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Here's a detailed tutorial of the best Cura settings for the Ender 3 3D printer, making sure that even a beginner can get up to speed quickly. The Standard Profile as a Basis First of all, it should be noted that users with the standard profile of the model are well-advised to start with. Go to the download page and download the latest stable version, the monitor mode is supported in the versions 3.8 and above After downloading the file install the program and execute it. It will popup the printer settings where you should select your printer. Cura configuration. Ok Here is my result using 200% cube and in low quality 0.3 and added another top and bottom layer so 4 bottom layers and 4 top layers and printed in the front left corner of the print bed, Using the cura settings I posted in the post above.
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Then check in the settings that the nozzle diameter and material match the settings in the 3D printer. Select the printing setting, i.e. Fast printing (high speed) or high accuracy (quality). With the 'Slice' function of Cura, you can break the model down into individual layers. Check the print simulation of the model in the preview. Ultimaker Cura 4.2: First choice for 3D printing professionals worldwide Today, the latest version of our powerful, easy-to-use 3D print preparation software is available for download. In this release, we've focused on usability improvements that simplify 3D printing workflows, whatever your 3D printing application.
Facebook messenger standalone pc. 3D printing technology is not only used in large industrial enterprises but is also becoming increasingly popular with smaller companies and individuals.
Especially when it comes to small components with complicated shapes that cannot be produced with conventional machining processes or only at great expense.
Large manufacturing companies can afford entire design departments with software specialists for the CAD/CAM conversion of the 2D or 3D drawing for the 3D printer.
But what does the hobbyist do?
The European company Ultimaker offers the free 3D printing software 'Cura', which is compatible with a wide range of devices and drawing formats.
The software is equipped with many functions and is continuously improved.
In the following text, we will introduce the 'ironing' function of the software and take a closer look at it.
Contents
- 1 The Software Cura
- 1.2 Options of Cura
- 2 Cura Ironing
- 2.2 Parameters
The Software Cura
The ambitious developers of Ultimaker have spared no expense and effort and have brought excellent software to the market, which has millions of users worldwide.
Of course, there is also software from other companies. But because of its user-friendliness, Cura offers the perfect start into the world of 3D models.
The software is already equipped with long-term tested and optimized print presettings for different printing materials.
Before using it, you have to ensure that your 3D printer can handle 'G-code' formats. 'G-Code' stands for geometric code and describes the machine language that instructs the print head, among other things, how it has to move in three dimensions to print the respective model.
Information about the dosing quantity of the printing material, as well as nozzle temperature, is also transmitted via G-Code.
Cura always sends the information about the model to be printed in G-Code format.
Here is a brief overview of the different drawing formats that can be processed by Cura:
- STL
- OBJ
- X3D
- 3MF
- BMP
- GIF
- JPG
- PNG
For the trouble-free conversion of the drawing formats into G-code, Cura has interfaces to subsequent drawing programs:
It is therefore an advantage if you already use one of the above-mentioned software. But it is also no problem if you use another program that can export the drawing into the common formats.
Using Cura
The simple structure of the software interface corresponds to the simple workflow for printing with the software.
- First, import the file using the import function or by simply dragging the file over. Position the bottom of the print model at the bottom of the print area. You can still change the size of the model or the number of models here.
- Then check in the settings that the nozzle diameter and material match the settings in the 3D printer.
- Select the printing setting, i.e. fast printing (high speed) or high accuracy (quality).
- With the 'Slice' function of Cura, you can break the model down into individual layers.
- Check the print simulation of the model in the preview. Here you can still optimize parameters, but you must be careful to disassemble the model after each change.
- Save the file and send it to the 3D printer for printing.
The already saved default settings work without problems for most models. In addition, there are over 400 software settings that you can use to optimize printing.
You will find the best options in the following section.
Options of Cura
In addition to its use as a 3D printing software, Cura offers setting options that allow for even more creative shapes and surfaces to be printed.
Here follows an overview and a short description of the 10 best functions.
Wire Printing
With this function all 3D models in the design of a wireframe can be printed.
The software includes a program that converts the design from a 3D CAD file into a single-layer wireframe.
This allows very complex designs to be displayed from simple CAD drawings.
Spiral Mode
This mode is suitable for printing lamps or vase-shaped models. This mode is also sometimes called Vase Mode. This mode does not use the traditional method of layered printing.
The edges of the print object are printed continuously and spirally in height. Finally, a last layer is printed on the top layer.
