#21809·Cura

No dox on how & where Generic Filaments are managed

Author: gbarbehennCreated Sep 16, 2026Updated Sep 16, 2026
LabelsType: Question

Cura Version

5.13.0

Operating System

Windows 10 Home, Version 22H2, OS Build 19045.6466

Printer

Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro

Reproduction steps

Changed printhead to all metal. Removed "exclude_materials": list entries in the printer configuration file. Some desired generic filaments now show in the filament selection dialogue, in Cura. Some. For example Generic Nylon is installed and shows as a generic filament. Glass filled Nylon (PA6-GF) is installed, but does not show as a generic filament? I verified that it is in ~\Cura\share\cura\resources\materials, but it doesn't show under generic filaments in the manage filament dialogue, within Cura. Now I need to add quality files. Where? File keywords?

Actual results

Cannot use new generic filament entries to create new filaments, because some don't show, and directory structure, file structure, keywords, etc. aren't documented.

Expected results

I expect an editor within Cura to manage configuration files, of all types. Most/all people expect, at least, clear documentation on directory structure, file types, keywords, and etc. Everything needed to create and manage the files in question, if it isn't done automagically by a dedicated editor, behind the scenes.

Add your .zip and screenshots here ⬇️

Generally speaking the lack of documentation on machine and material management turns it into 'folk' knowledge. For example, the Elegoo "exclude_materials": is in the Elegoo base configuration file, and clearly belongs in the specific machine configuration file. So, even the experienced creator of the Elegoo configuration files needs additional documentation. Also, the machine specific configuration files, in my case "elegoo_neptune_3pro.def.json" has a backward reference to "elegoo_base.def.json", and there is an implicit reference to "fdmprinter.def.json". This is because "elegoo_neptune_3pro.def.json" is used to create the entry in the machine selection dialogue of Cura. Via some runic incantation as yet to be sussed... But beyond that, what if same entry ("exclude_materials":) is in all of the above files. Which one wins (entry, backward or implicit)?! Or, since Cura is also crap at range checking, will Elegoo printers just not show up as a choice, because Cura couldn't resolve the conflict?