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Emerging Technology

Introduction

The NH State Library owns six Ultimaker 2 Go 3D printers for use at public libraries. Any library that wishes to borrow a printer must have at least one staff member trained on the use and maintenance of the 3D printer. 

Contact Bobbi to set up training at your library. 

Support Materials

While the small Ultimaker 2 Go has been discontinued, the support materials remain online:
https://support.makerbot.com/s/topic/0TO5b000000Q4xyGAC/ultimaker-2-go-daytoday-operation 

Cura Software: Quick Start Guide

Using Cura Software to Slice and Prepare Designs for the Ultimaker 3D Printer
  • When you find a design in Thingiverse, download an individual file in .stl format.

  • Be sure to save the file in a location where you know to find it again!

  • Open the Cura program (software download link).

  • In Cura, I have found it easier to use the FILE >> OPEN FILES… to bring a project into the software for slicing.

  • When the object opens in Cura, be sure to click on the object to edit or slice.

Tips:

After clicking on the object, a tool bar appears on the left side of the page.

  • The top tool box allows you to center the object on the build-plate.

    • Usually setting the three axes all to 0 (zero) will center the object.

  • The second tool box allows you to resize the object.

    • Be sure that the “Uniform Scaling” is selected. This will keep your object resized in a proportional way.

Scale Image in Cura

  • And finally, click on the blue “Slice” button in the lower-right corner to slice the file and prepare it for transfer to the SD card for printing.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the New Hampshire State Library.