

Use the click wheel to scroll through the list to locate your file. With SD cards, all new files are automatically loaded at the bottom of the list, so that's where you can expect to see your model show up. Once your file is located, press on the click wheel to select it.

If your print has started, you'll see a screen similar to the one on the left. The printer needs to heat both the extruder (nozzle) and print bed in order to begin printing, so it might take some time before it actually starts!

NOTE: If there are any errors opening the actual file, you might need to reload it onto the SD card.