Stacking parts for multi-color print
So, I'm trying to slice an assembly of parts for a multi-color print. Attached are pics of the final product and of the individual parts, somewhat aligned as they should stack up.
I have two questions.....
Would it be better to save the whole as a single solid and paint the layers accordingly, or drop them sequentially in the slicer and then paint them?
Also, is there a simple way of dropping parts onto other parts, aside from assigning coordinate locations and measuring from the build plate to get them to stock without sinking or leaving empty layers?
Thanks. Brad.
RE: Stacking parts for multi-color print
when I save the individual parts from my 3d design program, they retain their relationship info, when I Load the files into Prusa slicer, in an MMU profile
If I load all files in one go, the slicer asks if I want to consider them as parts of a multi material Model, If I say YES, the slicer assembles the parts in the correct locations.
OR
If I load the main part, I can then Right click on the first part and select ADD PART>Load and choose one or more parts of the model, and these parts are loaded in the relative positions...
this saves a load of time and messing about....
Joan cut out parts
then you can select the parts in the right hand side window (In Advanced or Expert Mode) and set the colours for each part
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Stacking parts for multi-color print
when I save the individual parts from my 3d design program, they retain their relationship info, when I Load the files into Prusa slicer, in an MMU profile
If I load all files in one go, the slicer asks if I want to consider them as parts of a multi material Model, If I say YES, the slicer assembles the parts in the correct locations.OR
If I load the main part, I can then Right click on the first part and select ADD PART>Load and choose one or more parts of the model, and these parts are loaded in the relative positions...
this saves a load of time and messing about....
Joan cut out parts
then you can select the parts in the right hand side window (In Advanced or Expert Mode) and set the colours for each partregards Joan
Joan,
Thanks for the reply.
Except this is what I get when I do that.....
All relations have been lost. I saved the assembly as an .STL, and SW saved them all as individual .STL files. When I batch dropped them in the slicer, most alignment and orientation was lost. When I rotate them all, it drops them all on the plater, but not aligned in any way.
Full disclosure.... I'm a toolmaker by trade, and have a hack level grasp of SolidWorks, IMO. I also don't have the MMU in hand, as of yet. I'm just playing around with the slicer. I HAVE printed this thing out as a single material, contiguous print, though. Will this get easier with the MMU, and it's firmware (assuming) installed?
Thanks. Brad.
Thanks. Brad
RE: Stacking parts for multi-color print
Joan,
Quick update, and a sheepish grin.....
When I start with the main body, then "Add Part" load the subsequent parts on at a time, they stack very nicely.
Thanks. Brad.
RE: Stacking parts for multi-color print
Happy printing Brad
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Stacking parts for multi-color print
Joan, others,
OK.... So I'm getting a better handle on my SolidWorks skills. I'm still a hack, but not so much of one. I've polished up my models, making them into one contiguous solid, instead of a stack of parts. I've also discovered the multiple extruders settings in PrusaSlicer, and have the model painted up how I'd like it to look:
My MMU3 is still apparently on the slow boat from Prague, but I'm getting anxious to give it a whirl. I have figured out how to cut my model down, so I don't have to waste a bunch of filament trying to prove out the multi-color thing, so I'm planning on just printing out the top half inch or so; just enough to include a base layer and where the color changes start. With the Slicer set to three extruders, I'd guess I need to uncheck the "multiplexing" box, so it will code in pauses and alerts to manually change the filament....? Am I on the right track?
Thanks. Brad.