Using Cura Exclusively

Using Cura Exclusively to 3D Print
Using Cura Exclusively - Revision 11 - 01/11/2020 - Chris White

 [Document Live - Rev11] 

'''PLEASE NOTE: This guide has been tested on V2.1.6 and V 2.1.11 Firmware. Other firmware between these versions have not been tested. '''

These steps describe how to 3D print in Cura exclusively, without the need for other software.

Step 1 - Turn On Your DexArm
Power on the DexArm by pressing the Power Button at the back of the base. Make sure the USB cable is connected between your Cura workstation and the DexArm.

Step 2 - Software Check
Make sure that Rotrics Studio or any other software that communicates with the Arm is closed.

Step 3 - Open Cura
Open the Cura Application. This guide was written based on the latest release of Cura (V4.7) at the time of writing.

If you haven't used Cura before, make sure to follow the Rotrics guide for setting up Cura.

https://manual.rotrics.com/get-start/3d-printing/generate-3d-printing-g-code

Please Check! that your Cura settings are correct, especially your Start and End G-Code as specified on the website.

Step 4 - Go to the Monitor Section
At the top in the Cura App there are 3 options, Prepare | Preview | Monitor. Click the Monitor page.

Step 5 - Manual G-Codes
On the right side, there is a box with "Send G-Code" written next to it.

Dexi's Top Tip: If you don't see the right side panel, it means that Cura can't connect to your DexArm. Check all other applications are closed, and check that the DexArm has been configured correctly according to the Rotrics guide linked in Step 3.

Check your DexArm is ready to move and there are no obstructions.

In the "Send G-Code" box type...

M1112

and hit Enter, and wait for the Arm to position to the designated Home point.

Then type the following depending on your firmware...

G92 X0 Y0 Z0

and hit Enter. This will Zero the axis so they are all zero and ready to work from this point.

Now lower the Z Axis using the Cura controls above, until your printing height is correct. Adjust up and down as necessary.

Once you are happy with the nozzle position, go back to the "Send G-Code" box and type...

G92 Z0

and hit Enter. This will set your Print Height as the new Z-Axis Zero position.

Step 6 - Testing Step 5 Commands
So you have programmed the DexArm to the correct work height. Now you can test your work.

In the "Send G-Code" box type...

M1112

and hit Enter, this will send the Arm back to the Home Position.

Step 7 - Slice & Print
Once you are happy with the arm position, go to the Prepare screen, choose your profile and settings and Slice.

'''WARNING!! V2.1.5 - V2.1.6 Firmware Users''' Due to current bugs in Rotrics Firmware (G28 Command Not Assigned Correctly), if you want to cancel a print in Cura - DO NOT click the Abort button. It will lead to undesired motion. Instead, Pause the Print, Save the Cura Slice File if you want to re-use it, Close Cura and then Turn the Arm Off. Then turn the Arm back on and go to Step 1 of this guide to re-start.

At the bottom right of the Preview page, there will be a button. Sometimes it says "Print to USB" in which case you can just click it. Other times it may say "Save to Disk" but there will be an arrow on the right side which you can click to choose the "Print to USB" option.

Step 8 - First Layer Tuning in Cura
The first layer is arguably the most important. It can make or break a print.

After you have started printing, there will probably be an adhesion step - i.e. either a Skirt or Brim.

Skirts help to equalise pressure in the nozzle that may have built up with heat being applied but filament not moving. Brims are more to ensure that whatever you are printing is well and truly stuck to the build plate. This can be useful for smaller parts or plate adhesion issues.

Scenarios...

Printer Nozzle is Too High!

.....Result: PLA doesn't stick to the print bed, it comes out in blobs, or it curls up on the nozzle. This might also indicate poor bed adhesion, consider using a glue stick if you have a smooth build surface like glass.

Printer Nozzle is Too Low!

.....Result: PLA doesn't come out at all or PLA is smeared on the build plate like butter on toast. Almost like its being brushed on.

As its printing, watch the first layer. Detect if its too high or too low using the "scenarios" above. It might be perfect (Yay!!) or it might have one of the above issues. ..... If it is not perfect... hit "Pause" in Cura Using the manual controls.

If its too Low you need to raise the Z Axis by 0.1 OR If its too high, lower the Z-axis by 0.1

Do this using the Cura Manual Controls provided.

Then in the "Send G-Code" box, type...

G92 Z0

...and hit Enter. This will set your adjusted Z axis height to be the new Layer 0 or Z Zero for your print.

Now Click "Resume" to continue printing.

You can pause and resume many times when it starts printing the brim / skirt until you get it right.

Dexi's Top Tip: Use this file from Thingiverse to practice your first layer tuning. Print at 0.2mm layer height, with a skirt of at least 4.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4246758

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