Slic3r 1.38.3 (1.38.2) Prusa Edition - Beta testing  

Slic3r 1.38.3 (1.38.2) Prusa Edition - Beta testing

UPDATE: This version was replaced by a new one, more here: https://shop.prusa3d.com/forum/software-f13/slic3r-1-39-31-prusa-edition-beta-testing-t14364.html
WARNING: This version is aimed at advanced users, as it is still under development. Proceed with caution.

What is new?

All the new features were introduced in Slic3r 1.38.2 Alfa, which is available for download on the Github. During internal testing, we've discovered several bugs, which were fixed in 1.38.3. Therefore we strongly recommend installing the latest build (1.38.3). Also please note, this is NOT a full list of all the changes in the current release, there is a link to the complete changelog below this post.

Merged profiles
Until now, we've been separating each of our 3D printer's setting in a standalone "config", but as our family grows (MK2/MMU/MK3) this would bring too many configuration files for the user to import. Starting Slic3r 1.38.x PE we've merged settings for all Original Prusa i3 printers into a single branch. On Github look for "Merged" branch (link is available at the end of this post).

Configuration layer changes
With growing number of Original Prusa i3 printers and filaments in our settings, it might be confusing, which settings and filaments are compatible with each printer. Our developers took the original concept from the original Slic3r implemented by @alexrj and extended it further.

As long as you select your printer, Slic3r PE will by default hide all the incompatible settings and filaments across all tabs and show to you just the compatible ones (Green flags). However, if you feel adventurous and want to experiment, you can check the option "Show incompatible print and filament presets" in the Slic3r's PE settings (Red flags).

We've also reworked internal system for loading the settings, with several improvements:
- Slic3r PE is now able to import settings from config bundle, not only from config file or G-code
- Slic3 PE is able to load filament profiles of a multi-material print from a config file or a G-code, with the previous Slic3r PE only the first filament preset was loaded.
- Active profile names are now being written into Slic3r.ini without an .ini suffix, bringing backwards compatibility between Slic3r PE and the original Slic3r (see issue #367).

Conditional G-code processor
Last firmware release was all about Linear Advance and if you missed the launch, please read Joe's article on Prusaprinters.org. To control specific linear advance values in the G-code with respect to the chosen printer, we are introducing math and conditional expressions inside the G-code blocks (see issue #438).

Please note our syntax in Slic3r PE is not compatible with the new syntax implemented recently in the original Slic3r.

Example of implemented constructs:

{expression}
{if condition1} text on condition1 {elsif condition2} text on condition2 {else} text on else {endif}


Line from the G-code, K value is set according to selected printer's profile

M900 K{if printer_preset=="Original Prusa i3 MK2 MultiMaterial"}200{elsif printer_preset=="Original Prusa i3 MK2 MM Single Mode"}200{else}10{endif}


Other G-code generator improvements
In earlier releases, Slic3r was using value for extruder and heatbed based on the active filament profile. The current version is able to extract those values by searching for the M104/109/140/190 Sxxx commands in a custom G-code.

Thanks to @lordofhyphens for integrating new "between_objects_gcode" to the custom G-code block (see issue #578) and also new "current_object_idx" value is introduced inside "between_objects_gcode" to index sequentially printed objects. Idea is that if one object fails during print, you pause the print, edit the G-code by removing this "failed object" and then resume the printing.

Other improvements
-Hint text added for the "filament maximum volumetric rate limit input field". Changing according to the active print/printer profile to help you
estimate the right value for exotic filaments (Ninjaflex, PVA, BVOH, ...).

- In case of Multi Material print, the G-code M900 K0 is placed before the extrusion of Wipe tower takes place. In other words, Linear Advance is disabled during this "cleaning period".

- On Multi Material printer you are now able to print multiple objects and select for which you want/don't want supports.

- Fill rate increased from 50 to 70% on the first layer making the support more stable.

- To auto-arrange objects on your print bed, you can use hotkey "a"

Full changelog and download links:
https://github.com/prusa3d/Slic3r/releases/tag/version_1.38.3

NEW merged Slic3r PE settings
https://github.com/prusa3d/Slic3r-settings/tree/merged

Issues please post here:
https://github.com/prusa3d/Slic3r/issues

Latest stable firmware with Linear Advance:
https://www.prusa3d.com/drivers/

Happy slicing!