{"id":166041,"date":"2022-12-31T15:20:35","date_gmt":"2022-12-31T07:20:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=166041"},"modified":"2023-01-09T16:03:53","modified_gmt":"2023-01-09T08:03:53","slug":"cura-vase-mode-the-basics-simply-explained","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/cura-vase-mode-the-basics-simply-explained","title":{"rendered":"Cura Vase Mode: The Basics Simply Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Vase mode is a common slicer mode for “aesthetic prints”. Follow along as we demystify Cura’s vase mode to create some seamless models.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Among the\u00a0many slicers<\/a>\u00a0available today, Ultimaker\u2019s\u00a0Cura<\/a>\u00a0remains the go-to choice for many. Besides being free and relatively easy to use, it boasts several handy features. One such feature is \u201cSpiralize Outer Contour\u201d, Cura\u2019s name for what\u2019s commonly referred to as \u201cvase mode\u201d.<\/p>\n

This mode prints your model\u2019s outermost surfaces (in the horizontal directions) only, using a single, continuous line. (Picture someone preparing a soft ice cream cone.) And while this naturally results in very quick print with very little material, vase mode can\u2019t be used for all models. It\u2019s mostly suited for non-functional models that have a continuous cross-section, without any holes or gaps in their geometry, hence the name \u201cvase mode\u201d.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s explore\u00a0this fantastic feature\u00a0to see how you can make use of it!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What Is It?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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This skull was designed to be printed in vase mode (Source: bartalomej via Thingiverse)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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With \u201cSpiralize Outer Contour\u201d activated, and after laying down the first layer, the nozzle will continuously outline the contour of your model in a spiral. What this means is that, unlike the usual modes of printing, instead of laying down one layer at a time, the Z-axis is constantly moving and the filament is fed through continuously. The result is a model with a wall that is one layer thick with; essentially, there are no separable layers.<\/p>\n

Because of the single-line wall, vase mode is usually for aesthetic purposes only. Prints will generally not be robust, although, there are some designs that can give your shape greater rigidity.<\/p>\n

The continuous and fluid motion of the printer can be beautiful and even hypnotic, which is one reason why it\u2019s widely used to demonstrate 3D printing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Usage<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Cutting the glare from this naked Ikea lamp (Source: All3DP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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In Cura, this setting is available under the \u201cSpecial Modes\u201d tab. Just check the box to enable it. Once activated, make sure you load a model that has a continuous geometry, usually shaped like a vase or cylinder. When you hit the slice button, Cura will prepare the object to have just a solid bottom, a single wall, and no top surface.<\/p>\n

Due to the nature of vase mode, there are a few things you should be aware of:<\/p>\n