Answered By: MRU Library
Last Updated: Aug 09, 2021     Views: 149

Prusa MK2 3D Printer


The Prusa MK2 uses fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing, the most widely-used type of 3D printing. It uses a thermoplastic filament, which is heated to its melting point and then extruded, layer by layer, to create a three-dimensional object.

Specifications

Materials: PLA or PETG filament (various colours)

Software: Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer

File types: .STL

Machine details: 10500 cubic centimeters (25 × 21 × 20 cm or 9.84 × 8.3 × 8 in)

Production time: dependent on the project scale, 10 minutes - several days

Procedures

  1. Create or download your 3D model. Save it as an STL and upload it through the Maker Studio page on the Library website.
  2. Verify your file before submission:
  3. The file is the correct dimensions that you require
  4. The dimensions fit within the dimensions of the machine
  5. The file is a solid mesh and does not have holes or open surfaces
  6. You have chosen the appropriate material and colour for your print

Advanced - by appointment

How to print using Ultimaker Cura

These are basic settings for the Ultimaker Cura software. You must determine which settings are appropriate for each print. If you would like more detailed instructions on how to set up various prints you can go to Ultimaker.com.

Interface overview

  1. Open file. Opens a 3D file.
  2. Printer selection panel. Displays the selected printer.
  3. Configuration panel. Contains the material and print core setup.
  4. Stages. The prepare. Preview and monitor stage. Each stage is arranged to efficiently go through each 3D printing step.
  5. Print settings panel. Contains all slice strategy parameters.
  6. Marketplace. Contains plugins and material packages.
  7. Ultimaker account. Allows access to cloud functionality, Marketplace plugins and print profiles, backups and more.
  8. Action panel. Contains an action button dependent on the current stage.
  9. Print over network. Save to removable disk or save to file.
  10. Preview. Proceeds to the next stage, the preview stage.
  11. Camera position tool. Easily positions the camera to default show default viewing angles.
  12. Model information. Contains the 3D model name and dimensions of all printable models on the build plate.

Print Settings

  1. The easiest way to open 3D models is by the ‘open file’ button. The button is in the top left corner and is the first button in the stage menu. Select the model you want to prepare for printing and open it. The model will now be loaded and shown on the 3D viewer.
  2. The rightmost button in the stage menu contains the print settings panel, which includes all settings that define the printing strategy. By default, it opens in the recommended mode. This mode is ideal if you want to do a quick print with optimized printing profiles. There are a few parameters you can set:
    1. Layer height. Choose the layer height quality. The options available depend on your printer configuration.
    2. Infill. Choose an infill percentage by dragging the slider.
    3. Enable gradual infill. Reduces the amount of infill in your print by gradually increasing density.
    4. Generate support. This will generate a support structure below overhanging parts of a model to prevent the model from sagging or printing mid-air.
    5. Build plate adhesion. Adds a brim or raft around the base of the model to ensure the print doesn’t detach from the build plate.

If you would like to create your own print settings you can select “Custom” on the print settings panel. There you can manually change multiple settings. For more information on custom print settings go to Ultimaker.com.

Slice and preview

Now that the printer type, configuration and print settings are in place, it’s time to slice the model, with the button in the bottom right corner. When the process completes, it will immediately show a ‘preview button’, click it to go to the preview stage.

This view is ideal for seeing what the inside of your print will look like and how it will be printed. Use the layer slider and simulation view to check important parts of your 3D slice.

Save the file

Evaluate and improve the printing strategy until you are satisfied. You can then print directly over the network using Cura Connect, save to removable disk or save the file to your computer.

 

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