1 Topic by heritageorchard

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Topic: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

(my first post!)

I got my printer last week but have not been able to print anything yet.  I first used the skeinforge, but the python kept getting a memory error. I tried both the solid doodle cube and my own files.

I switched to Slic3r and it at least runs to completion, but the visual of the gcode looks like a kids scribbling.

I have tried both the .1mm and the .3mm profiles.

It must have something to do with the way I transferred from sketchup to stl. I used meshLab.

2 Reply by cckens (edited by cckens 2012-12-04 17:46:51)

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

Skeinforge error occurs when you slice from Pronterface, right?

If this is the case, it's normal.  Go to Slicer Settings in the options menu and slice directly from skeinforge.  Then load the gcode from pronterface.

If this is not the case, then there are other issues.

Slic3r's scribbles may not be that unusual.  Post the STL and let's see what it looks like.

3 Reply by heritageorchard

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

Yes, good idea to post the stl. I am at work now but will do it tonight.

The skeinforge does the python crash whether or not I run it directly.  It does try for several minutes (spewing all sorts of warnings about holes).

4 Reply by lawsy

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

If you are getting warnings about holes, there is a fair chance the STL file is to blame. Both slicers will struggle will dodgy files.

lawsy's Website

5 Reply by heritageorchard

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

Here are the stl and the sketchup files.

I appreciate all the help. This is a nice community.

-Mike

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three by ten5.dae 20.79 kb, 9 downloads since 2012-12-04 

three by ten5.skp 140.94 kb, 8 downloads since 2012-12-04 

three by ten5.stl 13.9 kb, 26 downloads since 2012-12-04 

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6 Reply by lawsy

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

I've opened up your skp file and it has not been modeled with the right objective.

You have a series of surfaces that have no thickness. 3D printing requires solid shapes. If you imagine a cube, it has no holes or internal separate faces. Removes one side to make an open box, and the software no longer considers it a solid because all of the faces have no thickness. It can't tell the inside from the out.

If you make this open box in real life, the cardboard would actually have a mm or so thickness, so your model needs the same.

lawsy's Website

7 Reply by cckens (edited by cckens 2012-12-04 23:56:12)

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

I can see right away from the preview there's non-manifold edges on one of the posts.  Any slicer will make hash of this or just not slice it.  Same with some of the duplicate edges.  I see insets for the doorways, but as lawsy said, without solidity, this model won't work as the base has no thickness.

Deeper inspection of the vertices shows a more complex item.  It's almost all manifold (except for the doorways and that post), but there are a lot of duplicate vertices and faces that shouldn't be there or should be merged.  Sketchup does good work, but you have to plan for "watertight" or else you end up with something that won't slice.

I'll take a better look at the model with sketchup tonight and see what I can see.

8 Reply by lawsy

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

I was going to have a quick go at fixing the model but like I said it has been built the wrong way from the ground up. It would be better to start from scratch.

lawsy's Website

9 Reply by heritageorchard

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

I have a lot to learn about 3d modelling. I will web search the terms you guys mention and get educated.

The model was made by my son when he was 12. We had an architect re-enter the drawing (in his cad program) for building the barn for real.

I was hoping we could use my son's old model for printing, figuring that would look cool for his college application (he is a junior now).

Can we turn the discussion and suggest a good beginner's book on modelling for printing?

Sorry for being dense. I am spankin' new to 3d printing. (I do know graphics having worked on ATi's 3d drivers).

-Mike

10 Reply by lawsy

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

The model is a pretty good one in terms of looking like a house. It's just that 3D printing requires other priorities.

When you hear about an object being manifold, it means that it is a solid surface with no holes, doubled up lines, internal extra surfaces or intersecting pieces.

Achieving this can be quite difficult on complicated models.

lawsy's Website

11 Reply by cckens

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

Repaired the model as best as I can.  It'll slice and print now.  It's a solid object so it'll take a bit more plastic.  To open it up I'd have to re-build to allow for inner surfaces and walls for support.  I can be done, but it's more time intensive.  This re-build took about 1/2 an hour.

I think I'll start a topic on 3d modelling for 3d printing as it seems to be a hot topic.

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12 Reply by heritageorchard

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

Woo Hoo ! Thanks cckens.  I will try it tonight and report back.

-Mike

13 Reply by heritageorchard

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

Well that was interesting. I tried on both the Repetier and Prontface and they acted differently.

I am using the standard profiles the SolidDoodle folks provided.

The Prontface one tries to go off the table pretty quickly.

The Repetier one does the first few layers and then seems to freak out on the Y motor.  I will check the tension later tonight.

I wonder is there is a better "first print" ?

Thanks,
Mike

14 Reply by DePartedPrinter

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

heritageorchard wrote:

I wonder is there is a better "first print" ?

Thanks,
Mike


Something small

SD2 with E3D, SD Press, Form 1+
Filastruder
NYLON (taulman): http://www.soliforum.com/topic/466/nylon/

15 Reply by cckens

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

My bad.  I re-sized the rebuilt model in Repetier and that may have thrown the model off for Pronterface.

I would recommend finding something simple on Thingiverse.  Try a cookie cutter or something.  They're basic enough to give you a good run and you get something useful out of it.

16 Reply by heritageorchard

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Re: Slic3r stl fine gcode wire mess

Cool, sounds like a plan. To thingiverse I go...