Time Estimate for Each Layer

[rachael7]

Is your feature request related to a problem?

I recently had a print fail due to what appeared to be too short layer times causing heat buildup and slumping (part was in ABS with almost no fan). Diagnosing the print failure led me to want to check the time for each layer, but that information was not available in Cura. On this particular part, the cross-section was relatively constant, so I could get a good estimate by simply dividing total time by the number of layers; but on parts with large variations in cross-section, that technique would not work.

Describe the solution you'd like

I would like the preview window to show the estimated time for the layer that the slider is on (the currently displayed layer). A logical location would be near the scrubbing bar at the bottom of the screen (where the play/pause button is). The bar could be labeled 0s at the beginning of the bar and have the total time for the layer on the right side of the bar. An idea implementation would show the time to the position of the scrubbing control as well, much the way the scrubbing controls work on a video player or editor.

Describe alternatives you've considered

On the particular part that raised this concern for me, the cross-section was relatively constant, so I could get a good estimate by simply dividing total time by the number of layers; but on parts with large variations in cross-section, that technique would not work.

Affected users and/or printers

This will provide valuable information for anyone printing small parts who is concerned with the minimum layer time and related functions. It would allow tuning of print speed, fan speed, and other parameters based on the time for each layer.

Additional information & file uploads

No response

[Flying-Roger]

Good idea ! Monitoring the progress of the printing on a webcam, I can easily match a layer position in the Cura preview. Having a time associated with the layer would allow me to get an estimate of the remaining time. Of course, this will be approximate, but as the Cura total time estimates are pretty good since I tuned the accelerations, this would be good enough. Ideally, this should be integrated in the Cura preview. Otherwise, maybe a pluging would do it.

[BarryTice]

I came here to make this same request. I'm experimenting with hot-swapping filament colors mid-model, pushing a new color down my Bowden tube against the end of the previous color, and will need to be at the printer ready to make the change right on schedule — if only I knew what the schedule was. Being able to see that layers 1 through 8 will take 26 minutes each means I know I should show up by 50 minutes in if I want a change at the end of layer 2.

[FlashMoonUK]

Has this ever been added? if so I can't find it, Its a very useful feature in other slicers.

[Cannikev]

I'm changing filaments partway through the print several times, and it would be good to see what time that happens so I can check back at an appropriate time. The time that Cura expects each layer to start would be really helpful for me, even if just approximate.

[Rolleroo]

If someone knows of a way to estimate layer height time, even roughly, that would be great. My Cura estimates tend to be bang on so I think it would be pretty accurate.