But in reality, Ultimaker's operation is easy for everyone to pick up!👍👍👍!
Grab your Ultimaker 3 today and follow our operation guide.
We believe you'll be able to start printing your first model right away!
【Table of Contents】
I. Display and Control Button
II. Using Cura
III. Starting a Print
IV. Materials
V. Print Cores
The screen on the front of the Ultimaker 3 displays all settings and operations. You can rotate or press the knob on the right to navigate through all functions.
Rotate to select or control actions, and press the button to confirm the action.
When you press the button, you will hear a "beep" sound indicating confirmation.
When the button is flashing, it means the Ultimaker 3 is waiting for user input.
When starting the Ultimaker 3 for the first time after initial use, you will always see the Ultimaker logo first, and then the main functions will be displayed.
The main menu offers three options: [Print], [Material/PrintCore], [System]
●Print: The [Print] menu allows you to select a print when using a USB drive. During printing, the menu also allows you to adjust the print and change print settings.
●Material/PrintCore: You can change, load, and unload materials and print cores through the [Material/PrintCore] menu.
●System: The [System] menu provides various options to control network, build plate, print cores, and perform maintenance and related tests.
II. Using Cura
Cura allows you to print with water-soluble support material using dual nozzles, or to print in two colors. Of course, you can also print with a single nozzle.
When preparing your model, you must ensure that the nozzle and material settings match those of the Ultimaker 3.
If you are using a network, you can allow Cura to automatically transfer settings from the Ultimaker 3 to Cura.
①Dual nozzle slicing operation - Water-soluble support
1. Load your 3D model into Cura
2. Select the desired print profile and adjust print settings according to your preferences
3. Select the appropriate print core/material for printing support material (PVA).
In [Simple] mode: You can select [Print support using PVA (Extruder [1 or 2])].
If you are using [Advanced settings] mode, find the [Dual Extrusion] setting and select [PVA (Extruder [1 or 2])] for your support material nozzle.
★Note: If you want to use another material for support, you must change the nozzle and material settings in Cura.
4. After Cura has finished slicing the model, you can select [Layer] mode to preview your file and start printing.
②Dual nozzle slicing operation - Two-color printing
1. Load two model files into Cura.
2. Select one model and click the [Per Model Settings] button in the upper left toolbar.
3. Expand the menu and select the nozzle/material to be used for this part from the [Print model with] dropdown menu.
4. Perform the same steps for the other model.
5. Select one model, then hold down [Shift] and select the other model to select both models simultaneously.
6. Right-click and select [Merge models] (shortcut: Alt+Ctrl+G).
7. Select your desired print mode and adjust the parameter settings according to your needs.
8. After Cura has finished slicing the model, you can select [Layer] mode to preview your file and start printing.
③Single nozzle slicing operation
1. Load the model into Cura.
2. Select one model and click the [Per Model Settings] button in the upper left toolbar.
3. Expand the menu and select the nozzle/material to be used for this part from the [Print model with] dropdown menu.
4.Select your desired print mode and adjust the parameter settings according to your needs.
5.After Cura has finished slicing the model, you can select [Layer] mode to preview your file and start printing.
******For more information on using Cura, please refer to the Cura manual on our website.*******
III. Starting a Print
①Network Printing
The Ultimaker 3 offers network printing capabilities, whether via WiFi or Ethernet.
● Print via WiFi
1. If WiFi is not installed, go to [System] → [Network] → [Run Wifi Setup], and then follow the on-screen steps for installation.
2. Enable WiFi in the network menu.
3. In Cura, select [Settings] → [Printers] → [Manage Printers].
4. Click the [Connect via network] button.
5. Select Ultimaker from the printer menu on the screen and click [Connect].
★Note: Select [Add] on the screen to manually select Ultimaker 3 via IP address.
★Note: Cura will ask if you want to transfer settings from your Ultimaker 3 to Cura. Select [Yes] to transfer automatically.
