Unraveling Cura Vase Mode – How to Print Hollow Spiralized Objects

One of Cura’s most intriguing features is its cura vase mode, which lets you 3D print vases, cups and other hollow objects in one continuous spiral. This eliminates the need for solid infill, saves filament, and produces clean, seamless prints. Here’s an in-depth look at how vase mode works, key settings, ideal models, and tips for getting great results.

Vase mode is an ingenious trick within Cura’s slicer settings. It allows printing hollow objects without any infill by continuously spiraling around the exterior walls. This eliminates seams while using the least possible filament.

Here are the key benefits of using Cura’s vase mode:

• No Infill – Eliminates all interior infill, saving filament. The model prints hollow.
• Single Spiral – Prints in one continuous, uninterrupted path for a seamless look.
• Faster Printing – Greatly reduces print time by excluding infill.
• Smooth Walls – The spiral pattern gives subtly smooth, flowing outer walls.
• Easy Cleanup – No infill means less oozing and easy interior sanding/smoothing.

How Vase Mode Works

Normal 3D prints have outer shells (perimeters) plus various infill patterns inside those shells. In vase mode, Cura ignores all infill and prints only the outer walls in a continuous spiral from bottom to top.

With each layer, the nozzle circles around the perimeter, moving slightly higher each loop. This continues layer after layer until reaching the top of the print. The result is a smooth hollow spiral staircase circling from bottom to top.

Key things to note:

• Prints must have a single enclosed volume with no holes in the bottom.
• Avoid overhangs and steep slopes the nozzle can’t successfully bridge.
• Supports should be enabled to brace tricky spots if needed.
• Enable z-hop to avoid scratching spiral walls on lift.
• Use thicker shells (2-3x) for strength.

Enabling Cura Vase Mode

Enabling vase mode in Cura is simple:

1. Load your model into Cura. Verify it has a single enclosed volume.
2. In the sidebar, go to the Spiralize Outer Contour setting under Special Modes and check the box.
3. Set walls to 2-3x thicker than normal. 3-5 bottom/top layers are also advised.
4. Adjust speed, temperature, retraction and supports as needed.
5. Slice as normal and save the GCode.

When slicing, Cura will preview the continuous spiral toolpath wrapping around the model.

Ideal Models for Vase Mode

Vase mode works best on:

• Vases, cups, glasses, and other open-top containers
• Decorative statues and busts
• Closed shapes like spheres, eggs or teardrops

More complex models with small appendages or tunnels may not print reliably. Stick to basic single volumes.

For adding a base or foot, simply model it merged with the main body. The spiral will continue through the base.

Tips for Better Vase Mode Prints

Follow these tips when printing in vase mode:

• Print thicker shells (2-3x) for strength.
• Use more bottom layers (4-6) for a solid foundation.
• Print slowly (40-50mm/s) to avoid thin walls collapsing.
• Ensure good cooling to prevent blobs or warping.
• Use supports to brace problematic overhangs.
• Enable z-hop to avoid scratching the spiral walls.
• Keep models reasonably sized with enough base area.
• Sand and polish for smooth surface finish.

Cleaning Up Your Vase Mode Print

With no infill, cleanup is much easier:

• Remove any loose strands and boogers inside with tweezers.
• Smooth the inner spiral seams by sanding with fine grit paper.
• Dissolve any stubborn globs with acetone (for ABS) or smoothing vapor.
• Further polish using filler primer, resin epoxy or wood putty if desired.
• Spray paint the inside if needed after smoothing.

When Not to Use Vase Mode

Vase mode isn’t recommended in situations where:

• Strong, functional parts are needed. The single perimeter shells lack strength.
• There are holes or openings in the bottom. Cura can’t close off openings.
• Models have very thin walls or fine details. The thinner layers may droop or collapse.
• You need totally smooth walls. Some spiraling and z-seams will still be visible.
• Division into separate parts is desired. Vase mode always prints contiguously.

For these cases, default printing with solid infill is advised. But for decorative hollow items, vase mode can’t be beat!

Key Takeaways

Cura’s vase mode unlocks new geometric possibilities by 3D printing seamless hollow vessels in one continuous spiral. With no infill, prints require far less filament, finish faster, and have minimal inner mess to clean up.

Just keep models simple with a fully enclosed volume, add a few extra shells for strength, and slow it down for clean overhangs. With some practice dialing in optimal settings, vase mode will let your prints transcend the limitations of layer-based.

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