Ultimaker

Hacklab has a Ultimaker "Original" 3D printer that can print using PLA plastic. This page documents what you need to do in order to print something.

Generating the toolpath

You need to download and install Cura on your computer. Settings for the labs printer are "Ultimaker original" with extruder upgrade and heated bed (self built). Skip the firmware update and print test.

Now you can load your STL model into cura and generate the tool path and then save the g-code into a file.

Powering the printer up

Currently you need to hook up the controlling raspberry pi to a ethernet socket with power-over-ethernet capability. Such sockets can be found on the walls of different rooms. You also need to connect the black shucko plug into a electricity outlet.

Verify that the print bed is clear, filament has been fed to the printer and the filament feed-catch is locked into place.

Connecting to the printer

Connect to the hacklab internal network (wired ethernet or 'hacklab' / 'hacklab-fast' wlans) and point your browser towards [1]. Login with username 'hacklab' and password 'hacklab'.

Now you can upload your g-code to the octoprint and then click the small 'load' button next to the file in the list and after that you can start the print from the big 'Print' button.

At first nothing will happen as the printer heats up the bed and the extruder, you can see the temperature graphs in octoprint. The 'control' tab also gives you a webcam feed from the printer.

Remember to keep an eye on the printer when you are using it in case something goes wrong. Disconnect the printer after use.