Sizing a file in the Pursa Slicer
I am aware how to manipulate the sizing of a file along the X, Y & Z axis. However,,,is there a way to size (in my case lengthen) only part of the print along the X axis. I am trying to print plug to be used for a tube of caulk that is made up of a rod (that is the part to go into the tip of the caulk tube) and a cap end. The rod needs to be lengthen a bit (without changing the cap). But when I use the 'enlarge' feature and begin lengthening along the X axis,,,,,everything lengthens,,,,the rod and the cap. I just want to adjust the rod. Can this be done using the slicer somehow.
Thanks
Not without elaborate workarounds that will be hard to reproduce and iterate. Much better to go back to the original CAD.
Cheerio,
RE: Sizing a file in the Pursa Slicer
I guess you can cut the rod from the cap buy using "Cut" (C) tool in Prusa slicer and that will make two separate objects, then you lenghten the Rod object and by selecting both objects with Shift and rightclicking on them you can press "Merge" to combine them.
RE: Sizing a file in the Pursa Slicer
I don't know the specifics of your part, but I have done something like that for a simple change. I did not have access to the original CAD file for the part, so I opted for a "quick and dirty" solution. I cut the part in two places and then changed the length of the part in the middle because I needed more space there. Then I rejoined the three parts, resulting in a part with the parts on the right and left end unchanged. The important thing is when you perform the cut you choose "cut into parts", not "cut into objects", because with parts the resulting parts keep their orientation as before and you can move them around with the "Move" tool to make space and not loose orientation. So you can move e.g. the left part away along the y axis then scale the middle part to your needs, move it along the y axis until it fits against the part on the right, then you move the left part back until it fits. Check in the slicing preview if everything will slice correctly, then rejoin the parts again.
RE: Sizing a file in the Pursa Slicer
Thanks for the response. As you and Walter suggested (the cut, then lengthen the part needed, then place back together) that sounded great. I tried and found the "cut" selection in the slicer. However, It only allowed along the 'Z' axis. Tried all I could to work around this with no success. With that said,,,,I figured that I was outdated on my Slicer version (a bad habit of mine). So, I updated to 2.7.4,,,,and now the 'cut' icon/option had been deleted and replaced with a 'measure' option. So,,once again lost. If either of you could share with me the Slicer version you are seeing this 'cut' option in let me know. Or what I am missing. Thanks a bunch.
RE: Sizing a file in the Pursa Slicer
Okay,,,progress. I understand how to bring up the "cut" feature,,,,just hit the "C" key. But now the only axis in the cut box is again the Z axis. Don't know how to change to X axis. Sorry for being such a dunce.
RE: Sizing a file in the Pursa Slicer
Which mode are you in in PrusaSlicer? If you switch to Configuration > Mode > Expert you see more options.
And for the cut tool: you can rotate/tilt and move the cutting plane. There is a grey sphere for moving the plane and some arrows for tilting it.
RE: Sizing a file in the Pursa Slicer
Cut has not been removed. Its been updated lots though. You also have to be in either Advanced or Expert modes to see the tool (and many others).
The knowledge base has an overview of the UI https://help.prusa3d.com/article/ui-overview_1766 Cut tool specific page https://help.prusa3d.com/article/cut-tool_1779
RE: Sizing a file in the Pursa Slicer
Thanks Walter and Neophyl,,,,I think I got it! Or at least got to another level of learning. Thanks to both of you. Much crawling before walking:-). Now I just need to smooth the edges of the process (so I can repeat the effort). Will report back but again,,,,thanks to both of you.
Marty.
RE: Sizing a file in the Pursa Slicer
One more question on the Cut feature. I feel that I am getting better but wonder if there is a better way in the last step of the process,,,,rejoining the two cut pieces back into their original singular configuration. I move one to the other using my eye sight as the aligning tool. When I "think" they are in place I release the cursor and hope for the best. I am finding that this is not a very accurate way,,,,since after a print I see the seam and sometimes there is a circular indention where the two pieces are re-joined. Is there a better way to re-join the two pieces? Is there maybe a keystroke that automatically does this perfectly (that I have yet to see as a selection on the screen)? Thanks again.
RE: Sizing a file in the Pursa Slicer
Moving with the mouse is not very accurate and sometimes the parts make an inadvertent jump. If you use the text boxes for the move tool in the right hand panel to enter values, this is more exact and gives you more control.
RE: Sizing a file in the Pursa Slicer
Not really no. That’s why we said that while it’s possible to do via the slicer it is not the best tool for the job.
If you did it in CAD it could be done in a few seconds and the result would be much better.