Is there a PrusaSlicer user manual?
I just assembled my MK3S kit and have successfully gone through the first layer calibration. This is my very first 3D printer. I'm ready to download designs and start printing.
I installed PrusaSlicer, opened it, and thought....."OK, now what?". I've been looking all over for a user manual with step by step instructions that explains what everything does and how to use it, but I can't find anything. Maybe I'm just blind?
Can anyone point me in the right direction? Keep in mind I know *NOTHING* about slicing so please ELI5. I assumed I could simply read the manual but that doesn't help if I can't find it. 🙂
Jason
Best Answer by Neophyl:
Realised that was a bit short and could be misinterpreted as being unhelpful. Sorry a manual doesn't exist as yet. Apparently one is being written but it wasnt a high priority to do compared to the software. Personally I think that was a mistake as a manual is as important a job as doing the software development but hey ho.
You can search for instructions for Slic3r as it was forked from that but as the interface is now a lot different ans there are many more options that's going to be of limited use. Best source is to do a youtube search for instructions. I belive Chris Warkochi (?) and or Angus from Makers Muse, or Stefan from CNC Kitchen have all done vids where they have used Prusa Slicer to slice models during their vids as examples.
Then there's simply asking specific questions here in the community forum. You might want to watch the vids to get a basic understanding , then start asking the questions.
We''ll try and help 🙂
RE: Is there a PrusaSlicer user manual?
Nope.
RE: Is there a PrusaSlicer user manual?
Realised that was a bit short and could be misinterpreted as being unhelpful. Sorry a manual doesn't exist as yet. Apparently one is being written but it wasnt a high priority to do compared to the software. Personally I think that was a mistake as a manual is as important a job as doing the software development but hey ho.
You can search for instructions for Slic3r as it was forked from that but as the interface is now a lot different ans there are many more options that's going to be of limited use. Best source is to do a youtube search for instructions. I belive Chris Warkochi (?) and or Angus from Makers Muse, or Stefan from CNC Kitchen have all done vids where they have used Prusa Slicer to slice models during their vids as examples.
Then there's simply asking specific questions here in the community forum. You might want to watch the vids to get a basic understanding , then start asking the questions.
We''ll try and help 🙂
RE: Is there a PrusaSlicer user manual?
There is a Slicer manual - it won't have the Prusa additions, but it can get a new user over the hump of "What am I doing here?"
RE: Is there a PrusaSlicer user manual?
Realised that was a bit short and could be misinterpreted as being unhelpful. Sorry a manual doesn't exist as yet. Apparently one is being written but it wasnt a high priority to do compared to the software. Personally I think that was a mistake as a manual is as important a job as doing the software development but hey ho.
You can search for instructions for Slic3r as it was forked from that but as the interface is now a lot different ans there are many more options that's going to be of limited use. Best source is to do a youtube search for instructions. I belive Chris Warkochi (?) and or Angus from Makers Muse, or Stefan from CNC Kitchen have all done vids where they have used Prusa Slicer to slice models during their vids as examples.
Then there's simply asking specific questions here in the community forum. You might want to watch the vids to get a basic understanding , then start asking the questions.
We''ll try and help 🙂
OK thanks. I searched for those users on YouTube and found some getting started videos. That should give me enough to get started.
My immediate need is simply to be able to download .STL's from here and Thingaverse to create gcode to be able to start printing basic things. I'll pick up the more advanced stuff along the way.
RE: Is there a PrusaSlicer user manual?
As for what to do: I'll try to explain the 3d print process. Excuse the basic level, but it's just in case...
We start with a model. A model is a vector file that provides x y and z coordinates that define the shape of something in space. This is different than a bit map or raster file that only has two dimensions x and y. A .jpeg is an example of a bit map or raster file, and you can't print in 3D from them. A model is built using software than allows creation of these vector files. Fusion 360, TinkerCAD, Maya, OpenSCAD, Meshmixer, etc. These create files in proprietary formats and allow for export to more portable formats. We are most interested in the exported .STL format.
An STL file contains all of the needed vectors to reproduce a part in 3D space. It essentially details which surfaces on a model are the exterior, which volumes are interior, and does so in a way the model can be manipulated and scaled easily. An STL can accurately define the shape of a house, yet allows a user to scale it to a print bed.
But a printer like the MK3 is a pretty simple device and doesn't really understand vectors or true 3D space: it only understands the Z dimension in layers and X and Y distances; and is quite limited in compute power and it can't convert from vectored 3D space to essentially a set of stacked rasters. We need an interpreter to read the vector file and create something the printer can easily handle.
Prusa Slicer reads STL files, does all the complex math to convert the vector file from 3D space to the layered 2D space the printer wants. It does this by slicing the model layer by layer - or slices. It then takes these slices and further computes small segments such that a movement pattern can sequentially be laid down that represent the layer or slice being printed. Once if has down all these slices and dices, it then writes a file in a format the printer reads, call gcode. Basically a simple list of commands that tell the printer to move here, extruder a line of plastic to there. The printer has no need to know the final shape, it simply reproduces the model one layer at a time.
The final product is a printed part that represents the model.