6. Slice your 3D model in Cura.
7. Click [Print over network] to start printing.
● Print via Ethernet
1. Connect the LAN cable to the socket on the back of the Ultimaker 3.
2. Enable Ethernet in the network menu.
3. In Cura, select [Settings] → [Printers] → [Manage Printers].
4. Click the [Connect via network] button.
5. Select Ultimaker from the printer menu on the screen and click [Connect].
★Note: Cura will ask if you want to transfer settings from your Ultimaker 3 to Cura. Select [Yes] to transfer automatically.
6. Slice your 3D model in Cura.
7. Click [Print over network] to start printing.
②USB Printing
1. Insert the USB into the computer.
2. Slice your 3D model in Cura. Ensure that the print core and material settings in Cura match those of the Ultimaker 3, or change the configuration on the printer to match Cura..
3. Save the print file (.gcode) to the USB flash drive using the [Save to removable drive] button.
4. Eject the USB from Cura and remove it from the computer.
5. Insert the USB into the Ultimaker 3 (located on the front, next to the screen).
6. Go to [Print] and select the file you want to print.
●Monitor Prints
If you are printing via network or connecting to the Ultimaker 3 through Cura, you can monitor the printing status remotely.
This allows you to check the printing progress, detect faults, and monitor the printer remotely.
You can view in real-time: 1. Live camera connection with Ultimaker 3
2. Print information (temperature, job name, print time, etc.)
3. Remote buttons to pause or abort prints
IV. Materials
①Printing with two materials
As mentioned in the previous tutorial's 【Installing Print Cores】, the Ultimaker 3 has two AA print cores for build material and one BB print core for support material.
AA print cores can be used to print materials such as PLA, ABS, CPE, and Nylon. BB print cores can be used to print PVA.
If you want to print with two materials, the following are the officially supported Ultimaker material combinations:
● PLA - PVA
● Nylon - PVA
● PLA - PLA
● ABS - ABS
● CPE - CPE
While the Ultimaker 3 has an open material system, we still recommend using Ultimaker materials on the printer.
The Ultimaker 3 has an NFC reader that reads Ultimaker material spools and transfers this information to Cura when connected via network.
In this way, Cura automatically selects the correct material for each print core.
In Cura, you will also find profiles specifically developed for Ultimaker materials, ensuring optimal print results.
②Changing Materials
By using the steps in the main menu, you can easily change materials on your Ultimaker 3.
In addition to changing materials, you can also choose to only load and unload materials.
★Note: Before inserting material, make sure a compatible print core is installed.
1. Select from the main menu [Material/Print Core] → [Material 1 or 2] → [Change].
2. Wait for the print core to heat up and eject the material.
3. Remove the material from the feeder and spool holder.
4. Place the new material on the spool holder and wait for Ultimaker 3 to detect it.
★Note: When using non-Ultimaker materials, you can manually select the material.
5. Insert the material into the feeder and push it in until the feeder grips the material.
6. Press the button on the front of the Ultimaker 3 to confirm that you have loaded the material into the feeder.
7. Once the material is in, wait until it extrudes from the print core, then press the button.
③Material Settings
The table below outlines the recommended settings for each material. When one of these material setting profiles is selected, these settings are automatically calibrated in Cura.
| Material | Nozzle Temperature | Build Plate Temperature | Fan Speed | Adhesion Type |
| PLA | 195 - 205 | 60 | 100 | Skirt |
| ABS | 225-240 | 80 | 50 | Skirt |
| CPE | 235-250 | 70 | 70 | Skirt |
| Nylon | 250-255 | 60 | 40 | Raft |
| PVA | 215-225 | 60 | 50 | Skirt or Raft |
④ Build Plate Adhesion
While the heat of the build plate helps the material adhere well to the glass plate, an adhesive may still be needed in some cases.
A glue stick is included in the Ultimaker 3 accessory box, which can be applied in a thin, even layer on the glass plate to improve first layer adhesion.
