Step 1 – 3D Model creation

First a 3D model of the object to be printed is created using computer-aided

design (CAD) software. Since the part will be an exact replica of the 3D model,
every detail needs to be right and modelled to the right shape and size and needs
to fully define its external geometry.

● Note: You can use 3D modeling software like Blender, SketchUp, AutoCad,
Maya or others to create your own designs. Almost any 3D modeling software
can be used to create a 3D printable file.

Step 2 – STL file creation

The CAD file is then converted to a standard 3D printing file format called

standard tessellation language (STL).

As the name suggests this will tessellate the 3D shape and slice the part into

digital layers. The layer thickness dictates the final quality and depends on the

machine and process.

● Note: Softwares like Blender and SketchUp2018 (& above versions) provides file
export in (.stl) format.

Step 3 – STL file transfer

STL file is then transferred to the printer often using the ULTIMAKER CURA software,

where model will be manipulated to orientate for printing. . After opening the exported

file in Ultimaker Cura, one can see the prototype model on real printing scale (221mm *

221mm * 300 mm - Volume of Printing Plate).

Ultimaker Cura provides some modification features in the model like Move, Rotation,

Mirror and Scale.

Before printing, one needs to set drafting settings for 3d printer.

Material : PLA(Polylactic Acid) plastic (white)

ABS(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)(red)

Nozzle Size : 0.25mm, 0.4mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm(generally used)

Layer Height : 0.1mm - 2.1mm

Wall Height : 1.5mm - 3mm

Infill Density: 10- 80%

Speed : 40mm/s - 60mm/s

Cooling : Only required for PLA material

Note :
Ultimaker Cura provides automatically generated support for cantilever structures which
can affect the precision of the printing model. Hence model should be first divided into
parts for printing and later reassembled for the completed prototype.

6. After selecting appropriate settings, one can see estimated time and material used for
printing and then the file can be saved in Memory Card or Removable disk in
(.gcode)format for actual printing.

Step 4 – Machine set up

3d printing machine first requires calibration of the plate which ensures that the plate

and nozzle are close enough and also the plate is exactly perpendicular to the

nozzle(otherwise the print can slide in one direction).

the plate should be applied with a glue stick so that the base of the model should stick
with the plate.
insert SD card into 3D PRINTER
The main menu offers three options: “Print”, “Material” and “Maintenance”.
Simply select one of the files from ”Print” option and press the button to start.
After a print file has been chosen, the Ultimaker 2 Extended+ will prepare itself by homing the
print head and build plate and heating up the build plate and nozzle.
Please note that this can take up to 5 minutes. While printing, the display will show the progress
of the print and the remaining time for printing

Step 5 – Printing

Once the printing started, it gradually builds the design one layer at a time.

Depending on the build size, the printing machine, printing technology, material and the

printing resolution, this printing process could take hours or even days to complete.
Step 6 – Part Removal

After building the part or multiple parts in some cases, it may need a cooling off period

before the parts can be removed from the machine. Removal could vary from simply

peeling off the build platform to wire eroding from the build pate.

Step 7 – Post processing

Almost all the 3D printing techniques will require some form of post processing. Post-

processing is an important step for the aesthetic and function of the parts.The printed

parts are cleaned and glued to make a complete structure.

3D PRINTER : Ultimaker 2 Extended+

Print technology: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
MATERIAL : PLA (Polylactic acid or polylactide)
NOZZLE SIZE : 0.25 mm ,0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm
SOFTWARE for Print preparation - Cura - Official Ultimaker Software
STEPS FOR 3D PRINTING-
USING CURA
To convert a 3D model to a print file in Cura:
1. Load a 3D model (STL, OBJ, DAE or AMF file) into Cura via the “Load” button.
2. Choose your desired settings and wait for Cura to slice the model.
3. After Cura has converted the file, save the print file (GCode) via the “Save” button. If the SD
card has been inserted, it will directly save the file to the SD card.
4. Remove the SD card from your computer - make sure to remove it safely - and insert it into
your Ultimaker 2 Extended+ to start printing

USING GLUE
Although the heat of the heated bed already ensures the adhesion of your print to the glass
plate, this is not always enough. For even better adhesion, in some cases it is desired to use
glue on the glass plate as well.

Simply select one of the files and press the button to start.
After a print file has been chosen, the Ultimaker 2 Extended+ will prepare itself by homing the
print head and build plate and heating up the build plate and nozzle.
Please note that this can take up to 5 minutes. While printing, the display will show the progress
of the print and the remaining time for printing

-level the build plate to ensure your 3D prints stick well to the build plate.
To level the build plate:
1. Go to “Maintenance” > “Build plate” to start the bed leveling process. (When using the
Ultimaker 2 Extended+ for the first time, you can skip this step).
2. Wait for the Ultimaker 2 Extended+ to do its homing procedure and continue when the print
head is in the center at the back of the build plate.
3. Rotate the button at the front until there is approximately 1 mm distance between the nozzle
and the build plate. Make sure that the nozzle is close to the build plate without touching it.
4. Adjust the front left and front right build plate screw to roughly level the build plate at the front
side. Again there should be a distance of approximately 1 mm between the nozzle and build
plate.
5. Place the calibration card in between the nozzle and build plate.
6. Adjust the build plate screws on the front left side, front right side and the middle of the back
until you feel slight friction when moving the card.
7. Press “Continue”. The print head moves to the second point
8. Repeat step 4 “place the calibration card” and step 5 “adjust the build plate”.
9. Press “Continue” again. The print head moves to the third point.
10. Repeat step 4 “place the calibration card” and step 5 “adjust the build plate”.
 The main menu offers three options: “Print”, “Material” and “Maintenance”.
PRINT
The “Print” menu allows you to select one of the print files from the SD card. Press the button to
start.