SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Is there any software out there for estimating filament used?

Re: Is there any software out there for estimating filament used?

null@example.com (JustSomeGuyTN) — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 15:50:17 +0000

Ok, cool. Does KISSlicer do it also? I usually use KISSlicer but I haven't noticed.

Re: Is there any software out there for estimating filament used?

null@example.com (Boz) — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 15:43:18 +0000

elmoret wrote:

Slic3r estimates it automatically...

Well crap. Haha. I guess that is the easier way to go about it.

Here's what it looks like:

Re: Is there any software out there for estimating filament used?

null@example.com (elmoret) — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 15:35:08 +0000

Slic3r estimates it automatically...

Re: Is there any software out there for estimating filament used?

null@example.com (Boz) — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 15:18:02 +0000

First, slice the file so that you get the cubic centimeter reading that estimates how much plastic will be needed.

The volume of a cylinder, which is what the filament is, is:

V = pi * r^2 * h

Where r is roughly 0.875mm (depending on your filament's diameter/radius), so we can solve for h (which is the length of filament needed)

Also 0.875mm is equal to 0.0875cm

h = V/(pi * r^2)

h = V/(pi * (0.0875cm)^2)

h = V/(0.024cm^2)

Inverting that:

h = V * 41.667 cm^-2

This will vary with the radius of the filament, but it should give you a good estimate.

Note: Make sure to get a good measurement, because the difference in filament diameter changes the number. Filament with a 1.72mm diameter will give you a multiplier of 43 instead of 41.

Is there any software out there for estimating filament used?

null@example.com (JustSomeGuyTN) — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 14:45:32 +0000

I am thinking about getting some of the taulman nylon that can be died with rit dye. But since I don't want to use up a whole roll with only one color (or pattern) I would like to be able to estimate how much filament to load into the printer.