Material Settings: Cura Print Temperature

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Printing temperature is one of the key factors that determine the success of your print. Properly controlling the temperature allows you to obtain optimal results, avoiding problems such as warping, lack of layer adhesion or excessive stringing.

Printing temperature

This setting will allow you to choose the desired printing temperature. It will be the temperature that the Nozzle or nozzle will have and at which the extruded filament material will melt.

This temperature will be maintained throughout the entire print unless other parameters are modified.

Recommendation: print a temperature tower to know what is the optimal temperature for the filament you are using.

Channel video: ImpresoEn3D

Initial layer printing temperature

The temperature of the initial layer is especially important, as it influences adhesion to the build plate.

If the temperature is too low, adhesion may be poor and the part may peel off. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, the first layer may deform.

This is the temperature used to print the first layer. It can be set to 0 to disable temperature changes in the initial layer.

Initial printing temperature

This is the temperature used during the first layers of the print. This temperature can vary depending on the type of material you are using.

A higher temperature is generally recommended for materials that tend to warp, such as PETG or ABS.

This setting defines the temperature at which the nozzle can start printing the material. It is the minimum temperature at which printing can begin while the desired temperature is being reached.

The initial temperature must be high enough to allow the material to melt and adhere properly to the plate. If the initial temperature is too low, the material will not melt properly and adhesion problems may occur.

For example: If I select 215°C as the temperature, I can set the initial printing temperature to 205°C so that it starts printing until it reaches the desired temperature.

Final printing temperature

Refers to the temperature used for the top layers. It is usually slightly lower than the initial printing temperature. This setting helps prevent warping of the model due to heat buildup.

This setting corresponds to the temperature at which the nozzle can begin to cool just before the end of the print.

Build plate temperature

In addition to the temperature of the material, it is essential to take into account the temperature of the printing plate. This temperature influences the adhesion of the print to the surface of the plate.

In general, it is recommended to preheat the plate to a temperature suitable for each material before starting printing.

This setting defines the temperature of the heated bed. If the value is 0, the print bed will not be heated. Each type of filament has an ideal build plate temperature.

The build plate temperature should be adjusted according to the material being used. Generally, it is recommended that the build plate temperature be around 60 degrees Celsius for PLA and 80 degrees Celsius for ABS.

Plate temperature in the initial layer

For the initial layer, it is beneficial to slightly increase the temperature of the build plate to improve material adhesion. This can be achieved by adjusting the temperature settings in the printing software.

Good adhesion on the first layer is crucial to prevent the print from peeling off during the process.

This is the temperature of the build plate when printing the first layer. Generally, it is recommended that the build plate temperature on the initial layer is about 5-10 degrees Celsius higher than the normal build plate temperature.

Flow

In addition to temperature, material flow is also important for achieving quality printing. Flow refers to the amount of material being extruded from the nozzle during printing.

If the flow is too high, material can build up in the nozzle and cause clogs. If the flow is too low, the print may have gaps or even not print at all.

It is important to set the flow rate correctly for each material and each print. It is recommended that the flow rate be set between 90% and 100% for most materials.

I invite you to read the following post: “How to calibrate your 3D printer's flow rate to get more accurate parts“

Recommended temperatures by type of material

Let's look at the recommended temperatures for some of the most commonly used materials:

PLA (Polylactic Acid): The recommended temperature for PLA ranges between 190°C and 220°C. Different brands and types of PLA can have slight variations in ideal temperatures, so it's important to check the filament manufacturer's specifications.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is generally printed at temperatures ranging from 230°C to 260°CIt is crucial to use a closed chamber or temperature control system to avoid warping due to temperature differences.

petg (Polyethylene Glycol): PETG is typically printed at temperatures ranging from 220°C to 250°CIt is less prone to warping compared to ABS and offers greater mechanical strength.

NYLON: Nylon requires higher temperatures, generally between 240°C and 260°C. Additionally, it is important to use a heated print bed at temperatures around 70°C for better adhesion.

Frequent questions

What is the best temperature to print PLA?

The recommended temperature for printing PLA ranges from 190°C to 220°C. However, I suggest you check your filament manufacturer's specific recommendations for best results.

What is the best temperature for printing PETG?

For PETG, a temperature between 220°C and 250°C is recommended. Make sure to also set the build plate temperature to around 70°C for good adhesion.

What temperature does PLA support?

PLA can withstand moderate temperatures, usually up to around 60°C. However, keep in mind that PLA can warp if exposed to high temperatures.

What temperature does ABS support?

ABS is more heat resistant than PLA and can withstand temperatures up to 80°C. However, it is important to note that heat resistance can vary depending on the quality and specific composition of the ABS filament.

What is the Temperature Tower?

The Temperature Tower is a technique used to gradually adjust the temperature during printing. It is used to identify the optimal temperature that produces the best mechanical properties and printing surfaces for a given material..

experiment with a temperature tower to find the configuration that best suits your needs.

Please note that the temperatures mentioned are just general guidelines and you may need to make adjustments based on the specific conditions of your printer, the filament used, and the design of your model.

Continue reading: speed settings in treatment