Quick Start Guide
Skip the background, just step me through it
Background
A 3D printer takes a 3D model and turns in into a plastic part. To do this there are a number of pieces of software complete this task. A good source of more information can be found here:Software Toolchain (reprap.org)) We suggest the following open source applications:
Slic3r:
Slic3r takes a 3D model (usually a .stl file) and turns it into Gcode. Gcode is the instructions for the 3D printer to create the part. An example of Gcode is show below. A good list of what each line means to the print can be found here.
- G92 E0
- G1 Z0.350 F12000.000
- G1 X-10.000 Y-16.620
- G1 F3600.000 E0.50000
- G1 X10.000 Y-16.620 F2160.000 E2.31859
Install Slic3r
Printrun
Once the 3D model (.stl) has been turned into Gcode, it must be feed into the printer. This can be done by loading the gcode file onto a micro SD card and putting it into the printer or feeding it through a feeder program.
Install Printrun
Just the Steps
1. Download Slic3r
Slic3r has a nice download and install page which can be found here. 2. Download Printrun
3. Install Printrun
4. Down Test file
5. Slice Test File
6. Connect to printer
7.