Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted · Cura multi threading - what is and what's next

Hello,

Now I know it was discussed before and many simply requested to multi thread cura for slicing without really knowing the involvements. I'm partially a tool programmer (not a software engineer) so I can understand involvements and like to optimize time and workflows in general.

From my understanding the nozzle path is the most difficult part to separate since you need to know start the from the previous layer and dont know where you will end. But I'm wondering if anything else is/could be threaded at the moment.

If this topic came up already please save everyone some time and redirect :D

Here are some things I have in mind:

- support generation

- brim/skirt/raft

- slicing (not defining the path)

- infill

- starting the path before all the above are complete

In many cases all the above seems to generate fast but with big and complex models even those can take a while.

 

Cheers

 

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Cura multi threading - what is and what's next

    Technically speaking, cura is already threaded because the GUI and the engine are separate processes (and therefore threads).

    The actual toolpath generation is the most expensive step and this will be the hardest part to do so. I believe it should be possible to do the support structured in a separate thread. The main reason why this isn't done is because it adds a whole lot of complexity (and makes debugging way, way harder).

     

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Cura multi threading - what is and what's next

    Yes this is what I think too. In most cases the gain wont be huge time saver but just to give you an example I'm printing an item that require supports and the print time jump from 19 hours to about 40 when adding supports. The slicing time take about 10-15 minutes. The first slicing works the next one will never end (thats weird).

    If the toolpath could work in reverse mode you could split this process in 2. One half of the model go upward like normal and one half go downward from the middle to the bottom. This way you can have a known starting point for both. Or there would be a need to be able to tell it where to end the layer. Or add retraction toolpath to bring 2 sections together.

    I'm sure you guys already talked about these options in the past and threading can be a pain in the butt...

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Cura multi threading - what is and what's next

    The main reason why I'm not using multi-threading is to save in code complexity. Not because it cannot be done. There are a few loops in the engine that could be multi-threaded with ease. Which would run about 60% of the code threaded instead of single threaded.

     

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Cura multi threading - what is and what's next

    Between that and new features I prefer you guys work on those awesome new features :D

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Cura multi threading - what is and what's next

    But at some point it will probably become relevant to do it considering new pc add cores instead of boosting clock speed.

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Cura multi threading - what is and what's next

    But at some point it will probably become relevant to do it considering new pc add cores instead of boosting clock speed.

     

    Oh, most certainly, but I rather delay this addition. Also because there is lots of work on compilers being done to make this easier (openmp) but this isn't fully supported by all my target platforms yet.

     

  • 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 5.9 stable released!
        Here comes Cura 5.9 and in this stable release we have lots of material and printer profiles for UltiMaker printers, including the newly released Sketch Sprint. Additionally, scarf seams have been introduced alongside even more print settings and improvements.  Check out the rest of this article to find out the details on all of that and more
          • Like
        • 5 replies
      • Introducing the UltiMaker Factor 4
        We are happy to announce the next evolution in the UltiMaker 3D printer lineup: the UltiMaker Factor 4 industrial-grade 3D printer, designed to take manufacturing to new levels of efficiency and reliability. Factor 4 is an end-to-end 3D printing solution for light industrial applications
          • Heart
          • Thanks
          • Like
        • 4 replies
    ×
    ×
    • Create New...