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2go

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Posts posted by 2go

  1. Thank you @Vandrasc and @Slashee_the_Cow for your answers. I took a look at Travel settings and sure enough the value for Retraction Minimum Travel changed from 0.8mm in 5.5.0 to 5.0mm in 5.7.

    Changed it back to 0.8mm, printed a few of test layers and the issue seems to be completely solved. So most likely just oozing of material during travel moves because of no retraction.

     

    Before (5.0mm):

     

    image.thumb.jpeg.5edb9fe0c9057207534ef35391ed2171.jpeg

     

    After (0.8mm):

     

    image.thumb.jpeg.1916a6a6ed07e053ff6aea812017f3bb.jpeg

     

    Thanks again!

  2. Good morning! I would attach a project file, but these STLs are procedurally generated with millions of triangles and are absolutely huge.

     

    Same printing profile and files in 5.5.0 and 5.7.

     

    First, 5.5.0 -- how it should look.

     

    image.thumb.jpeg.9cafcb5d05cf1b7b35c8442cdac373cd.jpeg

     

    How it looks when using 5.7.

     

    image.thumb.jpeg.d9e0b4e69928ffc21fa399c949247dc2.jpeg

    1. As indicated by the red circles, these lines are randomly added to perhaps every second or third object on the build plate. Why do they appear? Layer view attached below.

    2. (Minor) As indicated by the purple circle, Cura no longer retracts after printing the skirt, resulting in a line being printed.

     

    image.thumb.png.931b290355912633a93e4c3fdf2d8dc5.png

    I would appreciate any insight.
     
     
     
  3. On 2/27/2024 at 12:02 PM, Slashee_the_Cow said:

    Fair enough - the 3mf file you uploaded in your first post only contains the model (try setting up everything and slicing it, then save the project) so I can't see your settings.

     

    Oh, I was not aware of it. Anyway, as I mentioned originally, it is just a default UM2+ profile 'Normal' that ships with Cura. That's on purpose, so as not to introduce new variables, since my printing profiles are heavily modified.

     

    On 2/27/2024 at 12:02 PM, Slashee_the_Cow said:

    About the only things I can think of off the top of my head (and it slightly mitigates, not fixes the problem) is to use the thinnest lines possible (for all lines, not just set the minimum) - on a 0.4mm nozzle I usually set 0.26mm as the minimum, but the "general rule" for line width is between 60-150% of your nozzle size.

    And I've never tried this one myself (so you should at least look at the gcode to test it) but Walls > Outer Wall Inset. You wouldn't want it very high (as in start at like 0.1mm) but it's designed to get the outer walls to overlap the inner walls instead of the model, so might come in handy. Or might ruin everything. That's why you test in either small scale or viewing the gcode, not printing it full size every time you make a minor change.

     

    As I mentioned previously, I have been trying to crack this for almost two years, printing models like this in the thousands every month. I will make sure to post a solution if I find one, in case anyone Googles this thread in the future. I will try offsetting walls at a specific height using the 'cutting edge' modifier next, so it affects only specific layers. It's convoluted and unnecessarily complicated, but it might work.

  4. @Slashee_the_Cow Thank you for taking the time to record the video. Yes, it does look just fine from the top-down view, slightly zoomed out.

     

    However, to replicate the issue, all I need to do is slice the project, export G-code, load the G-code back into Cura, and zoom in to the problematic area. I have attached a screenshot.

    Both the inner and outer skin walls are offset inside by a small amount. It also prints this way, so it's not just a display issue. 

     

    P.S. It looks better when I slice the project file; however, the actual printed result is more similar to the one I get by loading the exported G-code back into Cura. You can see the difference in the screenshots in the first post of this thread.

     

    image.thumb.png.b8a4e317a520f57d5ff4ca8406ebe9c0.png

  5. Thank you, I have reported it on GitHub.

     

    Also, I realize that my reply and additional question yesterday might have sounded a bit convoluted, so here is a visual aid. Currently, Cura slices this file similarly to the image on the left.

     

    I wonder if there is a combination of settings that would force it to slice more like the picture on the right, preserving the geometry of the 'inner' wall at the expense of the 'outer' one.

     

    image.thumb.jpeg.e3a1808bc09da1954e2ddc2cb35fb476.jpeg

  6. Thank you @Slashee_the_Cow for your input. Unfortunately, using all of these settings, either on their own or in combination with one another, did not lead to a solution. As you correctly predicted, I was only able to adjust the problematic area up or down along the model.

     

    I prepare hundreds of small models like these for printing every week and have been searching for a solution to this problem ever since the Arachne was released, so it's been almost 2 years now. I've tried all major slicers on the market, and they all seem to have issues with printing thin lines. However, the situation is definitely better than it was pre-Arachne.

