The Slicer [PrusaSlicer]

A 3D slicer is a crucial software tool in the 3D printing process. It serves as a bridge between the digital 3D model and the physical 3D printer. Its primary function is to convert a 3D model into a set of instructions, known as G-code, that the printer can understand and execute to create the desired object.

The 3D slicer performs several essential tasks:

• Slicing: It divides the 3D model into thin horizontal layers, determining the precise path the printer nozzle should follow to deposit the material for each layer.

• Infill Generation: It calculates the internal structure of the object, called infill, which determines the overall density and strength of the printed object.

• Support Structure Generation: For objects with overhangs or complex geometries, the slicer creates temporary support structures that prevent the object from collapsing during printing.

• Parameter Adjustment: The slicer allows users to fine-tune various printing parameters, such as layer height, temperature, speed, and cooling settings, to optimize the printing process for the desired material and object properties.

• G-code Generation: The slicer generates the final G-code file, which contains the complete set of instructions for the printer to follow, including the precise movements of the printer nozzle, extruder temperature, and fan speed.

Setting Up PrusaSlicer

1. Download the latest stable PrusaSlicer from Github
2. Install the slicer.
3. Open PrusaSlicer.
4. If it greets you with a popup about SSL Certificates, Check Remember my choice and click Yes.
5. You will then be greeted with the PrusaSlicer Configuration Wizard, then click Next.
6. Some Prusa Printers will be checked by default, uncheck them or click None in the upper right hand corner, then keep clicking Next until reach the Other Vendors page.
7. On the Other Vendors page, Check Creality, then Click Next
8. Check 0.4 mm nozzle under Creality Ender-3 V2 Neo, uncheck everything else.
9. Keep Clicking Next until you reach the View Mode page.
10. On View Mode page, select Expert Mode and click Finish.

At this point the basic setup for stock Ender 3 V2 Neo is done but since we have Professional Firmware installed in our printer, we will have to make some changes (refer this for more details)

Modifications for Professional Firmware

1. Goto Printer Settings -> Custom G-code.

2. Paste the following into Start G-code

   ;
   ; First layer print x min = [first_layer_print_min_0]
   ; First layer print y min = [first_layer_print_min_1]
   ; First layer print x max = [first_layer_print_max_0]
   ; First layer print y max = [first_layer_print_max_1]
   ; Total layer count = [total_layer_count]
   ;
   M201 X500.00 Y500.00 Z100.00 E5000.00 ;Setup machine max acceleration
   M203 X500.00 Y500.00 Z20.00 E50.00 ;Setup machine max feedrate
   M204 P500.00 R1000.00 T500.00 ;Setup Print/Retract/Travel acceleration
   M205 X8.00 Y8.00 Z0.40 E5.00 ;Setup Jerk
   M220 S100 ;Reset Feedrate
   M221 S100 ;Reset Flowrate
   
   G90 ; use absolute coordinates
   M83 ; extruder relative mode
   M104 S[first_layer_temperature] ; set extruder temp
   M140 S[first_layer_bed_temperature] ; set bed temp
   M190 S[first_layer_bed_temperature] ; wait for bed temp
   M109 S[first_layer_temperature] ; wait for extruder temp
   G29 P1 ; Home automatically and run mesh leveling on every print
   G29 A ; Activate UBL
   C108 ; Close the mesh viewer (optional)
   G1 Z2 F240
   G1 X2 Y10 F3000
   G1 Z0.28 F240
   G92 E0
   G1 Y190 E15 F1500 ; intro line
   G1 X2.3 F5000
   G92 E0
   G1 Y10 E15 F1200 ; intro line
   G92 E0

3. Paste the following into End G-code

   {if max_layer_z < max_print_height}G1 Z{z_offset+min(max_layer_z+2, max_print_height)} F600{endif} ; Move print head up
   G1 X5 Y170 F{travel_speed*60} ; present print
   {if max_layer_z < max_print_height-10}G1 Z{z_offset+min(max_layer_z+70, max_print_height-10)} F600{endif} ; Move print head further up
   
   M140 S0 ; turn off heatbed
   M104 S0 ; turn off temperature
   M107 ; turn off fan
   M84 ; disable motors
   

Octoprint Setup (Optional)

You can direct start prints from PrusaSlicer if you have Octoprint and if you are connected to same same network as your printer.

1. Note your printer’s IP Address.
2. Open Octoprint interface in your browser.
3. Goto Settings (click the spanner icon in the top right corner).
4. Click API in the left sidebar.
5. Copy the Global API Key displayed there.
6. Open PrusaSlicer.
7. Goto Printer Settings and click on the settings icon as shown below.
8. In the popup, Write a name for the printer, such as Ender3V2Neo
9. Set Host Type to OctoPrint
10. Enter the printer’s IP Address in Hostname, IP or URL.
11. Paste the API Key you copied in step 4 in API Key / Password field.
12. Click Test to check if the details are correct.
13. If it connects successfully, close the popup and click OK

PrusaSlicer is now setup to start slicing.

Slicing models

Watch this video to understand the PrusaSlicer interface and start slicing.