3D Printing on Ender-3 and Ender-3 Pro

The first step is to download your .STL file(s) from Tinkercad. Follow these instructions.

Ultimaker Cura - Free Slicing Software for the Ender-3 and Ender-3 Pro.

Each STL file must be prepared for 3D printing using slicing software. Ultimaker Cura is free software for this purpose. It is installed on the EurekaLab Desktop iMac.

Optionally, you may also install it on your laptop from this website.

Open the Ultimaker Cura Software from the Applications Folder or Task Bar:

1. Check that the correct printer is selected. The drop-down arrow to the right of the name lets you change it if need be.

2. Check that the correct type of filament is selected. Go to the 3D printer that you want to use and look at the label on the spool. In the example below, it says PLA+ with a PrintTemp of 190-230. The brand name isn't specified.

Change the settings on the Cura software to closely match the type of filament on the printer. The brand name isn't as important as the temperatures, and using "Generic -> PLA" is fine for any PLA (but not PLA+).

Make sure that the print temperatures are similar to what is on the label (in this example, PrintTemp 190-230). To find the print temperature, go to Print settings and click on Custom

Scroll down to Material and click on the drop-down arrow, and make sure the temp there is within the range for your filament.

Opening your STL files

1. Click on the file folder on the top left.

2. Go to your Downloads folder.

3. Hold the SHIFT key and select each of your STL files.

4. Click Open.

Adjusting the files on the print bed

You can scale the size of your 3D prints.

1) Hold the SHIFT key and click on each of your objects.

2) Click on the resize button

3) make sure "uniform scaling" is checked.

4) change the size in X (Y and Z will happen automatically)

You can change the view using the cubes at the bottom-left

Overhangs

An object that is wider at the top than at the bottom, or has parts that stick out will need supports in order to print. The above is an example of an object that needs supports. The arms, mouth, nose, and belly are all "overhangs". They are all broader than the legs that are on the build plate.

To turn on supports:

1) Select the pencil on the top right to edit the settings.

2) In the drop down list, scroll down to Support and click the arrow to reveal that area.

3) Under Generate Support click the check box

4) Under Support Placement, click Everywhere

5) To close the settings, click the X next to Print Settings.

Slicing the File

The next step is to let the software prepare the file for the 3D printer. Click the Slice Button.

Click Preview to see what the print will look like:

The supports are in light blue and help hold up the overhangs.

Click Save to Disk:

Saving your file to an SD card for 3D printing

In the front of the machine is a slot for the SD card. Push the card in, like a button, to release it.

The SD card is inserted upside down on the Ender 3Pro and right side up on the Ender 3.

Remove the card from the 3D printer and insert it into the computer (You may need an SD card to USB adapter, which is stored in a white plastic box next to the printers:

1) Once the card is inserted, you can save your 3D printer file to the SD card. The Cura software changes the Save button to "Save to Removable Drive". Click on that.

2) When finished saving, it tells you the name of the file, and then you can click Eject.

Insert the card into the 3D printer (Ender 3 Pro is upside down, with the gold contacts facing up and the notch to the left. Ender 3 is right side up!) Be careful to put it into the card reader slot on the left. Push it in until only a small portion is sticking out. See the second photo:

Starting the 3D printer

1. Turn the printer on (power switch on right side)

2. Push the knob on front

Scroll down to Change TF card. Press to select.

Scroll up to Print from TF. Press button to select.

Scroll down to find the name of your file, and press the button to select.

It will start heating the filament and the print bed for printing.