     

    Anyway, I just hope that in a year or two, a new Cura release will magically solve this 😄  While waiting for that, I wonder if anyone would have an idea of how to somewhat adjust the slicing behavior so that the inside wall would be smoother, even at the expense of the outer wall? Essentially, 'align' the walls at the problematic area to the inside of the model so that it is smooth there, while the outside wall becomes even more rough. I wouldn't really mind that.

  7. Hello! I've created a small slanted circular object to illustrate the issue. The project file is attached.

     

    To minimize variables, I am using the default profile (UM2+ / PLA) that Cura ships with.

     

    In the first screenshot, you can see surface irregularities where the object becomes thin enough to be printed only using skin lines, where the infill no longer fits. Another 'band' is noticeable where the perimeter generator switches to a single line of deposited filament.

     

    image.thumb.png.75ab7a46c8e0cd4758c495d80eececeb.png

     

    If I export the G-code and load it back into Cura, the issue becomes much more pronounced.

     

    image.thumb.png.bf8d5365f5034d07df2eb74c20d6cdf4.png

     

    When I print the file, the actual result in terms of wall smoothness is somewhere in between these two screenshots. I can definitely feel these 'bands' or 'ridges' with my finger.

     

    I would greatly appreciate any insight into this. Both the STL and project files are attached. Thank you.

     

     

    test.stl UM2_test.3mf

  8. 49 minutes ago, Slashee_the_Cow said:

    Well you could change the colour of the generic PLA 🙂. Unfortunately I don't know of any way to change the visibility of a cutting mesh like that.

    Just changed the material display color to gray, good suggestion, thanks.

     

    49 minutes ago, Slashee_the_Cow said:

    I've spent enough time around here to generally ignore the "why" and get to the "how" (if there is one).

    😄 😄 😄

     

    49 minutes ago, Slashee_the_Cow said:

     

    As for messing up the regular fan speed height: I'll admit this is just speculation on my part (I don't greatly know the internals) but it makes CuraEngine treat whatever's in the cutting mesh as a completely separate mesh which messes with the initial layer fan speeds because it's reached the top of the first mesh so should be at full speed. 

    Makes sense. I'm sure I'll find a way to fix it one way or the other.

     

    Thanks for your help.

  9. Hello! Newest Cura build. Goal for initial layer is to have 2 skin walls for every model on the build plate, only 1 skin wall for other layers. Am I correct assuming that there is no option to outright achieve this?

     

    My workaround was to model 0.2 mm tall cube, stretch it out in X and Y, so it covers entire build plate and and use it as 'cutting mesh' with 'Extra Skin Wall Count' set to 1. This way it only changes this setting for the initial layer for all the objects on the build plate. It is a bit cumbersome, also introduces a few issues. First one, it somehow messes 'Regular Fan Speed at Height'; fans hit full speed at layer 2 instead of layer 6 as set in my settings. Second, I have to stare a yellow rectangle all day long 🙂 (screenshot attached). Models are also yellow in Cura, so sometimes they are hard to see. Can I somehow make this 'cutting mesh' model transparent or invisible?

     

    image.thumb.png.022384535ee77fd6a73d8c721cfa6e27.png

  10. Apologies, I could have explained what I'm attempting to do more clearly. I have a fleet of old Ultimaker 2+ printers and currently use the latest version of Cura.

     

    When I start the print, the printer heats the nozzle in the bottom left corner and extrudes a small amount of filament into the air before printing the skirt. I wish to adjust it to extrude a larger amount of filament in the air, perhaps for an additional five seconds, so that it deposits a poop-shaped pile of filament in that corner.

     

    Simplify3D does this, but I'm unsure how to replicate it in Cura.

  11. So, basically, the title. I have a bunch of prints to make that barely fit on a build plate, so printing without a skirt. Right now, I move 10mm-20 mm of filament before every print to prime the nozzle for printing. Can I make Cura do it via start G-code?

     

    Right now, Cura shows only one line in the start G-code -- 'G0 F3000 Y50 ;avoid prime blob'. What should I add to make the printer push out 20mm of filament before starting a print? I Googled for a sec, added this line 'G1 E15 F300', but nothing changed. Thank you.

  12. Thank you for the suggestion. It didn't work, but it was worth trying at least. I remember when Cura lacked the functionality to automatically orient imported models; everyone was wishing for it and even wrote plugins to achieve exactly that. It's funny (and inconvenient) that now it is impossible to NOT have it.

    https://github.com/Ultimaker/Cura/issues/8660 If I understand this correctly, it has been on the to-do list for years now.

  13. Hello, I have created and fine-tuned a profile using the latest official build of Cura. I want to use this profile on another system that runs an older version of Cura, specifically version 5.1.0, which was the last version compatible with macOS Catalina. Unfortunately, I cannot update the OS on that system as the iMac it runs on is too old, preventing me from updating Cura as well.

