The Cura software has multiple print setup settings that can customize each print. As you start to explore the software, we want you to stick with the recommended settings first. As you become more familiar, you can go into the custom settings.

Cura print settings

Custom

The drop down menu will show the recommended settings. When you select show custom, it will show the advanced settings that you can alter. We advice keeping the recommended settings, unless you are an advanced user or slicing software programs.

Material

You need to remember what temperatures you need for your material. PLA recommendations, check them before you put it on the flash drive.

We use two different types of plastic in our Taz. PLA (Polymaker) and ABS (Village Plastics). We use the PLA material most often, but sometimes we have patrons who want to use the ABS. ABS is approved, but we prefer not use it since it emits unsafe particles to breathe in. If we use ABS, it must be printed with an enclosure. We always want to ask what material and color they want to print. When you know the material, you can choose this option in Cura. For this object, select the PLA (Polymaker).

As for flexible material, we cannot do flexible material on the Taz Pro. We do not have the right head for flexible. You can use the Taz5 for flexible material.

Resolution

This establishes the overall quality of the print. For the coin, select normal.

High - Designed to give greater detail and finer objects. This will have a smaller layer height, which will make each layer thinner, so that curves seem more natural and walls seem less noticeable. This setting will also require more layers to be laid down, increasing overall print time.
Normal - Designed to give a medium resolution, by increasing the layer height and print speeds. This will make the organic curves slightly more step-like than the fine setting, but will reduce printing time. This is the default, and most often used.
Draft- Designed for the fast prints, where overall model finish is not of concern. Most commonly used for quick iteration of designs found in rapid prototyping. Produces the least amount of detail.

Strength/Infill

This establishes types of fill used for interior, solid areas of the part. For the coin, select 25% infill.

100% - This is used when a stronger, more durable part is desired. This can stand up to a lot of stress. Build time is longer, and will use more material. This is rarely chosen. This does not produce a water tight object.
60% - This can handle some stress. Build time is shorter and less material is used. This can be used for parts that need some durability, but do not need to be solid. For example, any functioning objects like gears.
25% - This is the default. This produces a sparse hatched pattern. This can handle the least amount of stress. This is the shortest build time, and least amount of material used. This is also the least durable. This can be used for non-functioning objects, like figurines.

Generate support

Support will allow you to generate support on an object. Some objects may not need support, but it is a good idea to always check this box to see what Cura recommends for support.

Build Plate Adhesion

The build plate adhesion affects the models ability to stick to the build plate during the printing process. It is recommended to select this option.

Exporting the files

After you make edits to your object, select slice.
Double check the amount of time it will take to print. You cannot print with this machine after the library is closed. If this print is estimated to be done after the library closes, you need to talk to the Makerspace Manager.
Double check the amount of material need to compete the print. Do you have enough filament for this job?
Select save to disk. Make sure that our library SD card is inserted. If it is not in the machine or laptop, please talk to a Wrangler.

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