Print Settings

Whether you like it or not, every plastic part you 3D print will have a Z-seam. It’s just how Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) works. The seam occurs when the nozzle starts and stops at each layer.

Even though the Z-seam might not affect the part’s structural…

It’s like a dream come true when you get a beautiful first layer in your prints. A first layer that is smooth and free of flaws gives your prints a clean look and gives the upper layers a strong base. Not to mention it improves…

Sometimes, you just need a dash of color in your 3D prints. Other times, maybe you want to mix and match two different materials in a single print. Changing filament mid-print can add a whole new dimension to your 3D-printed models.

Cura makes it simple by…

Slic3r and Cura have both done their part in improving the slicing software scene in 3D printing. In the early days of 3D printing, Slic3r played a significant role in the RepRap project and continues to do so now. Back in 2011, it was one…

When it comes to 3D printing, the ultimate goal is to get perfect results. One of the challenges, however, that often emerges is stringing. Those pesky, unwanted strands of filament that can mar an otherwise flawless print.

Luckily, the Coasting feature in Cura is designed to…

Ultimaker’s Cura and the PrusaSlicer are two of the best slicing software praised by the community. Both are open-source, free to use, and come with a unique set of features that contribute to their popularity.

Ever since their release, the debate of Cura vs. PrusaSlicer has…

Cura is free, and Simplify3D is paid. The former has tree supports, the latter does not. One is open-source. The other is privately owned. The differences don’t seem to end.

Cura vs Simplify3D is one of the most interesting debates in the world of 3D printing….

The top and bottom layers of your 3D prints often have a rough finish because of extrusion lines. These lines can give your prints an unfinished appearance and affect their overall visual appeal. Sometimes, you just need parts that look smooth and clean. Fortunately, there’s…

Support structures are a core element in 3D printing. They hold up the overhangs of your pieces, making it easier to print elaborate models. But one problem with these supports is that they sometimes show up in unwanted places.

What if the printer makes support even…

The vase mode in Cura is a pretty unique tool that is both useful and fun to use. Think of it as making a whole model with a single strand of 3D printer filament. No seams, no transitions between layers—just one continuous line 3D print.

Even…

Cura has an extensive library of high-quality infill patterns to choose from. Each infill pattern has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are better for strength, while others have a superior appearance. Some patterns use less material, while others cut down on the amount of…

Each of Cura’s nifty features contributes to an overall better 3D printing experience. Ranging from tried-and-true standards to novel experiments, the slicer has a lot that helps you. One of the more experimental settings we’ll examine today is Cura’s Adaptive layers.

Adaptive layers are a handy…

Supports are weird! Often you want them in your 3D prints, but nobody really likes them. Standard support structures don’t always work well and are known for being hard to take off the model. You can always “fine-tune” your support settings, but let’s be honest:…

[infobox type="tldr"]Combing mode is a feature in Cura that limits the movement of the printer’s print head and nozzle within printed areas. By having the print head avoid crossing the outer wall, it helps reduce stringing and oozing issues in your 3D prints.[/infobox]

Cura has loads…

By lifting the nozzle during retractions, Z-Hop helps to reduce the chances of your prints getting knocked over from the bed and scarring on your prints. With a Z-hop height of 0.2 mm, you can get smoother 3D prints and reduce print failure.

Z-Hop is one…

SuperSlicer is an extensive slicing software that’s based on Prusa Slicer. It provides you with numerous additional settings to fine-tune your slicing process. You get better control over perimeters, thin walls, and also benefit from an excellent community that’s ready to help you out with…