1 Topic by zn.galaxystorm

  • zn.galaxystorm
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  • From: Dunedin, FL
  • Registered: 2013-05-28
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Topic: Pronterface vs Repetier Host print quality

Hello Everyone,

I have got my printer set up and printing.

After a relatively easy setup and figuring out the differences between .stl and .gcode, I got Pronterface 4.3 to produce a set of three planetary gears and a sun gear. (for a planetary gear set)

But that is all that I am able to print using Pronterface.

Every other .stl file downloaded from the internet or .stl exported from Sketchup 8.0 with the STL Export module either appears off the side of the yellow preview grid, or off the preview grid completely (showing only a tiny bit of the raft) Sometimes the part will appear centered in the preview, but prints off the edge of the platform (activating the endstops).

I tried using Repetier Host v0.85b to center the prints and export, but Pronterface still moves the part off the edge.

After fiddling with the baud rate I got my laptop to talk to the printer through Repetier Host.

Now Repetier Host will print, but the end result is of such low quality, I don't know what settings to start changing to get the quality as high as the Pronterface result. Sometimes there will be so much plastic being extruded, that  it builds up and sticks to the nozzle head, dragging the print along with the head.

Here are pics to show the difference, the one on the left is printed using Pronterface and the right is using Repetier Host
[img]Pronter vs RH 1.jpg[/img]
[img]Pronter vs RH 2.jpg[/img]
[img]Pronter vs RH 3.jpg[/img]

Is there a setting to automatically center the print in Pronterface? Pronterface seems to be working best for me, except for  the centering issue.

BTW I did not make any changes to the settings on Pronterface before printing.

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Pronter vs RH 2.jpg
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Pronter vs RH 3.jpg
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2 Reply by ronsii

  • ronsii
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  • From: PNW
  • Registered: 2012-10-28
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Re: Pronterface vs Repetier Host print quality

That looks pretty bad for RH I know it can do just as good as PF, are you using the profiles from SD or where did you get the RH from?

3 Reply by Gordym

  • Gordym
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  • From: Adrian, MI
  • Registered: 2012-08-10
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Re: Pronterface vs Repetier Host print quality

For centering the print in Pronterface, I use Replicator-G. I drop the object on the platform in Rep-G use the tools to center it (or move it whereever I want on the platform, then save the STL in Rep-G. Then I can bring it into Pronterface and it is exactly where I want it. I had the same issue with RH not centering the STL when I saved it there.

SD2
E3D V6
MK5 V6

4 Reply by saymo606

  • saymo606
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Re: Pronterface vs Repetier Host print quality

https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgr … JBpebJZqkY

5 Reply by zn.galaxystorm

  • zn.galaxystorm
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  • Registered: 2013-05-28
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Re: Pronterface vs Repetier Host print quality

For centering the print in Pronterface, I use Replicator-G. I drop the object on the platform in Rep-G use the tools to center it (or move it whereever I want on the platform, then save the STL in Rep-G. Then I can bring it into Pronterface and it is exactly where I want it. I had the same issue with RH not centering the STL when I saved it there.

The centering problem is not with Repetier Host, only with Pronterface. I had tried centering objects unsuccessfully using ReplicatorG. It would appear centered in the preview, but Pronterface would continue moving the print off the edge.

I had described the problem to Solidoodle Support. I was told to switch to Repetier Host for printing. I downloaded the windows version off of the repetier.com website. I changed the platform size in RH from 200mm to 150mm and the filament thickness from 3mm to 1.5mm. Not sure what else I need to change.

My last ditch effort will be to simply uninstall everything and resinstall and see if that fixes it.

6 Reply by lawsy

  • lawsy
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Re: Pronterface vs Repetier Host print quality

See Ian's blog for details on Repetier Host setup:

http://solidoodletips.wordpress.com/

lawsy's Website