The following print procedures are a mix of UCSC Library specific procedures and information provided by the Ultimaker 3 Manual.

Equipment that requires checkout:

• Ultimaker 3 enclosure key & USB
• Printer accessory kit

Equipment available on request once the printer is checked out:

• Filament
• Print cores in various nozzle sizes (.25 AA, .4 AA & BB, .8 AA & BB)

Printing Procedure

1. Before checking out the printer key and usb, prepare your file for printing using CURA to determine the amount of time you will need.  Always leave an extra 30 minutes at the beginning and end of your estimated print time to allow for setup, clean up, and potential errors - for a total of 1 hour extra.  This means that if you're estimated print time in CURA is 4 hours, you should plan for the print to take 5 hours.  DSI Students are available for consultation to set up a print and review print settings.
2. Using the information provided by CURA, fill out a "DSI 3D Print Info" sheet.
3. Export your file from Cura as a .stl to the USB provided.  
4. Add the print info sheet to the front of the printer enclosure. 
5. If needed, change the print core and the filament.  If you are changing out the print core, you must bring the .4 nozzle heads to the desk for proper storage.
6. Place the USB stick in the Ultimaker 3.
7. Navigate to "Print" and select the file you want to print.
8. Once the printer acknowledges and begins to heat the nozzle, close and lock the enclosure.
9. Watch your print until the first layer is complete.  This is the most likely point of failure.
10. If you need to stop the printer, open the enclosure and either pause or abort the print.
11. Lock the printer enclosure and return the key to the DSI desk.  You may leave the space and return at the end of your complete your print at the appropriate time.
12. Once the print is complete, check out the key from the DSI desk to complete your print.
13. Wait until the "print finished" text appears before attempting to remove the print from the bed.  If your print is sticking to the plate, wait until it cools further.  You can remove the plate from the enclosure to cool faster, but always be sure to touch the build plate first to test how warm it is.  There is also a metal spatula you can use to help loosen the print. 
14. Discard any leftover filament from the print bed or enclosure.
15. If needed, wipe the bed clean with a wet cloth.  You can ask for one from the DSI students.
16. Lock the enclosure before returning the printer key.

NEVER do the following

• Manually move the print head or print bed
• Reach inside while the printer is moving
• Touch the print head when it is heated
• Touch the print bed during the print process
• Increase the print core above the recommended temperature for the filament you are using
• Use your own filament

DSI Students will monitor and abort prints that are obvious failures.  Obvious failures include:

• Failed first layers that result in material being extruded into thin air.
• Prints that have obstructions that could potentially harm the equipment.
• Prints that don't match the description on the sheet.

If this is the case, you will receive an email notification that the print has been aborted.

These sheets are available in the DSI to attach to the printer once you being a print.  The example provided below shows you what information you will need.  DSI Students are available to supervise the machines during the print run time, but you are expected to return within 30 minutes of your print completion to remove the print and clean the print bed.  Currently, the description field is written only, but we are working on a method to share a photo of the print with DSI staff. 

Name:

UCSC email:

Print Description:

Filament(s):

Nozzle Size:

Total Print Time:

Expected Return Time: