Jump to content
UltiMaker Community of 3D Printing Experts

Export printing time for multiple printers


paulonasc7

Recommended Posts

Posted · Export printing time for multiple printers

Hello everyone,

 

I'm working on a concept of crowdsourced fabrication using 3D printers. Something similar to Makexyz for example, but not quite the same. Right now I want to upload a .stl file and allow the users to choose something basic, like layer height, and export the printing time. This part is ok because I can get the printing time from gcode (as long as I tell Cura what is the printer that I'm using so it can create the gcode). However, supposing I have many different 3D printers available, I would like to have the printing time for all the printers, which means I probably need the gcode file for all the printers, even though in the end I'll only use one of them, but I need this data to make some assignment decisions. Then there might also exist some compatibility problems between the layer height chosen and the printers available, but for now I'm ignoring that.

 

I was wondering if it is possible to use Cura from source code and run it in "loop" for the many different printers, so I can store the printing time data in a dataframe or something like that. Or if there is any easier way to do it. Does anyone have any idea? Thanks in advance!

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Export printing time for multiple printers
    8 hours ago, paulonasc7 said:

    I was wondering if it is possible to use Cura from source code and run it in "loop" for the many different printers, so I can store the printing time data in a dataframe or something like that. Or if there is any easier way to do it. Does anyone have any idea? Thanks in advance!

    You don't need to run it from source  to do that. Cura has a very extensive plugin system that you could use for that, but it would require a fair amount of python coding to achieve that.

    You could also try to run the engine without the frontend, which would mean you have to do more stuff yourself, but it does give you more freedom (both in what is possible and what coding language you use to achieve that)

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Export printing time for multiple printers

    It's about time there was something here that the VB guy is good at.

     

    When slicing a model with Cura the gcode always starts with:

    ;FLAVOR:MARLIN
    ;TIME:9162
    ;Filament used: 10.775m

     

    You could build a macro in Excel that would:

    • Select multiple gcode files at once.
    • Iterate through those gcode files and open each with
      • Set fs = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
      • Set gcode_file = fs.OpenTextFile(ImportFileName, 1, False)
    • Pull the print times out (and maybe the filament used?) and plug the numbers into a spreadsheet.
    • If you have an idea of a fudge factor for each printer (Printer1 is always takes 10% longer, Printer2 is always 3% quicker, etc.) then that would be noted in columns for each printer.
    • You could add a dialog box for "If I start THIS FILE at THIS TIME on THIS PRINTER then when will it finish?".
    • Like 1
    Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Export printing time for multiple printers

    @nallath just to make sure I understood. Your 1st suggestion is to develop a plugin that do what I want, and your 2nd suggestion is to run Cura Engine (https://github.com/Ultimaker/CuraEngine), is that right? If so, your 2nd suggestion sounds very good, I think I'll follow that one, though I'll be probably using Python as coding language either way.

     

    @GregValiant I think you just solved my next problem, thank you!! Once I have the gcode files I'll certainly do that! 

     

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now
    • Our picks

      • UltiMaker Cura 5.3 stable released
        In this stable release, Cura 5.3 achieves yet another huge leap forward in 3D printing thanks to material interlocking! As well as introducing an expanded recommended print settings menu and lots of print quality improvements. Not to mention, a whole bunch of new printer profiles for non-UltiMaker printers!
          • Thanks
          • Like
        • 24 replies
      • Here it is. The new UltiMaker S7
        The UltiMaker S7 is built on the success of the UltiMaker S5 and its design decisions were heavily based on feedback from customers.
         
         
        So what’s new?
        The obvious change is the S7’s height. It now includes an integrated Air Manager. This filters the exhaust air of every print and also improves build temperature stability. To further enclose the build chamber the S7 only has one magnetically latched door.
         
        The build stack has also been completely redesigned. A PEI-coated flexible steel build plate makes a big difference to productivity. Not only do you not need tools to pop a printed part off. But we also don’t recommend using or adhesion structures for UltiMaker materials (except PC, because...it’s PC). Along with that, 4 pins and 25 magnets make it easy to replace the flex plate perfectly – even with one hand.
         
        The re-engineered print head has an inductive sensor which reduces noise when probing the build plate. This effectively makes it much harder to not achieve a perfect first layer, improving overall print success. We also reversed the front fan direction (fewer plastic hairs, less maintenance), made the print core door magnets stronger, and add a sensor that helps avoid flooding.
         

         
        The UltiMaker S7 also includes quality of life improvements:
        Reliable bed tilt compensation (no more thumbscrews) 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi A 1080p camera (mounted higher for a better view) Compatibility with 280+ Marketplace materials Compatibility with S5 project files (no reslicing needed) And a whole lot more  
        Curious to see the S7 in action?
        We’re hosting a free tech demo on February 7.
        It will be live and you can ask any questions to our CTO, Miguel Calvo.
        Register here for the Webinar
          • Like
        • 18 replies
      • UltiMaker Cura Alpha 🎄 Tree Support Spotlight 🎄
        Are you a fan of tree support, but dislike the removal process and the amount of filament it uses? Then we would like to invite you to try this special release of UltiMaker Cura. Brought to you by our special community contributor @thomasrahm
         
        We generated a special version of Cura 5.2 called 5.3.0 Alpha + Xmas. The only changes we introduced compared to UltiMaker Cura 5.2.1 are those which are needed for the new supports. So keep in mind, this is not a sneak peek for Cura 5.3 (there are some really cool new features coming up) but a spotlight release highlighting this new version of tree supports.  
          • Like
        • 22 replies
    ×
    ×
    • Create New...