![[3D列印軟體] Cura15.06-操作教學!](http://3dmart.com.hk/cdn/shop/articles/201512181558120.jpg?v=1779423852&width=1600)
One of the core steps of 3D printing is slicing. A good 3D printing slicer software must have a high degree of manipulation freedom to fully utilize the designer's ingenuity and the 3D printer's performance. Cura, published by Ultimaker's official team, is one such software. Not only does it allow for initial settings, but it also has an advanced mode for users to fine-tune various print parameters and details, whether it's layer height, support, infill density, print speed......, all kinds of setting options can be found, allowing 3D printing players to unleash their maximum creativity. Let's take a look at how to operate version 15.06, designed for the Ultimaker series!
Installation
Please download and install Cura version 15.06 from the official website. Before installation, remember to check the following points to ensure your computer system is compatible!
Operating System
• Windwows Vista and newer
• Mac OSX 10.7 and newer
• Linux Ubuntu 15.04, Fedora 23, OpenSuse 13.2, ArchLinux and newer
Processor
• OpenGL 2 compatible graphics chip
• Intel Core 2 or AMD Athlon 64 or newer
File Types Read
• STL (most common 3D print file format)
• OBJ
Operation Interface
The image below shows the Cura operation interface. You can set your preferred print parameters in Cura and then slice the object.
1. Menu Bar
2. Load File
3. Operation Mode
4. Print Settings
5. Mirror
6. Rotate
7. Scale
8. Save G.code File
Preparing Print Files
Follow these basic steps to select your preferred print settings and convert your 3D object to a G-code file.
Opening Files
• Click the "Open file" button in the upper left corner of the screen.
• Select "File" > "Open"
• Select the file and open it ("Open with")
• Import the file from your computer into Cura
Settings
When you first open Cura, it will be in "Simple" mode. You'll find a "Time vs Quality" slider. Adjust the slider to your preferred setting. Sliding it to "Minimum Draft" on the far left will print a lower quality object quickly. If you want good print quality, slide it to "Maximum Quality" on the far right, but the print time will be relatively longer. You can place the slider anywhere on the axis to find your preferred balance between quality and time. Cura will calculate parameters such as layer height, infill density, and print speed based on the slider's position.
When the object you want to print has overhanging structures, you must construct support material. Please check "Enable Support," and Cura will automatically calculate and construct the support material.
Saving
After the parameters are set, Cura will slice the 3D object into a G-code file. Every time you change parameters, Cura will re-slice it in real-time. You can see the slicing status in the progress bar at the bottom right. After slicing is complete, you can save the file according to the following steps:
• Insert the SD card into your computer (Ultimaker reads the SD card for printing)
• Click "Save to SD Card" in the bottom right corner of the screen, or click "File" > "Save" to save.
Note: Above "Save to SD Card" is Cura's estimated print time and material weight, which is convenient for your subsequent print evaluation!
Adjusting Objects
Below are several methods for adjusting an object's orientation and size.
Mirror
Click on the object, and three icons will appear in the bottom left corner of the interface. The leftmost one is the Mirror function; click on the Mirror function, and X, Y, Z axis arrows will appear on the object. Click any arrow to mirror the object.
Rotate
The middle icon in the bottom left corner of the interface is the rotate function. Clicking the rotate function allows the object to rotate along the X, Y, and Z axes. Holding down the left mouse button on one of the axes will move it 15 degrees at a time; or, by holding down the "Shift" key (or unchecking the "Snap Rotation" option), you can move it one degree at a time. (Press the "Reset" button to return the object to its original position.)
Scale
The rightmost icon in the bottom left corner of the interface is the Scale function, which allows you to scale the object along the X, Y, and Z axes. Here are a few ways to operate it:
• Drag the small square on any axis of the object to scale it.
• Directly adjust the size value in the "Scale" function.
• Adjust the percentage in the "Scale" function to scale it.
The default scaling is synchronous scaling in the X, Y, and Z directions. You can uncheck "Uniform scale" to adjust the dimensions of each direction independently.
The "Scale" function also includes "Reset" and "Scale to max" icons. "Reset" will revert the object's size to its original settings, while "Scale to max" will enlarge the object to the maximum possible within the printable area.
