![[3D列印軟體] Cura15.04-操作教學!](http://3dmart.com.hk/cdn/shop/articles/201601291946450.jpg?v=1779423809&width=1600)
One of the core steps in 3D printing is slicing. A good 3D printing slicer software must offer a high degree of control to fully realize the designer's ingenuity and the 3D printer's performance. Ultimaker's official Cura software is one such program. It not only allows for initial settings but also offers an advanced mode where users can finely adjust various printing parameters and details, including layer thickness, supports, infill density, print speed, and so on. All kinds of settings are available, allowing 3D printing enthusiasts to unleash their maximum creativity. Below is a tutorial for Cura 15.04, currently the most widely used version, which I'd like to share with you!
Installation
Please download and install Cura 15.04 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
Supported File Types
• STL (most common 3D print file format)
• OBJ
Interface Configuration
The first time you open Cura, you need to select the 3D printer you are using. If you are using an Ultimaker Original or Ultimaker Original+, you must complete the "configuration wizard" to set up the interface.
Original and Original+ Configuration
The "configuration wizard" will assist you with machine calibration and preparing for your first print. It typically performs the following checks:
- USB connection to computer
- Hotend heating
- Endstop check
You will also be guided by the "bed leveling wizard" to set the print bed height. After setup, you can print a small square on the bed to check the calibration.
User Interface
The image below shows the Cura user interface and some of its most important functions. You can set your preferred print parameters in Cura and then slice your object.
1. Menu bar: Access various preferences and machine settings.
2. Quick Print menu: Preset print options.
3. Support structure: Choose whether to generate support.
4. Load object: Open your 3D object file with Cura.
5. Save sliced model: Save the sliced object to your computer or SD card (SD card is prioritized).
6. YouMagine button: Share your file with the YouMagine.com community.
7. View mode: Use view mode to check the feasibility of your design and the print path.
8. Rotate: Rotate your object along the X, Y, and Z axes.
9. Scale: Adjust the size of the object.
10. Mirror: Mirror the object along the X, Y, and Z axes.
Preparing Print Files
The first time you open Cura, you'll see an Ultimaker robot in the center of the platform. You can save it as a G-code file for printing or right-click and select "Delete object" to remove it.
File Slicing
Here's the process for slicing a 3D object using Cura:
1. Click "Load" to import your 3D object (STL, OBJ, DAE or AMF file).
2. Select a "quickprint" preset option, or click "Expert" > "Switch to full settings" to control more parameters.
3. After setting the parameters, Cura will slice the model in real-time. Then click "Save toolpath" to save the G-code file to your computer or SD card (default).
4. Finally, remove the SD card from your computer and insert it into the Ultimaker to start printing.
Below the "Save toolpath" icon, you'll find print information. Cura estimates the print time, material usage, and object weight based on the print parameter settings.
NOTE: You might notice a slicing progress bar. Whenever you change parameters or reload an object, a slicing progress bar will appear below the "Save toolpath" icon, indicating the slicing completion.
Quick Print Configurations
Here are the four quick print settings:
Fast print
Layer height: 0.15 mm
Wall thickness: 1 mm
Infill density: 10%
Normal quality
Layer height: 0.1 mm
Wall thickness: 0.8 mm
Infill density: 20%
High quality
Layer height: 0.06 mm
Wall thickness: 0.8 mm
Infill density: 20%
Ulti quality
Layer height: 0.04 mm
Wall thickness: 0.8 mm
Infill density: 20%
Adjusting Objects
Cura provides several ways to adjust your object before printing. This doesn't mean you can change the actual shape of the object, but you can change its position and size.
Rotate
The leftmost icon in the bottom left corner of the interface is the rotate function. Clicking the rotate function allows you to rotate the object 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 simultaneously pressing the "Shift" key, you can move it one degree at a time.
Click the "Rotate" icon. Two other icons will appear above it: "Reset" to return the object to its original position. If your object doesn't have a clear flat surface or is loaded at the wrong angle, you can click "Lay flat": Cura will automatically place the object's flattest side on the platform.
Scale
The middle 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 values in the "Scale" function.
• Adjust the percentage in the "Scale" function to scale it.
The default scaling is uniform scaling in X, Y, and Z directions. You can uncheck "Uniform scale" to adjust the dimensions in each direction independently.
Above the "Scale" icon, there are also "Reset" and "Scale to max" icons. "Reset" returns the object to its original size; "Scale to max" enlarges the object to the maximum printable size within the available range.
