Using 3D Printers Produced By- Dave White. Head of D&T Clevedon School

Before you start Before printing you should ensure that you have… Installed the Cube software Set up the Cube Created an account at Cubify.com Activated at Cubify.com Set the print jet gap Installed filament cartridge Connected PC to cube via Wifi (or save files to a USB stick)

Objects to print The object you have designed in you CAD software (or downloaded from the internet) should be exported in.stl (Stereolithography) file format.

Cube software Open the Cube Software… here’s what the buttons do. Opens the stl object/model Fixes any errors in the file Resize and rotate the object Moves the object to the middle of the print plate Generates the file for printing Sends the file for printing Represents the print pad on the Cube Change viewpoint Change setting for the print… material, strength, support, units Connects Cube to WiFi

Settings Choose the material that is loaded- ABS or PLA, mode – hollow/strong/solid, support- on/off, raft on/off, and units- mm/inch Change setting for the print… material, strength, support, and units

Import the stl file Opens the stl object/model the object appears on the print pad

Heal Click “Heal” to fix any problems with the.stl file. Fixes any errors in the file

Orient and Scale Open the Cube Software… here’s what the buttons do. Resize and rotate the object Use the dials to rotate, move and scale the object

Center Moves the object to the middle of the Print Pad. Moves the object to the middle of the print plate

Build Creates the.cube file that controls the Cube. Generates the file for printing Save the file* Confirmation and print time *If you are not using WiFi copy this file to a USB stick and run it from the screen

Cubestick Apply a layer of Cubestick to the Print Pad. This helps the object to stick to the Print Pad during the print process. It also helps you remove the object if you immerse it in warm water for 5 minutes.

Print If you are connected by Wi-Fi this sends the file to the Cube. Sends the file for printing Select/open the file to print The file is sent to the cube. For the print to start you will need to confirm the transfer on the Cube screen

Printing

Print finished When the print finishes allow the Print Jet to cool. Then immerse the Print Pad and object in warm water to help in removing the object.

3D Print in Education Check out my blog Teaching and Learning Resources (Free)