====== Use the UP Mini ======
In order to use the UP Mini there are a few things you'll need to do.
- Check Printer Filament
- Take a look at the printer filament spool and ensure there's enough filament on the roll for your print.
- A good rule of thumb is for every square CM of your print there should be 15CM on the spool.
- If there is not enough filament on the spool change it following the instructions below.
- Initialise Printer
- On the attached PC, run the 'UP 2.18' software. Make sure you have opened Up 2.18, the 'Up Studio' software currently does not work with this printer.
- On the Main Menu click 3D Print and then Initialize.
- Insert Bed
- Check the printer has a bed inserted, if not find a spare perfboard which should be with the printer.
- Slide the perfboard into the slots on the 2 sides of the platform, using your hands to support the platform and pushing down and forward with your thumbs.
- Test extrusion.
- On the Main Menu click 3D Print and then Maintenance
- Hit "Extrude" button.
- The printhead will start to heat up, within 5 minutes the printhead temperature will reach 260 degrees then the printer will buzz and the print head starts to extrude.
- Watch the printer push the filament out, making sure it's not coming out sideways. If it is, report it to the #digifab chat.
- When it completes it will beep again, pull the filament out and it should be a nice smooth coil of filament. Do not reach up towards the nozzle, reach down towards the bed.If the filament is bubbly or textured or doesn't come out at all, report this to #digifab chat.
- Set up Print
- Load the .STL file by clicking the Open icon or choosing File → Open.
- Place the item using the toolbar to move it on the X, Y or Z axis OR click the AutoPlacement button from the toolbar.AutoPlacement is recommended for multiple files in one print job.
- If necessary, scale the item up or down using the top drop-down menu and Scale button.
- Click the Print icon.
- A pop-up window will confirm print settings. Adjust printing speed as desired. Click “Preferences” to change fill, resolution, etc. Click OK when done.
- The UP!ware sends the file to the printer by slicing it into layers. See the progression in the bottom left toolbar.
- When slicing is completed, the printer will beep and a pop up window will tell you the approximate time for your print job and how much plastic will be used.
- The nozzle will heat to the necessary temperature. When the nozzle is heated, the printer will beep one long beep. Then it will beep 3 short beeps in a row before beginning to print.
- The printer will beep 5 short beeps in a row upon completing the print job.
- Remove the black platform plate from the printer.
- Use appropriate tools (bench hook, spatula, gloves) to remove the print job.
- Clean off the bed using the spatula.
====== Changing Filament ======
===== Unloading filament spools =====
- Initialize the printer by going to 3d Print → Initialise
- Go to 3D Print → Maintenance from the top menu bar.
- Click Withdraw to remove the current filament spool.
- The printer will heat its nozzle to the appropriate temperature and will beep when it is ready.
- Gently pull the filament out of the extruder. The filament should remove smoothly from the extruder.
- If you feel a tug from the extruder, stop pulling and repeat step 2 onwards.
===== Loading filament spools =====
- Initialize the printer by going to 3d Print → Initialise
- Go to 3D Print → Maintenance from the top menu bar.
- Click New Spool.
- Select the type of filament (ABS) and enter the approximate amount in grams. Brand new UP! Mini spools are 700g.
- If you are unsure of the amount, leave the default number and click OK.
- Trim the end of the filament with the orange clippers.
- Feed the new filament through the guide on the back of the printer and into the guide tube.
- Have the filament end ready by the extruder.
- Click Extrude. The nozzle will again heat up to the appropriate temperature and will beep when it is ready.
- Place the new filament in the slot on top of the extruder and gently push. The extruder should grab the filament easily and start extruding from the nozzle.
- Release the filament.
- The printer will beep when the extrude cycle is complete.
- If changing colors, run the Extrude cycle twice to remove old filament.