Jeremy's almost but not quite entirely moribund blog

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Cura settings for QiDi Tech X-one2 3D printer

We got a QiDi Tech X-one2 3D printer for Christmas. It came with a custom-skinned ancient version of Cura. I had a bit of difficulty finding the information needed to use the real Cura software, so I decided to post it online, here on my blog with zero Google fu that nobody will ever find.

(Tested with Cura 3.1.0. This information was found in the QiDi program folder in resources/definitions/fdmprinter.def.json and resources/definitions/x-one2.def.json)

In the Add Printer dialog, select "Other" and "Julia", enter a name, and click "Add Printer".

X (Width): 150mm
Y (Depth): 150mm
Z (Height): 145mm

Build plate shape: Rectangular
Origin at center: UNCHECKED
Heated bed: CHECKED
Gcode flavor: Marlin

Material diameter: 1.75mm
Nozzle size: 0.4mm

Printhead settings / Gantry height: all 0mm (i.e., don't print multiple models in "one at a time" mode, not even with QiDi's software, because not even they define the printhead dimensions. the printhead could collide with other models.)

Start Gcode:
G92 A0 B0
G28
G1 X0 Y0 Z50 F3600
G1 X0 Y0 F3600
M140 S{material_bed_temperature}
M104 S{material_print_temperature} T0
M190 S{material_bed_temperature}
M109 S{material_print_temperature} T0
G92 E0
G92 A0 B0
G0 X0 Y4 Z0.3 F3600
G1 X{machine_width} Y5 F2400
G1 X5 A14 F2400
G1 X5 F2400
G92 A0 B0

End Gcode:
M104 S0
M104 S0 T1
M140 S0
G92 E0
G1 Z{machine_height} F900
G28 X0 Y0
M84

There are still a few differences:
  • The QiDi software embeds a preview image in the gcode file, which the printer displays on its LCD screen while printing. Cura does not do this.
  • Cura can print via USB, with no SD-card shuffling required.