Software Steps CAD to Printed Output, Newbie Question
What are the different steps needed to move a CAD project from your computer to the Prusa I3 MK3 for final output/finished product?
Hello everyone, sorry for the basic questions. Yes I'm another newbie jumping feet first into the deep end of the 3D printing pool. I've got almost two months of waiting so I wanted to understand how to get my project off of the CAD software and out of the printer.
Now I'm not starting totally from scratch. I have a background in wood/metal-working, drafting, "worked test and evaluation" and I'm an all around techno geek.
What I know:
We start with a CAD drawing and save it to an STL file. It needs to be transferred to a slicer, then it needs the gcode to go somewhere. I've read something about " local Astrobox Gateway". What is this step for?
I've already created several projects on Fusion 360 and have the STL files saved. Until my printer shows up I would like to learn the other steps and get some basic experience going.
QUESTIONS:
1. What steps are there besides making the CAD drawing, saving it as an STL file and move it to your slicer program. From the slicer is it Gcode as the output to what next?
2. What changes can or need to be done in the slicer? I've read where the slicer works at the level of each layer, is this for layer manipulation and what can be adjusted?
3. Once it's finished above, is it the G-code that goes to the printer? Then I read about Octoprint, adding a Raspberry Pi 3B and more.
4. Does anyone know of a youtube video that explains each step?
5. Is it at the Slicer that you make entries for Multicolor/material? I've read about water soluble supports and wondered at what stage would you enter this data?
Came across a great 3d project "gyroscope" made with using supports and how it rotates after it's all done. Very cool capability.
I really appreciate everyone's input and passing on your knowledge.
Thank you,
Re: Software Steps CAD to Printed Output, Newbie Question
I too am in the deep end, having just bought a i3 Mark3 and waiting for delivery, hopefully there is a faq somewhere for us newbies to play with the software while we wait? (I'm starting closer to zero though)
I'm on pinterest as timcor 💡
Re: Software Steps CAD to Printed Output, Newbie Question
Looks like prusa uses a forked version of slic3r at the very worst we should be able to use the GitHub version from here https://www.prusa3d.com/slic3r-prusa-edition/ it'd be nice if we could download a built version while we wait... ooo about to get busy, but looks like you *can* download full stuff from that GitHub site! Also happy to see a Linux version.
I'm on pinterest as timcor 💡
Re: Software Steps CAD to Printed Output, Newbie Question
Assuming your printer has been calibrated and has filament properly loaded...
Design your model in cad program of choice.
Say fusion 360
. Save model as native cad file so you can edit it if needed. Also export an Stl file. For the slicer
Open slicer.
Say you are using Slic3r prusa edition. NOT MMU VERSION FOR THE MOMENT.
Use plater tab at bottom.
use add tab at top of plater subwindow.
Choose model or models to print. Stl files
If you want more than one item of a particular piece. Make sure it is highlighted and use + tab in plater window to add extra copies... use arrange tab to automatically spread them over build plate.
Choose printer config if required. Say mk2 mmu single colour.
Choose filame t type say Prusa PLA. If using filament supplied with printer
Choose layer height. Say 0.2mm normal
Insert SD card in computer.
Use generate gcode button
Chhose to save gcode to SD card. Give it a descriptive name
Say first model
Press enter and computer should generate the gcode.
Choose layers tab at bottom of plater window and you should be able to scroll up and down the various layers...
Assuming your model doesn't have any overhangs. You should end up with a viable gcode ready to transfer to the printer
Forget about raspberry pi. And pi zero for the time being.
Use the eject command to safely shut down your SD card. And then transfer the SD card
To the 3d printer.. remenber it goes in upside down..
Make sure the extruder is say 100mm above the build plate. (hang over from Mk2 pinda probe issue)
Switch printer on.
Select print from SD card
Select your model. And press the control knob on the lcd screen...
Sit and watch model magically build on the build plate
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: Software Steps CAD to Printed Output, Newbie Question
the above message was written blind, in a chinese restaurant, without any access to slic3r...working on a mobile phone.
has anyone tried it yet?
best wishes, 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: Software Steps CAD to Printed Output, Newbie Question
Joan,
I appreciate the effort you put forth in answering my question, but to do it while you're eating your dinner humbles me. I appreciate the time you took to put it all together. I'll write another post in regards to what you said, I just wanted to say thank you,
David
Re: Software Steps CAD to Printed Output, Newbie Question
Thank you again Joan for your time. I had the first two topics figured out, my only mistake was I thought the CAD was on the computer transfers the STL file to a separate device where the slicer was configured. The slicer made the Gcode and pushed it to the printer.
I’ll have time to practice all of the beginning steps you’ve outlined and prepare several projects for when my printer arrives.
I’ve got a project ready to go to the slicer I’ve made for my wife. I was going to have that as my first project, but with all of the calibration issues I think I need to test first with a few of the smaller projects that are available. Frog, Benchy, X-Y-Z die and the Adalinda dragon.
The other methods I’ve been reading about regarding G-code transfer to the printer is the second confusing part. Once the g-code is ready basic transfer is to SD card and installed in the printer “upside down”.
This is where the wireless, Raspberry Pi 3 and other methods of transferring the code using wireless and usb cable instead of just plugging in the SD card.
One question:
I see raised letters come out fine on a flat surface, how are raised letters on a vertical surface?
Re: Software Steps CAD to Printed Output, Newbie Question
" blind, in a chinese restaurant, without any access to slic3r...working on a mobile phone."...Haven't tried it yet, maybe New Year's 😉
Re: Software Steps CAD to Printed Output, Newbie Question
One question:
I see raised letters come out fine on a flat surface, how are raised letters on a vertical surface?
They work fine, as long as the overhang (depth) is not too far. I will do 1-2mm all the time with no issues.
Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage or loss. If you solve your problem, please post the solution…
Re: Software Steps CAD to Printed Output, Newbie Question
The short answer if you still need it is that gcode is what goes to the printer. It's the language the printer speaks and contains the commands to move print head, extrude, etc.
There are multiple ways to get it there. The common 3 are copy to an SD card and carry that to the printer. Connect printer to PC via USB and send it that way. Connect a Raspberry Pi running Octoprint to the printer and wirelessly send it to the Pi (Slic3r can do this directly, or go to the web interface and upload), and then the Pi prints via USB to the prnter.
Re: Software Steps CAD to Printed Output, Newbie Question
One question:
I see raised letters come out fine on a flat surface, how are raised letters on a vertical surface?
as long as the extruded letter is tiny, they can work, but you risk the lower edge drooping. 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