1. Remember, all printers are different and not created equally!
Slicers and Printing
Remember, all printers are different and not created equally!

2. What is a Slicer? Models are built up from serial planes.
Slicers tell the printer how, when and where to extrude filament:
How: how hot, how fast, etc.
When: when should the filament be extruded
Where: the X-Y locations that the nozzle should move to

3. G-Code Communicates with the Printer

4. The Two Components to a Slice
The interface - allows you to prepare the arrangement and orientation of elements for printing on a virtual platform
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

5. Proprietary and Built-in Slicers
Most established 3d printers come with software that integrates both components
MakerBot Software Stratysus Mojo Software D Systems Cube Software

6. 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

7. Settings, Settings Everywhere!

8. 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

9. 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.

10. Layer Height Effects how tall each layer laid down will be.
Thicker layers will build models faster
Thinner layers will build smoother models

11. Shell Thickness
Effects how many full layers will be printed before starting in-fill
More shells will produce a thicker outer layer and a stronger part
Less shells will produce a faster but less sturdy part

12. Infill Density and Type
Effects how the interior of your model will build
Higher density infill builds more sturdy parts but takes longer and uses more material
Lower density infill builds less sturdy parts but builds faster and uses less material

13. Nozzle Diameter
Effects how wide the stream of plastic flowing from the tip will be
Generally, shell thickness should be a multiple of the nozzle diameter

14. 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

15. Retraction
Effects the way the plastic is pulled back when the nozzle is moving from one build area to another.
Too much retraction and the next build area will not start properly
Too little retraction and strings will be left between build areas

16. Some Things Just Can’t Build without Support

17. Choosing Your Orentation is IMPORTANT!

18. 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

19. MeshMixer Supports

20. 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!

21. GFP Protein based on 1emb.pdb
Designing for Complex Structures
A Few Thoughts on Larger Protein Structures. . .
GFP Protein based on 1emb.pdb
(229 amino acids long)

22. Designing for Complex Structures
A Few Thoughts on Larger Protein Structures. . .
Amino acids Amino acids
Amino acids Amino acids

23. Designing for Complex Structures

24. 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

25. Sending a File To Your Printer
Note how long it will take, how much material it will use, etc.
Most slicers do not allow pausing or manipulating of the settings once a print has been sent
If a print has a problem, it will have to be canceled and restarted

26. Where to Look For Help and Suggested Settings?