Mouse Control
Change Viewpoint
You can change the viewpoint and size with your mouse to observe object details.
Left Click:
Move your mouse cursor over the object and left-click to move the object's position on the X-Y plane.
Move Interface:
You can move the entire Cura interface by simultaneously pressing "Shift" and the right mouse button.
Rotate:
Press the right mouse button to rotate the view and observe the object from various angles. If your mouse only has one button, press the spacebar and the mouse button simultaneously to rotate the view.
Zoom:
Zoom in and out using the mouse scroll wheel; scroll forward to zoom in, and backward to zoom out.
Right-click on an object
Right-clicking on an object will bring up a menu.
• Center object on platform: Places the object in the center of the build plate.
• Delete object: Removes the object.
• Duplicate object: Creates a copy of the object on the build plate.
• Clear build platform: Clears all objects from the build plate.
• Reload all objects: Reloads all objects on the build plate.
• Reset all object positions: Returns all objects on the build plate to their initial positions.
• Reset all object transformations: Reverts object settings to their initial state.
View Mode
Clicking "View mode" in the upper right corner of the interface will display two viewing modes for objects to choose from.
SOLID
This is the default view mode, allowing you to clearly see the object's size and shape.
LAYERS
Layer mode (or slicing mode) is a very practical mode. In this mode, you can view each layer after slicing. It is recommended to enable this mode before printing to check for any issues after the object is sliced. Note: In layer mode, moving the slider on the right up and down allows you to view each layer.
The different colors you see in layer mode represent different meanings:
• Red: Outermost perimeter of the object (outer wall)
• Green: Second perimeter (inner wall)
• Yellow: Infill / top and bottom surfaces
• Blue: Support structures / Brim / Raft
Firmware
From time to time, new versions of Cura (including new firmware versions) will be released on the official website. It is recommended to regularly check the official website to keep Cura and the machine's firmware updated to the latest version. Please follow the steps below to update the firmware:
1. Connect
Connect your computer and Ultimaker with a USB cable. Remember that Ultimaker 2 series and Ultimaker Original+ machines must be plugged in and turned on.
2. Update Firmware
Open Cura and go to "Extensions" > "Firmware" > "Update Firmware" (please confirm that the correct machine is selected in the "Machine menu"). Cura will automatically update the latest firmware version to the machine.
Using Advanced Mode
Cura defaults to "Simple mode". You can select "Advanced mode" from the "Print Setup" option.
Interface Layout
Version 15.06 of Cura has a different interface layout in advanced mode compared to previous versions. It displays a few of the most common adjustable items by default. You can also make more settings in Cura; version 15.06 has more adjustable items than previous versions.
Please follow the steps below to set it up:
- Click "Machine" > "Configure printers" in the menu bar to open a menu with all print parameter settings.
- After checking the box, you can set it in Print Setup on the right.
Next, we'll briefly describe the meaning and purpose of each option.
Quality
The following important parameter settings determine the surface quality of the printed object.
LAYER HEIGHT
Layer height is probably the most frequently adjusted parameter. The default layer height is 0.1mm. You can decrease the layer height for better surface quality or increase it to shorten print time.
SHELL THICKNESS
Shell thickness is one of the items displayed by default in advanced mode, used to determine the number of perimeters (layers) of the printed object's outer shell. The default is usually 0.8mm (which means two perimeters when printing with a 0.4mm nozzle). For most objects, this shell thickness is strong enough.
BOTTOM/TOP THICKNESS(Bottom/Top Thickness)
This option sets the thickness of the object's bottom and top layers. The default is 0.8mm (if layer height is set to 0.1mm, this means 8 layers), but in some special cases, it may be necessary to increase the thickness. For example, if you are printing a large, flat top surface, or if your object requires a lower infill density, a thicker top layer is needed to seal the object. Using too thin a top layer with a low infill density can lead to a phenomenon commonly known as "pillowing," as shown in the figure below.
BOTTOM/TOP PATTERN(Bottom/Top Pattern Type)
This option allows you to change the pattern style of the bottom/top layers. The default is a line pattern, but you can use a concentric pattern style to replace the default pattern.
