Ultimaker
Ultimaker 3 App
Connecting to an Ultimaker 3 printing system with the Ultimaker 3 App
Open source 3D printer manufacturer, Ultimaker has launched a mobile and tablet application that allows the user to start and monitor prints.
The Ultimaker 3 App is an upgraded platform of the company’s first app in 2015. A more streamlined mobile 3D printing experience, Ultimaker are committed to making 3D printing as simple as it can be. Its new app allows prints to be controlled even when the innovator is away from the printer.
Syncing with the Ultimaker 3 printing system, which boasts an integrated camera, the app monitor the process as it happens. The app can also utilise Wi-Fi networks to allow the user to commence a printing. And thanks to Ultimaker’s online slicing service, models can even be sliced using the app.
Prior to any further upgrades and developments, which Ultimaker have pledge to work on, the app currently supports both STL and g-code files. Ultimaker say customers can expect notifications, more dual material profiles and additional remote control functions.
Upon downloading the free app, there are just six steps between installation and producing a 3D-printed object with the Ultimaker 3 printer. When opening the app for the first time, the user will need to search for 3D printers to connect to – the mobile or tablet must be connected to the same local area network as the printer. Connecting to the printer just requires selecting the machine from a list of discovered printers, or manually searching for the IP address.
Ultimaker
Ultimaker 3 App settings
Applying the 3D printing settings using the Ultimaker 3 App
Once connected, the user can upload an STL or g-code file to a cloud storage provider or use the file manager on their mobile/ tablet. Then, the file can be accessed from within the app and checked in the 3D preview function, before the process goes any further. This allows the user to check if the selected file is the one they wish to print.
Then, the materials to be used in the print need to be selected. At present, PLA, nylon, CPE, APS and PVA (though only in the second extruder with PLA) can be used in the Ultimaker 3. The app even keeps a constant monitoring on the loaded materials, meaning it will automatically detect when a change is needed.
The 3D printing settings then need to be applied, before the slicing phase takes place. Here the user will be able to view the uploading, slicing and download process.
When in monitoring mode, the user can keep a check on the state and progress of the print. The print can be paused at any point, should intervention or abortion be required. And, handily, to see the print in greater detail, the user can pinch the screen to zoom in on a specific part.
The Ultimaker 3 App is available on iOS and Android, though some features, such as the zoom function, are only available on iOS at the moment.
