but in reality, the Ultimaker is easy for everyone to use!👍👍👍!
Grab your Ultimaker 3 today and follow our operation guide,
and you'll be printing your first model in no time!
【Table of Contents】
I. Display and Control Buttons
II. Using Cura
III. Starting a Print
IV. Materials
V. Print Cores
The Ultimaker 3's front screen displays all settings and operations. You can rotate or press the knob on the right to browse 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 to confirm the action.
When the button is flashing, it means the Ultimaker 3 is waiting for user input.
When starting the Ultimaker 3 for the first time, you will always see the Ultimaker logo first, then the main functions.
The main menu offers three options: 【Print】, 【Material/PrintCore】, and 【System】
●Print: The 【Print】 menu allows you to select prints when using USB. While 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 the network, build plate, print cores, and perform maintenance and related tests.
II. Using Cura
Cura allows you to print with dual nozzles for soluble support material or dual-color printing, or you can print with a single nozzle.
When preparing your model, you must ensure that the print core and material settings match the Ultimaker 3's settings.
If you are connected to a network, you can allow Cura to automatically transfer settings from the Ultimaker 3 to Cura.
① Dual Extrusion Slicing - Soluble Support
1. Load the 3D model into Cura
2. Select the desired print profile and adjust print settings to your preference
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 use 【Advanced Settings】 mode, find the 【Dual Extrusion】 setting and select 【PVA (Extruder [1 or 2])】 for your support print core.
★Note: If you want to use another material for support, you must change the print core and material settings in Cura.
4. After Cura finishes slicing the model, you can select 【Layer】 mode to preview your file and start printing.
②Dual Extrusion Slicing - Dual-Color Printing
1. Load two model files into Cura
2. Select one model and click the 【Per Model Settings】 button on the top left toolbar.
3. Expand the menu and select the print core/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 【Shift】 and select the other model to select both models simultaneously.
6. Right-click and select 【Merge models】 (Hotkey: Alt+Ctrl+G).
7. Select your desired print mode and adjust parameters according to your needs.
8.After Cura finishes slicing the model, you can select 【Layer】 mode to preview your file and start printing.
③Single Extrusion Slicing
1. Load the model into Cura
2. Select one model and click the 【Per Model Settings】 button on the top left toolbar.
3. Expand the menu and select the print core/material to be used for this part from the 【Print model with】 dropdown menu.
4.Select your desired print mode and adjust parameters according to your needs.
5.After Cura finishes slicing the model, you can select 【Layer】 mode to preview your file and start printing.
******For more Cura usage instructions, please refer to the Cura manual on the website.*******
III. Starting a Print
① Network Printing
The Ultimaker 3 offers network printing capabilities, either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
● Print via Wi-Fi
1. If Wi-Fi is not yet set up, go to 【System】→【Network】→【Run Wifi Setup】 and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Enable Wi-Fi 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 by IP address.
★Note: Cura will ask if you want to transfer settings from your Ultimaker 3 to Cura. Select 【Yes】 for automatic transfer.
6. Slice your 3D model in Cura.
7. Click 【Print over network】 to start printing.
● Print via Ethernet
1. Connect a LAN cable to the socket on the back of the Ultimaker 3.
2. Activate 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】 for automatic transfer.
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, ensuring that the print core and material settings in Cura match the Ultimaker 3's settings, or change the printer's configuration to match Cura..
3. Save the print file (.gcode) to the USB 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.
●Monitoring Prints
If you are printing via network or connecting to Ultimaker 3 through Cura, you can remotely monitor the print status.
This allows you to check print progress, detect malfunctions, and monitor the printer remotely.
You can view in real-time: 1. Live camera connection to Ultimaker 3
2. Print information (temperature, job name, print time, etc.)
3. Remote pause or cancel print buttons
IV. Materials
① Printing with Two Materials
As mentioned in the previous tutorial's 【Installing the Print Core】 section, the Ultimaker 3 has two AA print cores for build material and one BB print core for support material.
The AA print core can be used to print materials such as PLA, ABS, CPE, and Nylon. The BB print core can be used to print PVA.
If you want to print with two materials, here are the officially supported material combinations by Ultimaker:
● PLA - PVA
● Nylon - PVA
● PLA - PLA
● ABS - ABS
● CPE - CPE
Although 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 filament spools and transmits this information to Cura when connected to the 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, thus ensuring optimal print results.
② Changing Materials
You can easily change materials on your Ultimaker 3 by following the steps in the main menu.
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. From the main menu, select 【Material/Print Core】→【Material 1 or 2】→【Change】.
