Transcript Slicers and Slicer Settings

Slicers and Printing
Remember, all printers are different and not created equally!
What is a Slicer?
Models are built up
from serial planes.
Slicers tell the printer how, when and where to extrude filament:
1.
How: how hot, how fast, etc.
2.
When: when should the filament be extruded
3.
Where: the X-Y locations that the nozzle should move to
G-Code Communicates with the Printer
The Two Components to a Slice
1.
The interface - allows you to
prepare the arrangement and
orientation of elements for
printing on a virtual platform
2.
The ‘slicer’ - breaks-down the
model in to layers of a
specified thickness and writes
the ‘g-code’ that controls the
path that the extruder will
take on each layer, how much
filament is extruded, extruder
temperature
Proprietary and Built-in Slicers
Most established 3d printers come with software that integrates both components
MakerBot Software
Stratysus Mojo Software
3D Systems Cube Software
Open Source Slicers and Software
Cura
• “the world’s most advanced
3D printer software”
• Open source
• Created initially for the Ultimaker
Skeinforge
• Python scripts
• Open Source
• Created initially for the Rep Rap
Choosing Your Orentation is IMPORTANT!
Some Things Just Can’t Build without Support
Some Things Just Can’t Build at All!
A Few Thoughts on Larger Protein Structures. . .
Ribosome based on 1ffk.pdb contains about 65,000 atoms!
Designing for Complex Structures
A Few Thoughts on Larger Protein Structures. . .
GFP Protein
based on
1emb.pdb
(229 amino
acids long)
Designing for Complex Structures
A Few Thoughts on Larger Protein Structures. . .
Amino acids 1-60
Amino acids 61-140
Amino acids 141-200
Amino acids 201-229
Designing for Complex Structures
A Few Thoughts on Larger Protein Structures. . .
Settings, Settings Everywhere!
Platform Temperature
• Effects how well the model adheres to the
build-platform
• If temp too low - the plastic, particularly
ABS, to peel off of the build platform
Extruder Temperature
Effects how well the plastic will bind to
itself as well the platform.
If temp too low - plastic will cool too
quickly and will not adhere to the
previous layer.
If temp too hot - layers will not be
solidified before another layer is placed,
resulting in a warped model.
Build Speed
Effects the way the plastic binds to itself
almost as much as the extruder
temperature does.
Too quick - layers will not be solidified
before another layer is placed, resulting
in a warped model. Can also topple
parts.
Too slow – increased build time
Support Settings
Effects both how well the part will build as well as
the finish of the part.
Too much support - the part is less likely to warp,
tilt or topple but will need more cleaning to the
finish
Too little support – the part may not build or will
build with rough areas
Where to Look For Help and Suggested Settings?
Sending a File To Your Printer
• Direct Connection to Printer (corded)
• Wifi Connection to Printer (wireless)
• Transfer Files Using USB Port
• Transfer Files Using SD Card