Cura is a 'slicer', which is a tool that is used to turn a 3D model/solid model into g-code, the code that drives a 3D printer. It is not a tool for creating the model and it is not for controling the printer.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
• As in all of the shops, sturdy, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times for traction and stability.
For more information on shop safety visit 3D Printing under "Safety."
This guide will focus on the basic steps for slicing a model for printing.
Additional Settings to customize your print:
¶ Layer thickness
Layer Thickness specifies how thick each layer of the print is. Thicker layers print more quickly than thinner layers but thicker layers also have a rougher texture and less detail (a lower "resolution") than thinner layers.
¶ Infill
Infill specifies how solid the print is. For example, 25% infill will make the final object 75% air and 25% PLA on the inside. The higher the infill, the longer the print will take and the more filament it will use. Decorative objects don't typically require more than 15% infill at the maximum.
¶ Support
Support determines if support material is printed. Support material is used to stabilize unsteady regions of the model that may collapse or otherwise print poorly without assistance. Support material is typically easy to break away from the model and usually leaves a nearly unmarred surface behind.
¶ Adhesion
Enabling Adhesion increases the ability of a model to stick to the build surface by adding a skirt, brim, or raft to the print.
Skirt | Brim | Raft |
---|---|---|
A skirt is a line printed around the object on the first layer, but not connected to the object. This helps prime the extrusion nozzle and can be an additional check for bed leveling before the print begins. | adds a single layer flat area around the base of the model to prevent warping. The brim is connected to the model and makes the bottom surface area bigger. This increases the adhesion to the build plate and, in case of warping, the corners of the model are less likely to curl up because of the brim attached to it. | A raft adds a thick grid with a roof between the model and the build plate. This can be useful when the bottom surface of a model is not completely flat or has little adhesion to the build plate. A raft ensures that the model will stick better to the build plate. |
Move- changes the location of the model on the build plate.
Scale- changes the size of the model.
Rotate- rotates the model around the X, Y, and/or Z axis.
Mirror- flips the object along the X, Y, and/or Z axis.
Support Blocker- When support is enabled, use this to mark where to prevent supports from being generated around certain areas of the model.