3D Slicing

3D slicing is a process that converts digital 3D models into printing instructions for a given 3D printer to build an object. The slicing software is computer software used in the majority of 3D printing processes for the conversion of a 3D object model to specific instructions for the printer. CURA software converts it into G-code so that the printer can understand the file. We will use Ultimaker CURA 15.04.6.

Most 3D printers cannot build objects using only a CAD-created STL file. Rather, the STL file must be converted into instructions, which are then used by the 3D printer to build the object.

Installation Process of Ultimaker CURA 15.04.6
Download Cura 15.04.6 : Cura 15.04.06 click here

Step 1

Install CURA & you will see a screen as shown in the figure Click on Next.

Step 2

In the second Dialog box, please select all the Components to install.

Step 3

Then click on Next until you get a screen as shown in the figure. Now Click on Finish.

Step 4

You will see a dialog box asking you to download a new version, Click on NO, otherwise CURA will be updated to the latest version.

Step 5

Now you will see a wizard, labelled as the First time run Wizard or Add your Machine. Click on Next.

Step 6

You will carry out an important step to select your machine or you can define your machine to adjust its settings according to it.
Now select your machine from the list.
If your machine is not listed then please Choose Other & click on Next.

Step 7

You will again see a few more machines.
If your machine is atill not listed then choose Custom & click Next.

Step 8

Now you will see a screen that is shown in the image.
This is a very Critical Step, please ensure you have proper information labelled in the User manual or provided by the manufacturer.
Write the Machine Name, then Machine dimensions provided by the manufacturer.
Write the nozzle size label on the user manual.
Check for heated bed if it’s available then check the box. Don’t check the Bed center option.
Click on Finish.

Now you will see a Screen with Some controls that will help in deciding the quality of the product. Before we start further look at Filament diameter change it to 1.75mm.

Loading a model in CURA

You have already designed a model in tinker cad now we need to load that model in CURA.
Click on file then select load model from file then browse or locate your file that you saved in .stl file in your modelling software.

Some basic set up that has to be followed in order to get a better quality 3D printed model.

Layer height: The height of each layer is the crucial parameter that determines the quality of the print and time.

The setting range is 0.05 mm - 0.3 mm, a high-quality setting is 0.1 mm, whereas a medium quality setting is 0.2 mm.

Shell Thickness: The thickness of the outer wall of the side of the model is set to an integral multiple of the diameter of the nozzle. If the nozzle is 0.4 mm, the recommended wall thickness is 1.2.
Enable Retraction: Recommended
Bottom/ Top Thickness: This is generally an integral multiple of the layer thickness. It is recommended to be the same as the wall thickness and set to 1.2 mm.
Fill Density: The filling density inside the model can be set to 10% ~ 100% according to the actual situation. The larger the value, the denser the interior.
Print Speed: The moving speed of the print head during printing. Set it to low speed for complicated parts & high speed for simple elements. Generally set around 30 - 50 mm/ s, suggested PLA setting 50 mm/ s, ABS setting 30 mm/ s.
Printing Temperature: The temperature used by the nozzle to melt the consumables. The melting temperature varies based on the material. It is recommended to set the PLA to 190 °C and the ABS setting to 230 °C.
Bed Temperature: Platform temperature, recommended PLA setting is 50 °C, ABS setting 80 - 110 °C.
Support Type: Support mode when printing a model with a suspended part,

“None” - no support,
“Touching build plate” - creating support that can reach the workbench part,
“Everywhere” - create support for all parts which are suspended (Recommended).

Platform Adhesion Type: None defaults to print one layer at a minimum, 'brim' refers to a skirt, and 'raft' refers to a bottom plate. It is recommended to select raft, the PLA first layer Air Gap is set to 0.15 mm, and the ABS first layer Air Gap is set to 0.1 mm or lower.
Diameter: The filament supplied is 1.75 mm.
Flow: Default 100.
Nozzle Size: Nozzle diameter is generally 0.4 mm. If you customize other nozzle sizes, fill in here.

Note - The nozzle size does not affect the accuracy of the layer thickness and only affects the minimum print detail. The size of the nozzle and the printing speed is squared, and increasing the nozzle size dramatically increases the printing speed.

Upon finishing all the basic setup, convert the .stl file to .gcode so that a printable file is developed for the 3D printer.

Now insert the SD Card & you will see 'SD card' written on the screen, now click on that and .gcode will be saved in your SD Card.

Watch this video to develop a better understanding of how to do 3D slicing in CURA and convert the file to .gcode

3d slicing software slide 14.mp4

Assessment

The teachers are mandatorily required to answer the questions in order to complete the course. Kindly fill out all the form given below.

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