Mirror
Click on the object, and the rightmost icon in the bottom left corner of the interface is the Mirror function. Clicking the mirror function allows you to mirror the object along the X, Y, and Z axes.
View Modes
Clicking "View mode" in the upper right corner of the interface displays multiple object viewing modes to choose from.
Normal
This is the default viewing mode, displaying the object's design, size, and shape.
Overhang
In this mode, if your object has overhanging or sloped sections, these parts will appear red, allowing you to easily determine whether they require support. You can select "Expert" > "Switch to full settings" > "Basic" > "Support type" > "Overhang angle for support" to set the degree of overhang that requires support. The default is 60 degrees (0 degrees being vertically upward), meaning only objects with an overhang of 60 degrees or more will generate support. Setting it to 0 degrees means all overhanging areas will generate support, while 90 degrees means no support will be generated.
Transparent
This mode allows you to observe the internal structure of the object.
X-Ray
This mode helps you determine if the object has fractured surfaces (which might be due to poor design). Red areas indicate potential problem spots during printing.
LAYERS
Layer mode (also known as slice mode) is a very practical mode where you can examine 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, you can move the slider on the right up and down 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 layer of the outer perimeter (inner wall)
• Yellow: Infill
• Blue: Support structure / Brim / Raft
Firmware Update
From time to time, the official website releases new versions of Cura (including new firmware versions). It is recommended to regularly check the official website and keep Cura and your machine's firmware updated to the latest version. Please follow these steps 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 powered on.
2.Update Firmware
Open Cura and go to "Machine" > "Install default firmware" (please ensure the correct machine is selected in the "Machine menu"). Cura will automatically update the latest firmware to the machine.
Basic Print Parameters
Under the Basic tab, you can find some of the most frequently used parameters. These parameters are the main factors determining the quality and strength of your printed object.
Quality
Layer thickness is probably the most commonly changed setting. The default layer thickness is 0.1mm. You can, of course, use a finer layer thickness to increase quality, or a thicker layer thickness to shorten print time.
You will also see the "Enable retraction" option checked by default. Retraction means that when the nozzle moves to a space where no printing is required, the filament will automatically retract a short distance – for example, when you want to print two pillars with a certain distance between them. Through retraction, we can ensure that the nozzle only moves and does not extrude any plastic, preventing "stringing" (fine plastic threads between different objects). The image below shows stringing that occurs if retraction is disabled.
Enabling retraction usually yields excellent results, but you may occasionally still see some stringing. In such cases, you can try reducing the nozzle temperature to decrease the amount of plastic flowing from the nozzle, thereby preventing stringing. However, please note that lowering the nozzle temperature also means you (might) need to slow down the printing speed to ensure the plastic is fully melted when it exits the nozzle.
Fill
The infill density is most directly related to the strength of the printed object. A higher infill density means more plastic infill inside the object, resulting in a stronger object; in some specific cases, you can also print entirely hollow objects.
Bottom/Top thickness determines how many layers are built for the bottom and top of the object, usually set to 0.6mm. However, 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.
SPEED AND TEMPERATURE
Print speed and temperature significantly influence plastic extrusion, and their settings largely depend on the filament used. "Print speed" basically refers to the nozzle's movement speed during printing. The amount of plastic to be extruded is calculated based on this speed. The default print speed is 50mm/s, and you can, of course, increase it to speed up printing. Remember that print temperature must increase with print speed to ensure a sufficient amount of plastic is melted.
If you select Ultimaker Original or Ultimaker Original+ as your machine in Cura, you will also see the "printing temperature" option. Please adjust this setting according to the filament you are using. For the Ultimaker 2 series, all filament settings have been moved to the machine itself.
SUPPORT
Some objects have overhanging parts, meaning you will need to add support structures to prevent sagging or dropping. Cura offers two support placement methods: "Touching buildplate" and "everywhere". "Touching buildplate" supports only connect to overhanging parts that can be attached to the print bed; "everywhere" not only connects to overhanging parts that can be attached to the print bed but also allows for support generation on the object's outer surface or internal areas.
If your object's base is uneven, or you want to increase adhesion between the object and the platform, you can choose one of the platform adhesion types: Raft creates an additional grid structure between the object's base and the platform. This function is very suitable for printing objects with uneven bases or small contact areas to ensure adhesion between the object and the platform. Brim refers to printing several extra plastic lines extending outwards from the first layer of the object. These extra printed plastic lines are attached to the object, increasing the object's bottom surface area to enhance adhesion between the object and the platform and reduce warping.