Below is a general overview of the glue usage for each material.
● PLA
Ultimaker PLA typically adheres firmly to the glass plate. Ensure the glass plate is completely clean and free of grease and fingerprints. For best results, you can apply a thin layer of glue to the glass plate. Do not remove the print while the build plate is still hot after printing. This may cause the base of the print to deform.
● ABS
When printing with Ultimaker ABS, a thin layer of glue must be applied to the glass plate. Not using glue carries the risk of the glass plate surface cracking when removing the object, and may cause the warranty to expire prematurely.
Please note that if the ABS printed object is removed while still at a temperature of approximately 40°C, it can be removed from the build plate more easily.
● CPE
Although Ultimaker CPE adheres firmly to the glass plate, there is still a risk of warping.
To reduce the possibility of warping when printing Ultimaker CPE, apply a thin layer of glue to the glass plate using the glue stick provided with the Ultimaker 3.
● Nylon
Ultimaker Nylon adheres firmly to the glass plate. In most cases, no additional adhesive is needed for successful printing. For better adhesion, a thin layer of glue can be applied to the glass plate.
● PVA
Ultimaker PVA adheres firmly to the build plate, so we recommend applying a thin layer of glue to the glass plate.
⑤ Removing Support Material (PVA)
Prints using PVA as support material require some post-processing to remove the PVA support material.
This can be done by dissolving the PVA in water. For more detailed instructions on how to dissolve PVA, please click this page.
⑥ Material Storage and Handling
When using multiple material spools or not printing with material, it is important to store the material correctly. Incorrect storage can affect material quality and handling performance.
To keep your materials in optimal condition, it is important to store them in the following environments:
● Dry and cool
● Avoid direct sunlight exposure
● In a sealed bag
The optimal storage temperature for PLA, CPE, and Nylon is -20 to +30°C.
For ABS and PVA, the recommended temperature is between 15 and 25°C.
Additionally, for PVA, the recommended relative humidity is below 50%.
If PVA is exposed to higher humidity, the material's quality may be affected.
Materials can be stored in sealed bags, including the provided desiccant (silica gel).
For PVA, it is recommended to store the spool with desiccant in a sealed bag immediately after printing to minimize moisture absorption.
V. Print Cores
① Changing print cores
We can easily change the print core on the Ultimaker 3 by selecting the option in the menu. In addition to changing the print core, you can also choose to only load or unload the print core.
1. Go to the main menu 【Material/PrintCore】→【PrintCore 1 or 2】→【Change】
2. Wait for the print core to heat up, unload the material, and cool down again
3. Open the fan bracket of the print core
4. Carefully remove the print core by pressing the lever and sliding the print core out of the print head
5. Insert the new print core into the print head
6. Close the fan bracket of the print head
7. Wait for the Ultimaker 3 to load the material into the print core and cool down again
★ Warning: Do not touch the chip on the back of the nozzle with your hands
★Note: When unloading or installing a print core, ensure it is held completely vertical and flat so that it slides smoothly into/out of the print head.
② Calibrating print cores
When installing a new combination of print cores, some calibration is necessary to align the two nozzles.
The Ultimaker 3 will automatically detect the new combination and prompt for calibration. This calibration only needs to be performed once, after which the information will be stored on the printer.
The AA print core already installed on the Ultimaker 3 has been calibrated with the other two print cores and does not require recalibration.
To calibrate, you will need the XY calibration sheet, which you can find in the accessory box or download here.
If printing, make sure to print at 100% scale on A4 paper.
★Note: Before starting calibration, ensure that both print cores and materials are installed.
Start calibration:
1. Open 【System】->【Maintenance】->【Calibration】->【Calibrate XY offset】
2. The Ultimaker 3 will now print a grid structure on the build plate, please wait for it to complete
3. Once the Ultimaker 3 has cooled down, remove the glass plate from the printer and place it on the XY calibration sheet. Confirm that the printed grid is perfectly aligned with the two rectangles on the paper.
