Multiple build plates in one project?
 
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Not_Dave
(@not_dave)
Active Member
Multiple build plates in one project?

Maybe I'm just being dumb, but I can't seem to figure this one out. I have a large project that will need multiple parts, built over multiple prints and build plates. I can currently import the stl into the slicer and export a G-Code, one plate at a time.

Is there a way that I can import all of the parts and add additional build plates into the same project? 

The main reason is to reduce the human factors element of inconsistency, I need all the plates and pieces to have the same settings. Obviously each build plate will have its own unique G-Code.

 

tldr - 5 build plates in the same window?

Posted : 16/09/2020 2:17 pm
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
RE: Multiple build plates in one project?

I don't' really understand.  I use multiple build plates.  I often swap them out between builds to allow cooling and use a different one per filament type.  

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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 26/09/2020 7:03 pm
kennd
(@kennd)
Reputable Member
RE: Multiple build plates in one project?

It sounds like you have a project and all the parts do not fit on one plate, and to keep it all together and manageable you want one project file instead of multiple project files. If all the settings for every part are identical, then PrusaSlicer has your back. I have been there and done that.

  1. Open PrusaSlicer and import all the .stl files. ALL of them!

  2. Select auto-arrange and you will see multiple groups(plates) of objects.

  3. I have learned to ignore (at times) the ominous warning about parts being outside the print area. When slicing, PrusaSlicer ignores anything that is outside the print area. Objects have to entirely on or off the print area to slice.

  4. I ensure that everything is oriented to the plate as desire.

  5. I make sure that I have selected ALL ( don 't think this is required, but it doesn't hurt).

  6. I do all my settings.

  7. I do a test slice to check.

  8. I save the project.

  9. Now all my parts AND settings are in one file.

To print:

  1. load the projects file

  2. All the objects should be in a group and all I do is use Move to slide the group I want over the plate until it turns green.

  3. Slice and export. CAUTION! PrusaSlicer will want to export the gcode with similar name each time! On my setup, only the time in the filename lets me know that they are different.

On a side note - I use Notes under Print Settings or Filament Settings to keep track of important info about the print.

I used to use multiple project files, but maintenance was a nightmare.

Quality is the Journey, not the Destination. My limited prints->

Posted : 27/09/2020 3:31 am
hmk and chadly liked
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