FILAMENT (ONLY UMO/UMO+)
If you have selected an Ultimaker Original or Ultimaker Original+ machine in Cura, this option will be available for adjustment. Ultimaker's own brand filaments are all 2.85mm in diameter. If you use filaments from other suppliers, you may need to adjust the filament diameter setting in Cura. You can also further adjust the FLOW, which adjusts the amount of plastic extruded based on the print speed and filament diameter. Unless you are specifically testing, it is generally recommended to keep this setting at 100%.
MACHINE
This option allows you to adjust the nozzle diameter. Ultimaker nozzles are typically 0.4mm by default. If your Ultimaker uses an Olsson block and has other nozzle diameters available for replacement, remember to modify this setting to match the nozzle currently in use.
Expert Settings
For experienced users, there are also some expert settings that can be adjusted. General users rarely need these, but if you are an advanced user, you might be interested in more advanced settings.
You can see small "..." boxes next to some options under the Basic and Advanced tabs. Clicking these boxes allows you to adjust expert settings.
RETRACTION
You can adjust settings related to filament retraction here. Overall, the default values work well, but for better quality, you might need to use different retraction settings for different filaments.
SKIRT
A skirt refers to printing a contour around the outermost perimeter of the object's first layer. This function helps the nozzle prime, and checks bed leveling, filament adhesion, and extrusion status. In some cases, you might want to adjust the skirt's expert settings, for example, if you are printing an object with a base as large as the print bed and need to repeatedly check bed leveling.
COOL
After printing the first few bottom layers, the Ultimaker defaults to full cooling fan operation for the object. However, you can still adjust this in Cura, especially when printing with different materials where varying temperatures and cooling levels might be beneficial.
INFILL
In addition to setting the infill density and bottom/top layer thickness, there are more advanced settings that can be modified, particularly "Solid infill top" and "Solid infill bottom" which are most commonly used. If you uncheck either of these, the bottom or top cover of your object will not be printed. For example, by unchecking "Solid infill top" and setting the infill density to 0%, you can print a vase.
SUPPORT
In some special cases, it is recommended to use support settings other than the default, but do not deviate too much from the default values. Adjusting different support structures, overhang angles, and distances between supports can generate more or stronger supports, resulting in better outcomes depending on the object.
BLACK MAGIC
Generally, after each layer is printed, the print bed lowers slightly to allow for the next layer. Alternatively, you can check "Spiralize the outer contour" in this option. This function allows the bed to descend slowly at a constant speed, like printing a spiral object, which is particularly useful when printing single-wall objects.
BRIM
You can modify the Brim. More lines mean a larger brim area and better adhesion to the platform. In most cases, the default 20 lines are sufficient.
RAFT
Raft creates an additional grid structure between the object's base and the platform. This function is very suitable for printing objects with uneven bases or small contact areas to ensure adhesion between the object and the platform. Raft's expert settings have many parameters that can be adjusted, and they will not be introduced one by one here. If you use Raft frequently, experimenting with these settings will be very helpful.
FIX HORRIBLE
If an object is not designed correctly, the Ultimaker might print a result that doesn't exactly match your intention, for example, if some objects have discontinuities or overlaps. The Fix horrible setting is usually used to repair these errors on objects. You might need to try different combinations of options and check them through the Layers view.
Advanced
Settings under the Advanced tab usually only need to be modified when the default values are insufficient to meet your specific needs.
RETRACTION (ONLY UMO/UMO+)
This option shows the retraction speed and distance of the filament. Overall, the default values work well, but for better quality, you might need to use different retraction settings for different filaments.
QUALITY
Some settings related to object layering and quality. "Initial layer thickness" refers to the thickness of the first layer of the printed object. The default is a somewhat thick 0.3mm, but it makes the first layer easier to print and adheres better to the platform. "Cut off object bottom" is a very convenient function that allows you to start printing not just from the first layer. If your object's bottom is uneven or you only need to print a part of it, you can use this function.
SPEED
In addition to the basic speed preset under the Basic tab, you can set the print speed for specific parts here. For example, you can set separate print speeds for infill structures and bottom layers.
COOL
Plastic cooling is very important, so some cooling-related parameters can be adjusted as needed. The fan will be set to turn on by default during printing. "Minimal layer time" is set to 5 seconds by default, which you can modify. "Minimal layer time" refers to the shortest time required to print a single layer, ensuring that the extruded plastic has enough time to cool before the next layer begins printing.