No question that if Cura can cope with a faulty model than it is a viable solution.  Many of the models downloaded from Thingiverse are not printable models.  The reason Slic3r is having problems slicing it though is because the model either isn't manifold or one of the parameters in your profile doesn't match the requirements of the model.  For example there may be an area that is thinner than the set extrusion width in your profile.  So what I am saying is both slicers are capable of slicing the model if it's manifold.  But, because Slic3r offers more control over how the object gets scanned you need to understand the cause of an error.  Cura simply has the profile set up differently allowing it to slice properly.
Under any circumstance Net fabb is a highly regarded tool and should be utilized by every user.  You maybe don't need it today but you will eventually need it.  So in an effort to help you both become better and smarter I would suggest you take a little time to experiment.  See if you can find the cause of the issue and correct it.  I am happy to assist in any way I can.

As always Happy Printing

All good points! I know I'm being slightly lazy. I'll get around to dealing with Netfabb as soon as I get the printer mastered (yeah right cos that'll happen)! Again, thanks for all your excellent advice and input Wardjr. If I get to be half as knowledgable about my printer as you I'll be content!

wardjr wrote:

Netfabb is your friend!

I agree, but if Cura can slice the model correctly without having to go through the Netfabb process, then it's easier just to use Cura. It also often makes me wonder if the problem really lies with the model or with Slic3r. In my mind, if it's really a bad model then nothing should be able to slice it correctly. The model I was having problems with was a Weeping Angel statue and Slic3r was missing a whole section out (the shoulders) which were clearly there in the model, and then trying to print the head in mid-air! Cura printed them flawlessly. It was probably around a 5mm high section that Slic3r wasn't generating. As I say, it was clearly in the model. I can understand it having issues with printing when there is a tiny gap that the creator hasn't noticed, but not missing out huge chunks that are obviously there. This and the fact that Slic3r wouldn't print support material for me was enough to justify the switch.

Cura may not fix this for the OP, but it's a quick, free and easy thing to try. If it works then it's a lot of hassle and effort saved. I've yet to encounter Cura missing out a section of a model.

No question that if Cura can cope with a faulty model than it is a viable solution.  Many of the models downloaded from Thingiverse are not printable models.  The reason Slic3r is having problems slicing it though is because the model either isn't manifold or one of the parameters in your profile doesn't match the requirements of the model.  For example there may be an area that is thinner than the set extrusion width in your profile.  So what I am saying is both slicers are capable of slicing the model if it's manifold.  But, because Slic3r offers more control over how the object gets scanned you need to understand the cause of an error.  Cura simply has the profile set up differently allowing it to slice properly.
Under any circumstance Net fabb is a highly regarded tool and should be utilized by every user.  You maybe don't need it today but you will eventually need it.  So in an effort to help you both become better and smarter I would suggest you take a little time to experiment.  See if you can find the cause of the issue and correct it.  I am happy to assist in any way I can.

As always Happy Printing

Netfabb is your friend!

I agree, but if Cura can slice the model correctly without having to go through the Netfabb process, then it's easier just to use Cura. It also often makes me wonder if the problem really lies with the model or with Slic3r. In my mind, if it's really a bad model then nothing should be able to slice it correctly. The model I was having problems with was a Weeping Angel statue and Slic3r was missing a whole section out (the shoulders) which were clearly there in the model, and then trying to print the head in mid-air! Cura printed them flawlessly. It was probably around a 5mm high section that Slic3r wasn't generating. As I say, it was clearly in the model. I can understand it having issues with printing when there is a tiny gap that the creator hasn't noticed, but not missing out huge chunks that are obviously there. This and the fact that Slic3r wouldn't print support material for me was enough to justify the switch.

Cura may not fix this for the OP, but it's a quick, free and easy thing to try. If it works then it's a lot of hassle and effort saved. I've yet to encounter Cura missing out a section of a model.

Thank you for the advice, I will try Cura and see how will it go!

Netfabb is your friend!

Hi,
I am using Repetier and something wrong happened with the slicer.

this is the actual object I want to print. but after slicing, it looked like this:

could anyone help? Thank you!

I was getting a similar problem using Slic3r. I think the problem is with the model itself, but Slic3r seemed particularly prone to the problem. I switched to Cura (still using RH) with the same model and it sliced correctly with no gaps. I probably should have looked at the model and repaired it, but as it worked fine with Cura (which I also prefer for various other reasons) I just left the model alone and switched to Cura permanently.