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Cura 3 - Slice your model
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Slicing your model
The general 3D printing workflow starts with a 3D model, exported as an .STL file, which is then put into software (Cura) that slices it into layers and outputs a GCODE file. GCODE is basically a set of instructions/toolpaths for the machines to follow.
Cura is one of many applications (Simplify3D, Slic3r, MatterControl, etc) that slices your STL into layers and converts it to printer-specific GCODE.
Installing Cura 3
- Download the appropriate Cura version for your OS and the 'definitions' folder here: https://tinyurl.com/TechLab-Files
- Install Cura 3.
- Windows: double-click the file WINDOWS - Ultimaker Cura-3.3.1-win64.exe, follow prompts
- Mac: mount MACOS - Ultimaker Cura-3.3.1-Darwin.dmg, drag into Applications folder
- Linux: save LINUX - Cura-3.3.1.AppImage to preferred location, make executable (In Terminal, chmod u+x [location saved]/LINUX - Cura-3.3.1.AppImage)
- Add our custom printer definitions ([printername].def.json files) to Cura's 'definitions' folder:
- Windows: C:\Program Files\Ultimaker Cura 3.3.1\resources\definitions
- Mac: Applications > Ultimaker Cura > right click, 'Show Package Contents' > Contents > Resources > resources > definitions
- Linux: Copy [printername].def.json files into ~/.local/share/cura/3.3.1/definitions (In Terminal, cp -a [location saved]/definitions/. ~/.local/share/cura/3.3.1/definitions), restart AppImage
- Run Cura.
Adding Printers to Cura 3
- Go to 'Settings' > 'Printer' > 'Add Printer...'
- Select each machine one by one under the category 'Caltech TechLab Printers'
- Add Printer
Using Cura 3
- Load your STL or OBJ file
- Manipulate your model as necessary (rotate, scale, etc)
- NOTE: Our profiles have been preloaded with optimized settings designed to work well for most prints. Please do not alter them until you familiarize yourself with how our printers operate.
- Recommended Default Settings:
- Layer Height: 0.2mm
- Wall Thickness: 0.8 mm
- Infill Percentage: 20%
- Print Temperature: 210° C
- Bed Temperature: 60° C
- Print Speed: 45 mm/s
- Recommended Default Settings:
- NOTE: Our profiles have been preloaded with optimized settings designed to work well for most prints. Please do not alter them until you familiarize yourself with how our printers operate.
- Click 'Prepare' (bottom right corner)
- 'Save to File/Save to Removable Drive' (save as GCODE)
For a more thorough overview, please refer to the in-depth guides located at the Ultimaker Cura website: https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/20408-interface-overview