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Extruder Docking in Multi-Extruder Configuration


UticaTechClub

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Posted (edited) · Extruder Docking in Multi-Extruder Configuration

Dear Cura Users,

Please help if you can...

 

**Application Version**
Cura 3.6.0

 

**Platform**
Windows 10, 64 bit

 

**Printer**
Custom FDM multi-extruder.
Four extruders docked on the back wall. 

 

**Steps to Reproduce**
Print any multi-material model.

 

**Actual Results**
Last used "Extruder End G-code" is not executed.
Last used extruder remains attached to the tool holder.

 

**Expected results**
Last used "Extruder End G-code" should be executed.
Last used extruder would be properly docked to its' slot on the back wall.

 

**Additional Information**
On T[N] G-code command (where [N] is extruder index), N's "Extruder Start G-code" is executed and that code knows how to navigate to N's tool dock and attach it to the tool holder. At the end of the tool usage, N's "Extruder End G-code" is executed and it knows how to navigate to N's dock and disconnect it from the tool holder.

 

Cura should execute last used "Extruder End G-code", because only that code knows where the last extruder needs to be docked at.

I am a aware that Cura always executes "End G-code", but that code can not be conditioned on the docking location of the last used extruder. At least, I am not aware that such conditional statements exist.

 

I am also aware that in multi-extruder case, Cura also assumes T0 to always be the first and will not execute the T0's "Extruder Start G-code", but in that case I can at least inject T0's "Extruder Start G-code" into "Start G-code" knowing it is specific for T0.

 

I don't know why wouldn't it make sense to always execute "Extruder Start G-code" and "Extruder End G-code" even on single extruder printers. Developers could always leave those sections blank if no extruder specific action is required.

 

Thank you and kind regards.

Edited by UticaTechClub
To clarify
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    Posted · Extruder Docking in Multi-Extruder Configuration

    To fix my problem, one of two things needs to happen:
       a) Figure out if Cura could invoke "Extruder End G-Code" on the last used extruder. I am sure there is a good reason(s) as to why Cura doesn't do it.
       b) Figure out how to condition gcode invoked in "End G-Code" section. After much reading, I believe this is currently not possible in Cura.

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    Posted · Extruder Docking in Multi-Extruder Configuration

    Perhaps there is another way to make "End G-Code" conditional as found in
    https://community.ultimaker.com/topic/21314-possible-to-make-dynamic-gcode-in-cura/

     

    The idea is to define value property in (.def.json) and embed Python expression to be evaluated like in the following example:

    "machine_end_gcode": { "value": "'G29 P' + str(int(machine_width/25))" },

    So in my case, I could pass proper X,Y offset to G1 based on {current_extruder} property.

    I think it should work... 

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