Complete Guide:
Cura Vase Mode 'Spiralize Outer Contour' Basics & Settings
Mold Feature
The genius of the Cura software are hidden functions like these.
This is used to print the negative of a 3D model. The resulting mold can be used, for example, as a casting mold for the 3D model. In a very simple way, disposable or reusable molds can be produced, which are suitable for various materials.
Fuzzy Skin
Rough or grippy surfaces, blurred or even hairy surfaces can be created with this function.
This option is also recommended for the subsequent processing of an already printed model. For example, if it becomes necessary to add rough areas to the surface to make the object easier to grip at certain points.
Complete Guide:Cura Fuzzy Skin – How & Why to Use It
Adaptive Layers
This option combines high-quality machining with fast processing. The model is analyzed and divided into constructively critical and non-critical layers.
Depending on the material, the printing is done with a thinner or a thicker material layer. This option is very suitable for objects with round surfaces that need to be finished in a short time.
Concentric Top/Bottom Pattern
Here the first and the last layer are adjusted for concentricity and alternately processed from the first to the last layer or from the last to the first layer of the model.
This is particularly suitable for round symmetrical models and prevents, for example, the effects of small material defects on the printed object.
Tree Supports
If you want to print models with many overhangs, you should use this function. Through the software. Instead of straight supports for the overhanging structures, the program creates a kind of tree structure for support.
The individual branches are hollow and can follow different angles of the model. This method saves both time and material during printing. Another advantage of this function is that the supporting construction touches the actual model only in a few, easily removable points.
Conical Supports
This is a conical support structure for the model with a large overhang.
In contrast to the previous Tree Support function, due to the statics of the construction, there is little material on the base plate and much on the contact points with the model.
This also leads to time and material savings during printing.
Color Blind Assist
Cura 4 2 Settings Pc
This function helps to better recognize different color areas in the program simulation. The background can be set to black or white to make different colors and layers easier to recognize.
Ironing
With this function, surfaces can be cleanly displayed or ironed.
This function is described in more detail in the following section.
Cura Ironing
This 'ironing function' describes the final finishing of the surface of the printed model.
After the last layer is printed, the print head again travels along the path of the last layer or the outlines and outer edges of the model to process them according to your requirements.
The comparison with ironing sounds quite simple. But anyone with experience in ironing shirts knows how demanding it is to get a clean surface.
Ironing Settings in Cura
The Ironing function must be made visible in the toolbar under 'Settings' and 'Configure Visibility'. There you enter 'Ironing' in the search bar and tick the box.
Now the function can be found in the print settings under the form.
Parameters
Similar to the settings on the iron, Cura has various parameters that can be adjusted to achieve the perfect surface.
Only the highest layer
This function is important if only the surface of the last layer is to be processed.
Pattern
This setting defines the movement pattern of the nozzle on the surface.
Line Spacing
Here the distance between the individual lanes can be changed.
Inset
The machining of the outer edges with a distance in X-Y direction is controlled with this function.
Flow
This setting can be used to control the amount of printing material that is additionally applied to the last printing layer.
Speed, Acceleration, and Jerk
These three parameters are used to fine-tune the speed of movement of the printer nozzle.
What Does Ironing Do to the Printed Model?
By simulating other nozzle settings, as well as reducing the print material to zero, the nozzle moves over the last layers and heats them again.
This creates an effect similar to ironing, i.e. the print layers on top of each other and the print webs next to each other overlap slightly or run.
The boundaries of the individual print webs are therefore less visible.
Burrs are also eliminated.
Cura 4 2 Settings Windows 10
Basically, the effect of the individual parameter settings always depends on the printing material and the model shape.
For the perfect interface on your own model, you first have to test various parameter settings yourself.
For the first settings, there are also many hints in corresponding blogs or user forums on the net.
However, by applying some basic physical properties, you can also derive the rough effect of the individual settings and approach the print tests more specifically.
It is actually only a question of the printer nozzle as a heat source and its distance or exposure time to the material.
Further Tips on Cura Ironing
With a high speed of movement and high acceleration of the print head, the material is only heated for a short time.
The same effect can be achieved by placing the print head far away from the surface, e.g. with the 'inset' setting.
This causes the upper layer boundaries to run slightly on the model.
This is especially recommended for the removal of smaller surface defects or roughness.
For the top layers to run or fuse together, the printing speed and distance of the nozzle to the model must be kept as low as possible.
