Model File to 3d Print - A Beginners Guide to Using Cura (3d Printer Slicer Software)

In this video I will show you how to convert an STL or model file into g-code for your 3d printer. The files you download are not in a format that your printer can use. You need separate software that takes these files and converts them into g-code. I will show you how to find, download and use Cura 4.12.1 to do this job.

Links:

Glossary:

3mf - A file type designed specifically for additive manufacturing (3d printing). It includes information about materials, colours, and other information that cannot be represented in the STL format.

G-code - Geometric code used by CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines. G-code instructions tell the printer motors where to move, how fast to move, and what path to follow.

Model - 3 dimensional model that you wish to print. These come in many different formats but the most popular are STL & 3mf.

Slicer - Software that converts a model into G-code instructions for your 3d printer.

STL - Stereolithography file format. STL files describe only the surface geometry of a three-dimensional object.

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[DrJacobGoodin]

This video helped my 10yo troubleshoot the 3d printers in his school’s STEM lab. He’s been frustrated because none of the teachers understand how to fix them. After watching this, he was able to identify the different steps necessary to get them working rather easily. He said “Daddy make sure you like and comment on that guy’s video and then subscribe to his channel.” Mission accomplished!

[deblake]

Ricky, I have watched hours upon hours on how to use a slicer. I have learned more from your 11-minute video than I ever had from other tubers. Thank you!

[dxjyfng]

Never thought Saul goodman would be giving me tips on 3d printing. You rock man, helped a lot! Cheers

[tabathacraft]

I am 100% clueless and completely new to the world of 3D printing, I received my new Ender 3 in the mail today and I spent hours watching videos, googling terms, etc. Then, I found this video and I am so glad that I did! I have learned more from watching your 11 minute video than I have from the endless hours of scrolling and watching other videos, that only left me more confused and with more questions 😐 after watching this video, I am now currently printing my very first successful 3D print and I feel so accomplished! Thank you so much for creating such informative and awesome content!

[andyvieluf]

This was a massive help. Starting this hobby seemed very daunting, but you just helped me understand SO much. Thank you 🖤

[russell]

Excellent walk through. Easy to understand, especially for a newbie to the 3D printing world. You aren't using odd jargon and aren't drifting off into odd examples that end up confusing.

[Rstpete]

By far the best starter video I have found. Thank you! Subscribed !!

[joergtrunschke]

Just bought an Artillery X2 and stumbled across your videos about bed leveling and this slicing. That helped so much to understand the way of printing 3d models. Thanks very much.

[OmerYelin]

Thank you very much!
I bought my first 3d printer yesterday and this really helped me to start!

[kevinlemoi]

Outstanding Video, the model for what other tutorials should be, clear, direct, well edited and to the point. A+ Mate!

[Brahdyssey]

Literally watched SO many VIDEOS trying to understand why the stl file just won’t work and print. Thank you for giving an actual solid foundation to my 3d printing understanding

[johncarlson]

Just got my printer, and boy am I glad this is the first video I came across. THANK YOU for all the preventer trouble, I’m seeing all these comments and feel blessed

[xXthatsexypandaXx]

Much more straight forward then half of the videos out thanks man

[Usw]

I appreciate you taking time to make videos like this for us.

[JerryCalverley]

I teach high school students how to 3D print. I find your very helpful as an introduction. I plan to start using it right away. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

[cmkrygger]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! OMG! Your video was so great. I love how you kept it simple for those of use new to printing and slicing. Other videos are good, but the presenter often goes off in other directions and talks about things a newbie wouldn't have learned yet. It was great how you stopped at those points where a more experienced person could follow, and said things like "I'm not going to leave that standard to keep it simple." And then you did things like demonstrated with a simple first build. I'd already done a 3dbenchy that was already in gcode. But thanks to your video, i now understand the concept of why and how I need to slice to convert to gcode.😄

[IAmHere..]

This was the most helpful video i found thank you so much. I have the ender 3 pro got it all setup then felt overwhelmed by the software stuff I couldn't figure out the sites to get files to print from this helped me tremendously

[leahfarr]

I'm very new to 3d printing and had no knowledge about slicer software. I was a bit overwhelmed buy this video perfectly explained what I needed, and what the software does. Thanks a bunch :)

[yogurttoad]

I've been going through all of your Ender 3 v2 videos. They have been an invaluable resource. Thank you very much for the help.

[Hcky]

Thank you so much!!!

My own builds were never printing with my old software but now with this one it works!! 😃