4. Find the alignment line on the printed X-grid and see which number corresponds to these alignment lines. On your Ultimaker 3, enter this number as the X offset value.
5. Find the alignment line on the printed Y-grid and see which number corresponds to these alignment lines. On your Ultimaker 3, enter this number as the Y offset value.
★Note: It is important that the printed XY offset print adheres well to the build plate and does not show signs of under-extrusion.
If it does, it is recommended to re-run the calibration print.
VI. Build Plate Calibration
When using your Ultimaker, it is necessary to regularly calibrate the build plate to ensure that prints adhere well to the build plate.
If the distance between the nozzle and the build plate is too large, the print will not adhere properly to the glass plate.
On the other hand, if the nozzle is too close to the build plate, it may hinder the nozzle from extruding material.
The Ultimaker 3 offers two ways to calibrate the build plate: active leveling and manual leveling. Active leveling is preferred as it eliminates any human error.
★Note: When calibrating the build plate, ensure there is no plastic residue on the nozzle and the glass plate is clean, as this may lead to inaccurate leveling.
① Active Leveling
If active leveling is selected, the Ultimaker 3 will measure the level of the build plate, thereby compensating for any leveling errors in the first layer during printing.
It will move the build plate slightly up or down during printing to achieve calibration.
To start active leveling:
1. Go to 【System】→【Build plate】→ 【Active leveling】.
2. Wait for the printer to complete the leveling procedure. This will take a few minutes. Do not touch the printer during active leveling. This may affect the measurement.
② Manual Leveling
Manual leveling is performed if the build plate is significantly offset (and active leveling cannot compensate).
1. Go to 【System】→【Build plate】→【Manual leveling】.
2. Wait for the Ultimaker 3 to home and proceed when the print head is centered at the back of the build plate.
3. Rotate the front knob until there is approximately 1 mm distance between the first nozzle and the build plate. Ensure the nozzle is close to the build plate but not touching it.
4. Adjust the screws at the front right and front left of the build plate so that the front of the build plate is roughly flush.
5. Again, there should be approximately 1 mm distance between the nozzle and the build plate.
6. When the print head is centered at the back of the build plate, place the calibration card between the nozzle and the build plate.
7. Adjust the build plate screw at the middle back until you feel slight friction when moving the calibration card.
8. Press 【Continue】. The print head will move to the second point.
9. Repeat step 5 for placing the calibration card and step 6 for adjusting the build plate.
10. Press 【Continue】 again. The print head will move to the third point.
★Note: Repeat step 5 for placing the calibration card and step 6 for adjusting the build plate. When making fine adjustments with the calibration card, do not push the build plate. This will lead to inaccuracies.
After calibrating the build plate with the first nozzle, the second nozzle also needs to be calibrated to ensure both nozzles are set to the correct height.
This only requires using the calibration card to set the correct height.
1. Place the calibration card between the second nozzle and the build plate.
2. Rotate the knob on the front of the Ultimaker 3 until it touches the calibration card, then fine-tune until you feel slight friction/resistance when moving the calibration card.
★Note: The second nozzle's alignment can also be done separately by navigating to 【System】→【Maintenance】→【Calibration】→【Calibrate Z offset】.
③ Adjustment Frequency
After adjusting the build plate, the Ultimaker 3 will ask you how often you want to adjust the build plate.
Here are the options:
• Daily
• Weekly
• After power on
• Never
• Automatic (adjustment frequency determined by the printer based on printing hours since last build plate adjustment)
You can change the adjustment frequency at any time in the main menu by navigating to 【System】→【Build plate】→【Frequency】
That concludes the basic operations for now~~~
The final part of the tutorial guide will provide detailed explanations on the cleaning, maintenance, and upkeep of Ultimaker.
If there's anything unclear about these basic operations,
Feel free to ask San Dim Sum!
Thanks for watching~~~😘 😘 😘