Calibrate Perfect Retraction Settings Using a Cura 4.8 Plug-in

Chuck shows you how to Calibrate Perfect Retraction Settings Using a Cura 4.8 Plug-in. He shows you the plug-in, how to install it, how to use it, and how to get the results you want. He even learned his profile settings may need an adjustment. See how to do it in this week's Filament Friday.

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[FilamentFriday]

Note: If you use a newer version of Cura than I use in this video, you don’t have to “Copy Scripts” they are already included when you restart Cura.

[oscarcampos]

I've been running an ender 3 farm for a couple years now and never even knew about the plugins. I'm always learning! They seem so useful. Great video.

[catman]

I sure there are other videos the cover this same content, but you explain and show the process in a way I can understand. I think I can afford to cover your coffee. Thanks so much for these instructional videos.

[ares]

Here's a fix with explanation for those that can't figure it out:
For some reason they've changed the dimensions and setting of temp tower so it doesn't slice nicely anymore with 0.2mm layer height. All you need to do is, select the temp tower model and on the left side click on scaling (the second icon from the top), deselect uniform scaling and as z put in 76.4 And slice the model (of course add the script beforehand). Now check if cura sliced it into 382 layers. If yes then check if your base (layers before the tower blocks) is 4 layers tall. If it is, change the script's setting to Change Layer: 42; Change Layer Offset: 4. You can check if the tower works by adding (from 4, the actual temp starting layer) 42 (so 46, 88, etc.). It should perfectly fit. If retraction tower has the same issue I'll see if I can fix it.

Why those numbers? Here's a bit of math: Not counting the base, you need number of layers that divide nicely by 9 (the number of blocks), when you set model z height to 76.4 you get 382 layers. 382 temp layers - 4 base layers = 378 -> a number that nicely divides by 9 (and gives us 42 which we input as layer temp change). This way you can slice the model using 0.2 and have perfect temp tower with 9 temps to check. I have no idea what they did but it's a pretty simple fix.

[davet]

Hi Chep - not been happy with a recently acquired roll of Carbon Fibre PLA, so I decided to try re-calibrating using this process. I was rather surprised to discover that the Temp Tower implied that I should be printing at 35C BELOW minimum manufacturers recommended temperature of 220C, using twice the retraction I had previously (3mm) - Absolutely outstanding print results.
Thank you SO much

[jasondowning]

When checking the layer heights in preview, I found out that in Cura you can manually type the number in by clicking on the number box on the slider.

[DaedalusProps]

Granted, I mostly use simplify 3-D. But holy shit are your videos unbelievably useful. You are a goddamn champion. Love the channel bro

[ablebaker]

Running Cura 4.11 and the scripts copy button no longer exists, but they can be copied to the post processing folder manually from the GITHUB repo.

This is so awesome. I'm finally going to be able to get all of my filaments dialed in to perfection... and then use them together under the best conditions for each.

[randybull]

4 weeks into a new printer and having watched lots of videos I got more helpful information from this video than any other video. It will help me fix stringing and temperature issues I've been fighting with. Thank you for this video!

[shaneaung]

You are The King of Cura Uni! Nobody in this realm instructs better than you do.

[garethdodds]

Thanks for that CHEP. I noticed that in Cura 4.11 that the script for the Temp Tower needs to be changed to:
Starting 220
Temp Increment: -5
Change Layer: 41
Change Layer Offset: 4.0

[BMBI]

Just getting into FDM after a couple of years of resin printing, your videos are invaluable for a beginner.

[sgtcote]

Out of all the 3d Primting U Tubers out there, I have learned the most from Chep. Extremely helpful in getting this old dog to learn new tricks.
These temp towers and retraction tests are exactly what I needed.
Thank you so much CHEP.

[CombustibleLmon]

Thanks for this. Got a new filament and decided it would be a good idea to go ahead with a big print before testing the retraction settings Not my smartest move

[johnnycash]

I was about to smash my little ender 3 to bits. Had enough. Videos like these give me hope. Try again tomorrow.

[PaulLemars]

Thanks Chuck. I didn't even realize these were there. There's another plugin called Auto Towers that makes life even easier. I've been 3D printing for over 3 years now and I completely missed them. I only started to look for a solution when I switched to an all-metal hot-end on my Artillery Sidewinder X2. From now on every spool is going to get proper tests and the results written on the side of the spool. Great video.

[FABIZN]

Thanks once again. We can always count on you if there are issues with our printer that you have the solution for it!
Please keep it up!
First it didn’t work at all. I had to restart cura then safe the files again. Worked like a charm.

[pauldquinones]

Funny this is exactly what I was looking for at the exact time I needed it 😬

[Onlythebesttracks]

If your wondering why the starting temp isnt 220, its because it starts at 200 and only increases the temp to 220 once it gets close to level 38. Putting this here, as this comment would have saved me 20 minutes of stress. Also gonna repeat CHEPS comment below as i missed it. Newer versions of cura dont have the "Copy Script" option. Just ignore that part and continue with the rest of his steps.

[Richie_]

I printed PETG for the 1st time today. I did a temp tower. Came out really nice and looks best at 235°C.
Will do this retraction test in the morning.