     

    I attempted to export my print profile from the newest version of Cura. However, when I try to import it into version 5.1.0, I encounter an error (screenshot attached). Is it possible at all to perform this import? I'm hoping to avoid recreating the profile from scratch, as there are too many settings to remember. Thank you.

     

    Screenshot2023-11-18at20_06_55.thumb.png.9626def5a1c39a2e362835da736a0b8d.png

  14. 12 hours ago, stu_le_brew said:

    I can't remember exactly where I bought them but a quick search for "Micro Limit Switch Lever Arm" on Amazon (FR in my case as I live in France) brought up lots of options, but you will need to do some soldering - which is not so difficult !

    example , another example

     

    just a s a mater of interest which country are you in ?

     

    S

    Currently in Sweden, but will be moving back home shortly. Thank you for your help. Unfortunately, I know next to nothing about soldering. Anyway, I've found one ready to use in Germany for €4.95 plus double that for shipping. Somewhat unrelated, but I really miss the days when you could order parts directly from Ultimaker instead of going through a reseller. Just got back an email from them regarding sourcing the Z-limit switch—'Not if we dont have it on the website.' What use are they then?

  15. 8 hours ago, stu_le_brew said:

    Hi

     

    Its not a very big job to replace the micro limit switch, it is a switch that will over a long period wear as in maybe a poor connection inside. The switches work in one of two modes always open or always closed so if the controller was getting an strange signal it will fail, to protect the machine from damage.

     

    I am not sure if such a part is available from an UM supplier but I have replaced one of the other limit switches and they are very inexpensive to buy, I think I bought a pack of ten online

     

    good luck

    S

    Thanks. I switched out the faulty part with another one from a working printer, and it works just fine. The faulty one was working intermittently, then completely died. Right now, I have 6 printers, but only 5 working Z limit switches. By any chance, do you remember where you bought yours? I will send an email to the UM supplier right now. However, if they can't source it, that would suck. I can find the part in the US for a few bucks, but I need one in the EU relatively fast 😞

  16. Ultimaker 2+, very old. Out of the blue, I received this error: ER05 - Z Switch Is Broken. If I try to perform any action related to the Z-axis when the bed is near the Z switch, it buzzes loudly for about ten seconds, and the error is displayed again. I unplugged the printer and turned it over to inspect the Z Switch. The connections look fine, and I can make the Z switch go 'click' with my fingers. After fidgeting for a few minutes, I randomly homed the bed with the printer lying on its side, and it worked just fine. When I put it upright, the error reappeared. Obviously, I cannot print with it lying on its side, so... any suggestions?

     

    Quick update with poor-quality pictures: When the printer is on its side, the screw only lightly presses the Z switch. However, when the printer is upright, it goes in really deep, and the error is displayed.

    IMG_2520.jpg

    IMG_2522.jpg

  17. Hello!

     

    Ultimaker 2+. What are the consequences of printing without the print head fan for a few days? The middle smaller fan, not the sides ones. I need to finish a project in a few days and a replacement would only arrive next week.

     

    The fan in question is Sunon Maglev MC25060V1-000U-A99. Are there any other alternatives or is this the one and only I need to purchase?

     

    Thank you.

     

    331316263_595722131953441_3798032657872829600_n.thumb.jpeg.e91aa6006d8e199b48ff8bc6a45bee41.jpeg

  18. Thank you both for your help. I was using Cura 3.6.0 for so long now, since it just worked for me, not even aware of new Arachne slicing engine and a bunch of new settings. Will spend this upcoming weekend getting familiar will all the new stuff.

     

    @GregValiant I believe I've added 0.025 mm outer wall inset years ago when Cura was insisting on adding tiny bits of infill between two walls whenever I had 0.8 mm thick curved features, and simply forgot about it. I see this is not an issue anymore since variable wall thickness became available. Anyway, I was not able to 100% successfully replicate your result by using the settings you mentioned. If it is not too much to ask, would you be able to share Cura profile file or a saved project?

     

    @MariMakes It's not something I actually print, but I drew this cute little bird to illustrate the problem in somewhat exaggerated way 🙂 Your solution is very helpful, I was able to replicate 99% of your result, except for the very clean Z seam, mine looks way messier. Could it be because I use 5.1.0 instead of the newest 5.2.1? If so, I would probably need to update my OS to get 5.2.1 running. If that is not related, if it is not too time consuming, would you also be able to share Cura profile file or a saved project? That would be very helpful. Thank you.

  19. Hello @MariMakes,

     

    Thank you for your answer. Sure, I've attached a test STL and the project file. Below is the screenshot of the best result I was able to achieve on my own with Cura 5.x, while Cura 3.x handles this inner edge flawlessly.

     

    1275631927_Screenshot2023-01-03at11_57_37.thumb.png.d163fe1b4d4000278780740b7b80af11.png

     

    Any help would be highly appreciated. I'll go and read the article you've linked now. Thank you.

    UM2_test.3mf test.stl

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