In order to use a model file for 3D printing, steps need to be taken to correct for errors, the file needs to be processed by a slicer, produce G-code, which in turn can be used to command the 3D printer. Ultimaker Cura is one such application, and is recommended for use with the Monoprice Maker Select Plus. It’s free, open source and available under the LGPLv3 license, and version 3.1 was release December 5, 2017.
Cura needs to start with an existing 3D model in STL, 3MF, or OBJ format. Modeling software will be needed to otherwise create a new or modified model. After importing the 3D model, Cura will provide a preview of the print and allow for changes in scale and other adjustments when preparing for slicing into layers in preparation for printing.
An installer can be downloaded from the Ultimaker website, with Cura supporting Windows, Mac, and Ubuntu operating systems. When opening the application for the first time it will ask for the model of 3D printer. For the Maker Select Plus the option “i3/Plus” is recommended in the manual, but not present in the available options in Cura. I’ll have to check to see if anything else was included in the box, but for now an acceptable approach seems to be to select “Prusa i3” and afterwards go into the printer machine settings to adjust the volume to 200mm (width) x 200 mm (depth) x 180 mm (height).
Once I have my printer setup, I’ll be ready to start making some test prints with sample models.
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