Bambu Printer and Planeprint Cura Profile P3

Many Bambu users ask me if I can simply optimize the models that were still designed for the Cura Surface Mode (Profile_P3) for Bambu. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. The basic design of these planes is completely different from the newer ones that were developed with Profile P5 Gyroid. The STL are made of infinitely thin, unconnected surfaces, rather than "waterproof" bodies as is usually required in 3D printing. With the experimental Cura function Surface Mode, weight-saving designs were thus possible. Since LW filaments have been available, it has been possible to design differently. Since the SHARD and all aircraft that came after, Surface Mode (Profile_P3) is history at Planeprint. The new construction method with 6% Gyroid infill in combination with LW PLA also has the advantage that the parts are not so sensitive to harder landings and withstand the heat in the direct sun better.

Please understand that it is not a reason for a refund if you have a Bambu printer and have ordered these models anyway! Each of the early models clearly states that you need Cura 4.12.1 to slice P3-STL. Bambu was still on the market long after these PLANEPRINT models and those who buy a Bambu should also be aware that they are buying a closed system.

For printing our early Planeprint model airplanes, Cura is necessary for slicing (Profile_P3).

Bambu printers work with their own slicer and are not supported by Cura, please ask their support why this is the case.

However, according to our customers, it is possible to print profile 3 successfully with Bambu 3D printers. You can find a description here and here (Thanks to the authors!)

If you only have a Bambu 3D printer available and want to buy a Planeprint model, please test BEFORE you buy. You can use the free Wingtest to see if the Bambu slicer can process the data.

Please note: I cannot guarantee that this will work for all models!

The models designed for Profile_5_Gyroid and Lightweight PLA can be sliced with Bambu 3D printers without any problems. Nevertheless, I recommend to test it with our Wingtest before buying. Maybe Bambu users share their profiles on our Facebook group Planeprint Pilots?

Here is a new description from a user of our Facebook group (many thanks for that):

1. Download Cura 4.12.1 from: https://github.com/Ultimaker/Cura/releases?page=4 (scroll down the page to find the correct version & select Assets)

1a. Install Cura & setup your printer - if it's not listed, select Custom FFF Printer & add your specific printer details, including the startup & end Gcodes (a bit of googling may help here to get your printer specific settings).

2. Download the PlanePrint Cura Profiles from: https://www.planeprint.com/print (scroll down the page to find the link title "PLANEPRINT CURA PROFILES"

2a. Unzip & in the subfolder "Cura 4.12.1 P3_Surface" there is a file called "PI3MK3M_WINGTEST_P3 PLA_Planeprint.3mf" - load this as a project into the Cura slicer - it will load the planeprint v1.7 PLA wingtest model & also create a profile called "P3_Surface".

3. Print the Wingtest object using this profile in standard PLA (select your printer first, then the P3_Surface profile). If that goes well (which it should), then you have a baseline profile to tweak for your LW PLA.

4. For LW PLA you need to alter the nozzle & flow rate (they suggest 235 & 60%), change the fan speed to 20% & select Relative Extrusion (under Special Modes - if you don't see it then you need to open the sliders\detail icon & select it so it's visible in the profile settings - then check it).

5. Now download the LW PLA Wingtest 1.7 from planeprint: https://www.planeprint.com/print (scroll down to find the link "WINGTEST AND CALIBRATION TOOL"

5a. Unzip & load the file "WINGTEST_P3 LW_Planeprint.stl" into Cura

6. Print this as a test in LW PLA - it should print OK, but you might need to tweak the nozzle temp, flow rate & brim to get the best results.

NOTE: Some of the other profile settings make no sense, like 100% infill density, 99999 bottom layers & 2 wall line count - but trust when I say to leave them as they are !