Before I get started I need some help!

[ursuschristos 0]

Hi everyone!

My name's Steven (pleased to meet you all!) and I've been looking into the 3D printer market for a couple of months now, and after lots of research I've settled on the Ultimaker - it's mix of affordability and print resolution seems to be exactly what I'm after. I'm looking at using the Ultimaker to make my own wargaming miniatures (much like Shaun - another user on this forum). They will be about 28mm high and reasonably fine detail (which is why I'm keen on the Ultimaker - the 0.1mm vertical resolution seems much better for this sort of thing than the 0.3mm resolution that other printers provide).

I just have a couple of questions before I get started.

1: Which 3D graphic programs should I use with the Ultimaker? I want to print a lot of small models of people, is Poser going to work? How hard is it to export files between different graphics programs? Is it possible to just plug-and-print like with a lot of 2D printers?

2: Is the Ultimaker difficult to assemble? I have no experience with electronics, but if it's just a matter of following a set of assembly instructions then I won't have any difficulty. If it involves wiring up electronics or soldering then it's probably a little beyond my skills.

3: A very simple question - the printer had 3 planes: X, Y and Z. X and Y are horizontal, Z is vertical, correct?

Thanks!

[mr_seeker 0]

Hi everyone!

My name's Steven (pleased to meet you all!) and I've been looking into the 3D printer market for a couple of months now, and after lots of research I've settled on the Ultimaker - it's mix of affordability and print resolution seems to be exactly what I'm after. I'm looking at using the Ultimaker to make my own wargaming miniatures (much like Shaun - another user on this forum). They will be about 28mm high and reasonably fine detail (which is why I'm keen on the Ultimaker - the 0.1mm vertical resolution seems much better for this sort of thing than the 0.3mm resolution that other printers provide).

I just have a couple of questions before I get started.

1: Which 3D graphic programs should I use with the Ultimaker? I want to print a lot of small models of people, is Poser going to work? How hard is it to export files between different graphics programs? Is it possible to just plug-and-print like with a lot of 2D printers?

2: Is the Ultimaker difficult to assemble? I have no experience with electronics, but if it's just a matter of following a set of assembly instructions then I won't have any difficulty. If it involves wiring up electronics or soldering then it's probably a little beyond my skills.

3: A very simple question - the printer had 3 planes: X, Y and Z. X and Y are horizontal, Z is vertical, correct?

Thanks!

Hi steven!

1: You can use any 3D program you like, as long as it exports in mm and can export "STL" files. Its not possible to plug-and-print right now, but you can use a program like ReplicatorG and Cura to do this.

2. I have seen people without any technological background putting an Ultimaker together. There is a little bit of science involved, but everyone with a high school diplom and some understanding of physics should be capable of putting it together in a working day (and running it on day 2).

3. Yes. What I use is something I prefer to call "The rule of Thumb": Using your left hand, point your index finger forward (Y axis), your middle finger 90 degrees (X axis) and your thumb up (Z-axis). The rest of your hand is the center.

[magmotor 0]

"You can use any 3D program you like, as long as it exports in mm and can export "STL" files."

You can use any cad program that exports in (feet & inches) or mm....just use the 'scale' option in any slicer program to adjust the size of the object being printed....plenty of people on here to help if you need it.....have fun..!!