# Starter Project

The NOVA Starter project provides 4 different printing exercises to teach the fundamentals of using NOVA. This is a great starting place for any new NOVA user to become familiar with the machine and its software.

<div data-full-width="false"><figure><img src="/files/kXznZ0a8Txxqwo9CIgGB" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

What’s included in the [NOVA Starter Kit](https://store.voltera.io/products/nova-starter-kit):

* 1 x FR4 Substrate (Introduction to NOVA)
* 1 x Speedball Screen-Printing Test Ink (2mL cartridge)
* 4 x Nordson EFD 200 µm dispensing tip (27 gauge)

{% hint style="info" %}
Any ink can be used for this project. As an alternative to the supplied FR4 board you can use the PDF file below to print the exercises onto a sheet of PET. If you’re printing onto a sheet of PET, use the vacuum module to mount the substrate rather than the rigid mounting hardware.
{% endhint %}

{% file src="/files/KX89ImRRLmZcJy9HaVFa" %}

***

## Overview

We'll start with a few setup steps where we’ll cover adding materials to the library, mounting the substrate, and assembling the Smart Dispenser. Then we'll go through each of the print exercises:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Print 1: Calibrate

We’ll cover the Calibration workflow to dial in print settings for our new material directly on our substrate.

<figure><img src="/files/exQreso4jDpfMi1BHez1" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Print 2: Dispense

We’ll take those new print settings and go through the Dispenser workflow to print a simple pattern in another quadrant of our substrate.

<figure><img src="/files/GWjBN0fVf4jip2jnBfOm" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Print 3: Selective Print

This exercise will focus on selective printing, this can be useful for reprinting missed sections or testing out part of your print before committing to a large print.

<figure><img src="/files/dhUksinkdbg7G7fd0H2h" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Print 4: Alignment

Finally, in Print 4 we’ll focus on the alignment step of the Dispense workflow to get comfortable with more challenging alignment.

<figure><img src="/files/xL3adw6j4oEsHTC9ilbW" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Before moving onto the setup step, we’re assuming that NOVA is unboxed, connected to the local network or computer, and ready for use. If that isn’t the case, please follow the steps in our [NOVA setup Guide & Manual](/docs/nova/getting-started/welcome-to-nova.md) and return when NOVA is ready for use. If you’re having trouble getting your NOVA up and running feel free to reach out to our support team.

***

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you have the original First Print Project (*Terra NOVA*) for NOVA you can find the guide for that project here: [Legacy: First Print Project (Terra NOVA)](/docs/nova/getting-started/starter-project/legacy-first-print-project-terra-nova.md)
{% endhint %}

<div data-full-width="false"><figure><img src="/files/59bDYJgPsMQ3akTRatEe" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Terra NOVA First Print Project</p></figcaption></figure></div>


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