Material
In Cura, there are various material-related settings that can be configured, but you'll find that most options are set on Ultimaker 2 series machines. However, if you own an Ultimaker Original or Ultimaker Original+, you will still need to make these settings in Cura.
TEMPERATURES
Using the correct temperature is one of the most important things for 3D printing. If you are using an Ultimaker 2 Go, Ultimaker 2, or Ultimaker 2 Extended, you will find that temperature adjustments are made on the machine. However, if you are using an Ultimaker Original or Ultimaker Original+, you will still need to make these settings in Cura. Here, we will discuss the temperatures for the nozzle and the heated bed (if configured).
The default settings in Cura are for PLA. We recommend a nozzle temperature of 210°C and a heated bed temperature of 60°C. If using ABS material, we recommend a nozzle temperature of 250°C and a heated bed of 90°C. If you want to use other materials, you must find a suitable temperature to ensure the material is fully extruded. This means you need to change the temperature in Cura according to your chosen material. If you are using an Ultimaker 2 series, you can simply select the appropriate configuration on the machine.
RETRACTION
This is a setting that can be found and enabled on any 3D printer. Retraction means that when the nozzle moves to an area where printing is not required, the filament is automatically pulled back a small distance. For example, if you are printing two pillars with a certain distance between them, retraction ensures that the nozzle only moves without extruding any plastic, preventing "stringing" (fine plastic strands between different objects). The image below shows stringing that occurs if retraction is disabled.
Sample of stringing
Usually, enabling retraction yields good results, but you might occasionally still see some stringing. In such cases, you can try lowering the nozzle temperature to reduce the amount of plastic flowing out of the nozzle, thereby preventing stringing. However, please note that lowering the nozzle temperature also means you (might) need to slow down the print speed to ensure the plastic is fully melted when it leaves the nozzle.
DIAMETER AND FLOW
These two settings are used to adjust the diameter of the material you are using and the flow rate of the extruded material. Although you are unlikely to modify them, it is always good to understand the relevant knowledge.
DIAMETER refers to the diameter of the filament you are using. The materials provided by Ultimaker consistently maintain 2.85mm, but those provided by other suppliers may vary slightly. In such cases, it is recommended to use calipers to measure the filament diameter and make changes in Cura. Based on the value you set, Cura will calculate how much plastic needs to be extruded. However, note that Ultimaker is not designed for 1.75mm filament, so it is recommended to use filament with a diameter of approximately 2.85mm.
Based on the filament diameter and print speed, the amount of plastic that must be extruded per unit of time is calculated, which is the FLOW. The flow setting is usually kept at 100%, meaning that the amount of material extruded perfectly matches the required amount. You typically do not need to change this setting because Cura will automatically calculate the correct flow. However, if you are printing with softer materials (such as flexible filament TPE), you may need to slightly increase the flow, as using softer materials will cause the feeder motor to leave deeper bite marks, which can slightly affect the amount to be extruded. There is no recommended default setting for this (the softness of each flexible material varies), so you may need to experiment to find the most suitable extrusion amount.
Tip: Do not try to solve incomplete extrusion by increasing the flow rate; this is only a temporary solution, and the problem is not resolved.
Speed)
PRINT SPEED
Print speed refers to the speed at which the print head moves during printing, and the speed at which plastic needs to be extruded at that speed. By default, the print speed is 50mm/s. You can simply speed up your printing by adjusting this setting, but remember that when you increase the print speed, it also means you (may) need to increase the temperature to ensure the filament is fully melted.
TRAVEL SPEED
Travel speed refers to the speed at which the print head moves when it is not printing. This means the speed at which the print head moves from one point to another, or the speed at which it moves between objects when printing multiple objects simultaneously.
OTHER SPEED SETTINGS
In addition to these default speed settings, precise adjustments can be made for specific parts. Below is a brief overview of the adjustable speeds:
- Infill Speed
- Outer Shell Speed
- Top/Bottom Speed
- Support Speed
- Bottom Layer Speed
If you wish to adjust these different speed settings, we recommend doubling them proportionally to accelerate your Ultimaker's motors, rather than setting them to random values or slowing them down.
Infill
This setting determines the strength of your printed object, as it defines the internal structure of the printed object.