Cura 4 Settings For Anet A8
This also results in a very smooth surface on the model.
Even smooth surfaces can be roughened again with a light material feed from the printer nozzle.
Conclusion
The possibilities with the ironing function are very diverse and lead to different results on the 3D model after changing the parameters with the same model shapes and printing materials.
Unfortunately, you have to find out for yourself what the perfect settings for the desired surface are in the end.
We wish you success and Happy Printing or Ironing!
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UPDATE: This method is a bit hacky, and breaks with updates – best to check on my newer method here
Wow this was harder than it should have been, so I'll post what I can here to help you also.
We have 3 x Makerbot Replicator 2 3D printers, and for years used Makerware until it was discontinued for our printers and for Ubuntu it seems. So we've made the switch to Cura where all the cool kids hang out.
Of course Cura is primarily made for Ultimaker printers, but it can be configured for many others.
First up, I'm using it in Ubuntu Linux (18.04) so locations of files might need to be changed for your config files as needed.
Step 1: Set up your printer
I chose Makerbot Replicator from the printers page, and made a couple of changes as shown here:
I also renamed the machine name to 'Replicator 2' just so I would remember.
Step 2: Start and end GCode
You'll need some custom Gcode so here it is (picked from various places and organised after some testing).
Start Gcode:
; — start of START GCODE –
M73 P0 (enable build progress)
;this next line won't work, but has the steps command
M92 X88.8 Y88.8 Z400 E101 ; sets steps per mm for Rep2
G90 (set positioning to absolute)
(**** begin homing ****)
G162 X Y F4000 (home XY axes maximum)
G161 Z F3500 (home Z axis minimum)
G92 Z-5 (set Z to -5)
G1 Z0.0 (move Z to '0')
G161 Z F100 (home Z axis minimum)
M132 X Y Z A B (Recall stored home offsets for XYZAB axis)
(**** end homing ****)
G92 X147 Y66 Z5
G1 X105 Y-60 Z10 F4000.0 (move to waiting position)
G130 X0 Y0 A0 B0 (Set Stepper motor Vref to lower value while heating)
G130 X127 Y127 A127 B127 (Set Stepper motor Vref to defaults)
G0 X105 Y-60 (Position Nozzle)
G0 Z0.6 (Position Height)
; — end of START GCODE –
End GCode:
; — start of END GCODE –
G92 Z0
G1 Z10 F400
M18
M104 S0 T0
M73 P100 (end build progress)
G162 X Y F3000
M18
; — end of END GCODE –
This of course all assumes you don't have a heated bed (also makes sure it doesn't send heated bed commands which make the machine complain).
Step 3: Install X3G file converter
Go to the 'Marketplace' button at the top right of your Cura window and in the marketplace search for 'X3GWriter' and install it. Restart Cura so that it comes live.
Step 4: Modify X3GWriter so that it always detects 'Replicator 2'
There seems to be a problem with X3GWriter in that with the above setup it always detects the machine to be a replicator 1, which is a problem as they have different amounts of steps per mm. You'll know this because if you have a Replicator 2 and you try to print an object, it'll keep printing larger than it should be. I'm sure there's another way to make it detect 'Replicator 2' but in the mean time I just changed it to always be Replicator 2 as that is all I have.
Locate your plugins folder – for me it's in /home/username/.local/share/cura/4.3/plugins (where username is your username).
Go into the X3GWriter folder (and again into it, it's nested twice – the path for me is: /home/username/.local/share/cura/4.3/plugins/X3GWriter/X3GWriter/)
Open 'X3GWriter.py' with your favourite text editor. Be careful in here, it's a python script so you want to use spaces, not tabs to indent, and indents matter. If you destroy it you may have to just remove the plugin and install it again.
We're looking for the line like this:
return machine if machine in X3GWriter.known_machines else None Play games from pc on phone.
Note again that it's indented with spaces in front. Put a # in front of this line to comment it out so it doesn't get read like this:
#return machine if machine in X3GWriter.known_machines else None
Now go to the next line, press space until you're lined up with the line above and put in:
return 'r2'
Save the file and close Cura, then restart it. If all is well, you'll find you can now export files that will print properly and be read by your Replicator 2.
If you find the X3G file option has disappeared from your list, then the plugin is broken. Check your syntax in the plugin file and try again.
Finally I can use a nice slicer on Linux and hang out with the cool 3D printer kids!