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Most model files don't specify a location. Some 3mf files do.
Cura calculates the mid-point of it's virtual build plate from the numbers you have in the Machine Settings "X(width) and Y(depth)". Those should represent the true "printable area" of your build plate. In the case of my Ender 3 Pro - the build plate physically is 235 x 235. It has a 1mm bevel around the periphery so that can't be printed on. I wanted another 1.5mm safety area around the periphery as well. So in Cura I've entered X(width) = 230 and Y(depth) = 230 (235 - 2.5 "non-printable" area on the left - 2.5 "non-printable" area on the right = 230). That makes my Cura mid-point X=115 and Y=115.
In the cases where there is no location data (STL files mostly), Cura gets the "Center-of-Geometry" of the part in the XY and puts that at the midpoint of the Cura build plate. When the gcode is created the origin point of the gcode is the 0,0,0 of the Cura virtual build plate.
Then the gcode shows up in the printer.
The printer will put that 0,0,0 origin of the gcode file at the printer's defined Home Offset 0,0,0. If you haven't defined a Home Offset location (M206) then it will be the Auto-Home location. That is probably what is going on with your off-center prints.
My Auto-Home location is just off the build plate. I move the nozzle to a point 2.5mm in from the left edge of the glass and 2.5mm in from the front edge of the glass (the dimensions of my "non-printable area") and at a Z=0 and select "Set Home Offsets" on the LCD followed by "Save Settings". Now the printer matches Cura.
If your firmware doesn't have a "Set Home Offsets" option on the LCD then you can do it in a gcode file that you "print". That's another lesson if the above method can't or doesn't work.
Another lesson would be for "Disallowed Areas". For those you need a printer definition file. If you are using "fdmprinter.def.json" as your base file for your custom printer - that file should not be altered.
Edited by GregValiant
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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!
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
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.
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GregValiant 1,042
Most model files don't specify a location. Some 3mf files do.
Cura calculates the mid-point of it's virtual build plate from the numbers you have in the Machine Settings "X(width) and Y(depth)". Those should represent the true "printable area" of your build plate. In the case of my Ender 3 Pro - the build plate physically is 235 x 235. It has a 1mm bevel around the periphery so that can't be printed on. I wanted another 1.5mm safety area around the periphery as well. So in Cura I've entered X(width) = 230 and Y(depth) = 230 (235 - 2.5 "non-printable" area on the left - 2.5 "non-printable" area on the right = 230). That makes my Cura mid-point X=115 and Y=115.
In the cases where there is no location data (STL files mostly), Cura gets the "Center-of-Geometry" of the part in the XY and puts that at the midpoint of the Cura build plate. When the gcode is created the origin point of the gcode is the 0,0,0 of the Cura virtual build plate.
Then the gcode shows up in the printer.
The printer will put that 0,0,0 origin of the gcode file at the printer's defined Home Offset 0,0,0. If you haven't defined a Home Offset location (M206) then it will be the Auto-Home location. That is probably what is going on with your off-center prints.
My Auto-Home location is just off the build plate. I move the nozzle to a point 2.5mm in from the left edge of the glass and 2.5mm in from the front edge of the glass (the dimensions of my "non-printable area") and at a Z=0 and select "Set Home Offsets" on the LCD followed by "Save Settings". Now the printer matches Cura.
If your firmware doesn't have a "Set Home Offsets" option on the LCD then you can do it in a gcode file that you "print". That's another lesson if the above method can't or doesn't work.
Another lesson would be for "Disallowed Areas". For those you need a printer definition file. If you are using "fdmprinter.def.json" as your base file for your custom printer - that file should not be altered.
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