2. Wait for the print core to heat up and unload the material.
3. Remove the material from the feeder and the spool holder.
4. Place the new material on the spool holder and wait for the 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 until the feeder grips the material.
6. Press the button on the front of the Ultimaker 3 to confirm you have loaded the material into the feeder.
7. Once the material is loaded, wait until it extrudes from the print core, then press the button.
③ Material Settings
The table below outlines the recommended settings for each material. When selecting one of the material setting profiles, these settings will be automatically corrected in Cura.
| Material | Nozzle Temp | Heated Bed Temp | 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 with good adhesion of the material 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 as a thin, even layer on the glass plate to improve first-layer adhesion.
Below is a general overview of using glue 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 when the build plate is still hot after printing is complete. 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 risks splintering the glass surface when removing the object and may lead to early warranty invalidation.
Note that if the ABS printed object is removed when still at approximately 40°C, it can be removed from the heated bed 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 with 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 heated bed, 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 PVA in water. For more detailed instructions on how to dissolve PVA, please click here.
⑥ Material storage and handling
When using multiple material spools or not printing with material, it is very important to store the material correctly. Incorrect storage can affect material quality and processing results.
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.
In addition, for PVA, the recommended relative humidity is below 50%.
If PVA is placed in higher humidity, the quality of the material 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 directly in a sealed bag 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]
→【PrintCore 1 or 2】→【Change】
2. Wait for the print core to heat up, unload the material, and cool down again
3. Open the print core fan bracket
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 print head fan bracket
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 print head with your hands
★Note: When unloading or installing print cores, make sure to lay them completely flat vertically so they slide smoothly into/out of the print head.
② Calibrating print cores
When installing a new combination of print cores, some calibration must be performed to align the two nozzles.
The Ultimaker 3 will automatically detect the new combination and prompt for calibration. This calibration can only 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 further calibration.
To perform calibration, you will need the XY calibration sheet, which you can find in the accessory box or download here.
If printing, ensure it is printed on A4 paper at 100% scale.
★Note: Before starting calibration, ensure that both print cores are installed and material is loaded.
To start calibration:
1. Open [System] -> [Maintenance] -> [Calibration] -> [Calibrate XY offset]
2. The Ultimaker 3 will now print a grid structure on the heated bed, please wait for it to complete
3. After the Ultimaker 3 cools down, remove the glass plate from the printer and place it on the XY calibration sheet. Confirm that the printed grid is exactly on the two rectangles in the paper.
4. Find the alignment lines on the printed X grid and see which number belongs to these alignment lines. On your Ultimaker 3, enter this number as the X offset value.
5. Find the alignment lines on the printed Y grid and see which number belongs 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 heated bed and does not show signs of under-extrusion.
If it does, it is recommended to redo the calibration print.
VI. Build Plate Calibration
When using your Ultimaker, it is necessary to calibrate the build plate regularly 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 because there are no human errors.
★Note: When calibrating the build plate, ensure there are no plastic residues on the nozzle and the glass plate is clean, as this may lead to inaccurate adjustments.
① Active leveling
If active leveling is selected, the Ultimaker 3 will measure the level of the build plate, thus compensating for level errors in the first layer during printing.
It will move the build plate slightly up or down during printing to achieve calibration.
To activate 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's level offset is too great (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 behind the build plate.
3. Rotate the front knob until there is approximately 1 mm of space between the first nozzle and the build plate. Ensure the nozzle is close to the build plate but not touching.
4. Adjust the screws on the front right and front left of the build plate so that the front of the build plate is roughly level.
5. Again, there should be approximately 1 mm of space between the nozzle and the build plate.
6. When the print head is centered behind the build plate, place the calibration card between the nozzle and the build plate.
7. Adjust the build plate screws at the middle rear 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 to place the calibration card and step 6 to adjust the build plate.
10. Press [Continue] again. The print head will move to the third point.
★Note: Repeat step 5 to place the calibration card and step 6 to adjust the build plate. Do not push the build plate when fine-tuning with the calibration card. This will lead to inaccuracies.
After calibrating the build plate with the first nozzle, the second nozzle also needs calibration 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 alignment of the second nozzle can also be performed 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 startup
• Never
• Automatic (the adjustment frequency is determined by the printer based on the printing hours since the 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 section~~~
The final part of the tutorial will provide detailed explanations on cleaning, maintenance, and upkeep of the Ultimaker.
If anything in this basic operations guide is still unclear,
Feel free to ask SanDiMa!
Thanks for watching everyone~~~😘 😘 😘