Large model splitting
I have a Prusa Mini. I want to do some insane things like print large signs one meter long, print a giant super Nintendo controller as a coffee table etc. I discovered a program called LuBan that makes it relatively easy to split a model into 3 or more parts at a time complete with mortise and tenon or dowel connectors. This software is insanely expensive. They want $500 for a lifetime license. The user interface isn't as good as prusaslicer, and I hate that I have to import into a slicer to check fit when cutting in grid mode.
Please tell me there's an easy way to use prusaslicer, or that a feature like this will be available soon.
RE: Large model splitting
Size isn’t everything - 4 ways to print LARGE parts with a 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 3D Printer!
RE: Large model splitting
The Prusa Mini is a solid choice for these types of projects, but it lacks the native functionality to easily split models for large prints like the LuBan. While the LuBan's $500 price tag may be daunting, alternatives like Meshmixer, TinkerCAD, or Fusion 360 may be more affordable, allowing for manual splitting and adding connectors. You should keep an eye on PrusaSlicer updates as they regularly improve features for larger prints.
RE: Large model splitting
Splitting files and adding connectors is already supported by Prusa Slicer and has done for awhile.
Agreed, it's now built-in 'though it was reasonably easy even from the first version.
There is a certain person who had herself scanned and whom I have printed at 15cm and 90cm (cut and joined in PrusaSlicer) - she has been toying with the idea of a full sized replica at 1.66m - but is daunted by the price of a 13kg print.
Looking at the LuBan website; there is very little there that cannot already be done with free software, for most that cannot be done in PrusaSlicer I would use a combination of Gimp and OpenSCAD.
Cheerio,
RE: Large model splitting
What it doesn't let you do is split it along multiple planes simultaneously, or using a grid. I can't just tell it to split it into parts with automatically generated connectors and have it do it. Instead I have to repeat the process multiple times and risk screwing something up in the process. It's made more difficult by the fact that I can't just tell it my printer's build volume and then have it decide cut lines based on how long the connectors should be.
In short the cut tool in prusaslicer is only useful if you are cutting something into no more than 3 parts. I have to cut some things into 18-20 and that's just too much of a headache.
It's not too hard up to a dozen or so parts ... if it gets to be a chore after that do it in CAD, an OpenSCAD module is fairly straightforward.
Cheerio,