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Cura Setup for MY-Mini

Ultimaker Cura is another excellent, free, and popular slicer that is fully compatible with your MY-Mini 3D Printer. Its user-friendly interface makes it a great choice for both beginners and advanced users. This guide will help you set it up.

1. Setting Up the Printer Profile

Cura doesn't have a pre-made profile for the MY-Mini, so you'll need to add it as a custom printer.

  1. Open Cura. Go to Settings > Printer > Add Printer.
  2. Select Add a non-networked printer.
  3. Scroll down and select Custom > Custom FFF printer. Click Add.
  4. In the "Machine Settings" window, configure the printer's dimensions:
    • X (Width): 180 mm
    • Y (Depth): 180 mm
    • Z (Height): 180 mm
    • Build Plate Shape: Rectangular
    • Origin at center: Unchecked (This assumes the origin is at the front-left corner).
    • Heated Bed: Checked
  5. Go to the Extruder 1 tab:
    • Nozzle Size: 0.4 mm
    • Compatible material diameter: 1.75 mm
  6. Click Finish. You now have a profile for your MY-Mini.

2. Understanding Profiles in Cura

Cura uses profiles to manage settings. You can select a default profile (e.g., "Standard Quality") and then customize it. Your changes can be saved as a new custom profile.

  • Print Settings: The main panel on the right allows you to adjust everything from layer height to infill and supports. You can select the level of setting visibility from Basic to All.
  • Filament and Printer: At the top of the settings panel, you can confirm your printer and the type of material you are using (e.g., Generic PLA). Selecting the correct material type will apply a good baseline of temperature and retraction settings.

Here are good starting points for common filaments. You can adjust these in the "Print Settings" panel.

PLA

  • Printing Temperature: 210-220 °C
  • Build Plate Temperature: 60 °C
  • Speed: 50 mm/s is a good all-around speed.
  • Retraction: Enabled. For a direct drive, start with 1mm Distance and 35 mm/s Speed.
  • Cooling: Enable Print Cooling, with the fan at 100% after the first few layers.

PETG

  • Printing Temperature: 230-250 °C
  • Build Plate Temperature: 70-85 °C
  • Speed: 40 mm/s can help reduce stringing.
  • Retraction: Enabled. You may need to fine-tune these settings. Try 1.5mm at 40 mm/s.
  • Cooling: Reduce fan speed to 30-50% to improve layer strength.

ABS

  • Printing Temperature: 240-260 °C
  • Build Plate Temperature: 95-110 °C
  • Speed: 40-50 mm/s.
  • Cooling: Disable Print Cooling (set fan speed to 0%).
  • Enclosure: An enclosure is highly recommended to prevent warping.

4. Bed Adhesion and Supports

  • Build Plate Adhesion:
    • A Skirt (the default) just primes the nozzle.
    • A Brim is recommended for parts with a small base or sharp corners to prevent them from lifting off the bed.
    • A Raft can be used for very difficult-to-stick materials or parts with a very complex base.
  • Generate Support:
    • Check this box to enable supports for overhangs.
    • Support Structure: Normal supports are standard, but Tree supports are excellent as they use less material and are often easier to remove.
    • Support Placement: Touching Buildplate is usually sufficient, but Everywhere will support features on top of your model.