INFILL DENSITY
The most important setting in infill is infill density, which determines how much plastic will fill the inside of the printed object. A higher infill density means more densely packed plastic infill, resulting in greater strength for the object. Under normal circumstances, a density of 10% to 20% is sufficient for the hardness required by most objects, but it can be increased if needed. If you want the printed object to be completely hollow, you can achieve this by setting the density to 0%, but be aware that the top of the object may collapse without internal infill support.
Various infill densities (10%, 25% and 50%)
INFILL THICKNESS
This interesting feature was added in Cura 15.06. If the internal infill quality and appearance are not important to you, it allows you to print the infill with a different layer height than other parts. This means you can use a higher infill layer height to shorten the overall print time. When using this option, you must ensure that the infill thickness is a multiple of the object thickness. For example, if your object uses a layer height of 0.1mm, you can choose an infill layer height of 0.2mm.
Cooling
Cooling the extruded plastic is very important, so by default, the nozzle cooling fan is turned on. If the plastic cannot cool quickly, there may be some collapse, and you will get a poor quality surface, as shown in the image below. If you delve deeper, there are more parameters to adjust, such as at what fixed height the fan should turn on and at what speed it should operate.
If not properly cooled, surface quality will be affected.
MINIMAL LAYER TIME AND MINIMUM SPEED
There is a lot of interrelationship between these two settings. Minimal layer time indicates the minimum time (in seconds) required to print one layer, ensuring that each layer has enough cooling time before the next layer is printed. The minimum speed defines the lowest printing speed.
Increasing the minimal layer time can lead to a decrease in print speed (because each layer must at least meet the minimal layer time). You don't want the printer to slow down too much. If the print speed drops below 10mm/s, it can lead to quality issues, as it means the print head will stay in the same place heating the plastic for a longer time. Therefore, a good balance between these settings is crucial. Under default conditions, you will see a minimal layer time of 5 seconds and a minimum speed of 10mm/s.
LIFT HEAD
Changing the minimal layer time and speed is not always the best solution. If your model has a very small top (e.g., a pyramid), even if you adjust the above two settings, the top might still have many spots or collapse. This is because, in such cases, the material has difficulty getting enough cooling time. At this point, you can enable the "Lift Head" function, which will temporarily move the print head away from the printed object to allow sufficient cooling time (based on the minimal layer time), and then return to the object to continue printing.
Support
Some objects have overhanging parts, meaning you will need to build support structures to prevent sagging or falling.
PLACEMENT
Cura offers two support placement options: "Touching buildplate" and "Everywhere". "Touching buildplate" supports only connect to overhanging parts that touch the build plate; "Everywhere" supports not only connect to overhanging parts that touch the build plate but can also be placed on the outer surface or inside the object.
OVERHANG ANGLE
This setting determines the degree of overhang that requires support. The default is 60 degrees (0 degrees being vertically upwards), meaning supports will only be generated for overhangs greater than 60 degrees. Setting it to 0 degrees will generate supports for all overhangs, while 90 degrees will generate no supports.
TOWERS
Cura 15.06 features improved support structures, with "Towers" being one of them. This reduces the contact area where the support structure meets the object at the top, minimizing marks left after support removal.
Platform Adhesion
If your object has an uneven base or you want to increase adhesion between the object and the platform, you can choose "Brim" or "Raft" under "Type." If you select "None," the nozzle will only print a "Skirt" around the first layer.
SKIRT
A skirt prints a perimeter around the first layer of the object. This function helps the nozzle prime, and also allows for checking platform leveling, filament adhesion, and extrusion conditions.
BRIM
A brim prints several extra plastic lines extending outwards from the first layer of the object. These extra lines are attached to the object and increase its base area to enhance adhesion between the object and the platform, reducing warping. It is recommended to enable this function when printing very large, small, or thin objects, as well as when printing plastics with higher shrinkage rates like ABS, to minimize warping.
RAFT
A raft creates an additional mesh structure between the object's base and the platform. This function is ideal for printing objects with uneven bases or small contact areas to ensure adhesion between the object and the platform.
Article source:https://ultimaker.com/en/support/software/cura-1506
Translated by:3DMART Ltd. (三帝瑪)
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