Dual extrusion - turn off alternating sequence?

[foehnsturm 969]

With dual extrusion Cura produces gcode like:

...

T0

... path for extruder 1 ...

move Z to layer n+1

... path for extruder 1 ...

T1

... path for extruder 2 ...

move Z to layer n+2

... path for extruder 2 ...

T0

...

This saves 50% extruder changes.

But is it possible to get the dumb, straightforward sequence with Cura as well?

T0

move Z to layer n+1

... path for extruder 1 ...

T1

... path for extruder 2 ...

T0

move Z to layer n+2

... path for extruder 1 ...

T1

... path for extruder 2 ...

I'd like to try if dual extrusion benefits from printing with T0 at the original Z height and T1 shifted by layer height / 2. Like:

some tweaking in the first layers....

T0

move Z to layer n+1

... path for extruder 1 ...

T1

move Z to (layer n+1) + (layer height / 2)

... path for extruder 2 ...

T0

move Z to layer n+2

... path for extruder 1 ...

T1

move Z to (layer n+2) + (layer height / 2)

... path for extruder 2 ...

Can't do that with the standard Cura gcode sequence.

If layers are 0.1 mm or finer you won't notice the height difference. But in theory the risk of touching already printed stuff with the second nozzle would be considerably reduced.

 

[Dim3nsioneer 557]

Not a bad idea. Certainly worth trying.

I see two potential issues. Adhesion between the two materials could get worse. And with large overhangs one could get lateral collisions.