howto:upmini [HSBNE Wiki]

====== 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. <callout type="info" icon="true">Make sure you have opened Up 2.18, the 'Up Studio' software currently does not work with this printer.</callout>
    - 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. <callout type="danger" icon="fa fa-warning">Do not reach up towards the nozzle, reach down towards the bed.</callout><callout type="info" icon="true">If the filament is bubbly or textured or doesn't come out at all, report this to #digifab chat.</callout>
  - 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.<callout type="info">AutoPlacement is recommended for multiple files in one print job.</callout>
    - 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.