#21808·Cura

Use equation with replaceable words in the GUI

Author: gbarbehennCreated Sep 16, 2026Updated Sep 16, 2026
LabelsType: New FeatureStatus: Triage

Is your feature request related to a problem?

The GUI will not allow equations, with replaceable text, in values, i.e. Adaptive Layers Maximum Variation = =layer_height * 0.75. The workaround is to edit the configuration files, but this isn't really practical as they are spread across several directories, these locations are documented, and the file format, particularly the XML keys, aren't documented.

Describe the solution you'd like

While generally very useful, my particular case is that, if Use Adaptive Layers = True, & Adaptive Layers Maximum Variation is equal or nearly equal to layer_height, then the model may not slice, or it will be missing the Top layers. What does "nearly" equal mean? Don't know, but if I could use equations I could find out. And ensure that I don't cross the range boundary.

Describe alternatives you've considered

Could edit configurations files, but no dox. Also, there is no documentation on how to add configuration files to the printer selection dialogue within Cura. That means editing original files, not copy and edit a surrogate file, so, mistakes will be painful to undo. In general there is very little documentation on configuration, nozzle, material files structure, format, keywords and location. This means a tragic mistake is easy, and recovery hard. So, editing configurations files is an act of desperation.

Affected users and/or printers

Everybody and all printers. Hardcoded values require constant intervention and attention to detail. On top of thingi creation, appropriate material selection, environmental issues (can't make the print environment 30C if the ambient is 40C), etc.

Additional information & file uploads

No response