1 Topic by Jeff B

  • Jeff B
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Topic: Why use Slic3r?

Hi all,

I'm still relatively new at 3D printing, and the da Vinci 1.0 is my first machine.

I see lots of posts about how XYZware is rubbish, and many (all?) users move to different software to slice their models.

I've followed all the different instructions I can find regarding setting up and using Slic3r for the da Vinci, but I have been unable to get a print that is better than what I can get with XYZware.

The pic shows the results of a print with XYZware (on the left) and Slic3r (on the right).  The tokens have a diameter of 20 mm.

The XYZ print was made with a layer of .1, 90% infill, and a speed of "slow".  The Slic3r print was made with the configuration taken from this forum.

From what I can gather, the Slic3r model failed as the speed was too high.

Is there an "optimal" configuration (or configurations) for using Slic3r with the da Vinci, for the four different layer heights the head produces?  Further, are their optimal settings for larger and smaller prints (I understand that when a print is smaller, you need to slow it down to allow the part time to cool, and/or add additional items to the bed, so they all get time to cool.). If so, is someone willing to share them (hopefully, with an explanation as to why each setting was chosen, as I am still learning this stuff)?

Thanks in advance,


Jeff

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2 Reply by carl_m1968

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Re: Why use Slic3r?

Jeff B wrote:

Hi all,

I'm still relatively new at 3D printing, and the da Vinci 1.0 is my first machine.

I see lots of posts about how XYZware is rubbish, and many (all?) users move to different software to slice their models.

I've followed all the different instructions I can find regarding setting up and using Slic3r for the da Vinci, but I have been unable to get a print that is better than what I can get with XYZware.

The pic shows the results of a print with XYZware (on the left) and Slic3r (on the right).  The tokens have a diameter of 20 mm.

The XYZ print was made with a layer of .1, 90% infill, and a speed of "slow".  The Slic3r print was made with the configuration taken from this forum.

From what I can gather, the Slic3r model failed as the speed was too high.

Is there an "optimal" configuration (or configurations) for using Slic3r with the da Vinci, for the four different layer heights the head produces?  Further, are their optimal settings for larger and smaller prints (I understand that when a print is smaller, you need to slow it down to allow the part time to cool, and/or add additional items to the bed, so they all get time to cool.). If so, is someone willing to share them (hopefully, with an explanation as to why each setting was chosen, as I am still learning this stuff)?

Thanks in advance,


Jeff

Supply the stl if you dont mind and some of us can show you what can be done and share the settings as well.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
Voxelabs Proxima SLA. 6 inch 2k Mono LCD.
Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.

3 Reply by Jeff B

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Re: Why use Slic3r?

Hi,

STL and slicer config attached.

Cheers,


Jeff

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Focus Token x1 V2_fixed.stl 35.92 kb, 9 downloads since 2015-02-18 

slicer_config.ini 3.46 kb, 9 downloads since 2015-02-18 

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4 Reply by n2ri

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Re: Why use Slic3r?

slicers dont really make prints better than other slicers. just some work better

Solidoodle 2 with Deluxe kit cover & glass bed with heater. and 2nd board SD2 used not 3rd and alum platform not installed yet still wood. also need cooling fan installed to board. use Repetier Host couple vers. Slic3r also have all free ware STL programs

5 Reply by carl_m1968

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Re: Why use Slic3r?

Truth be told, the XYZ software is just using an older version of slicer that is built in to it. They simplified the interface and just gave you less control over it.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
Voxelabs Proxima SLA. 6 inch 2k Mono LCD.
Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.

6 Reply by scobo

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Re: Why use Slic3r?

I haven't had much luck getting slic3r to print things that need a nice top layer finish.
Maybe I just haven't found the right settings but I find Cura does a better job without much tweaking.

Davinci 1.0 with repetier firmware & E3D V6 Lite
Anycubic Photon DLP printer, Einscan-S 3D scanner
Simplify3d, 123D Design, Meshmixer
http://www.thingiverse.com/scobo/designs

7 Reply by johnluksas

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Re: Why use Slic3r?

has anyone found a good slicer or method to get a good top layer on prints? Up to now any time i print i can see through the last layer into the infill.

8 Reply by lachupacabra

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Re: Why use Slic3r?

@johnluksas

what is your top layer infill speed and how many solid top layer do you have (on the model you can see through)?
If use 10% infill, than I need to have 5 solid top layers to get the nice smooth top finish. I also needed to dial down the speed of solid infill and top solid infill to a nice 25mm/s. Otherwise, extruder starts clicking when the top solid infill is printing.
Off topic.. it still clicks for the first top layer.

Davinci 1.0&1.0A with repetier 0.92 firmware & E3D bowden
Slicer - Simplify3d/CraftWare/MatterControl/Repetier Host
Filament - ABS, PLA, FPE, LayWood
3D modelling - Autodesk 3DS Max, Blender,

9 Reply by jnadke

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Re: Why use Slic3r?

There's 5 main programs:

-Slic3r:  decent one-size-fits-all program
-Skeinforge:  Massive configurability, but massive time commitment
-Cura:  Easy to use and holds your hand
-Craftware:  New one, but allows hand-configurable supports like Simplify3D
-Simplify3D:  The king, but $$$


Lately, I've been using Cura.  It does a much better job at auto-generating breakaway supports than Slic3r.  Also, it's pretty quick to use and generate a good quality print.

Slic3r has more adjustability though if you need to do any bridging.

10 Reply by jnadke

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Re: Why use Slic3r?

There's 5 main programs:

-Slic3r:  decent one-size-fits-all program
-Skeinforge:  Massive configurability, but massive time commitment
-Cura:  Easy to use and holds your hand
-Craftware:  New one, but allows hand-configurable supports like Simplify3D
-Simplify3D:  The king, but $$$


Lately, I've been using Cura.  It does a much better job at auto-generating breakaway supports than Slic3r.  Also, it's pretty quick to use and generate a good quality print.

Slic3r has more adjustability though if you need to do any bridging.

11 Reply by darcwarrior

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Re: Why use Slic3r?

When I move to Repetier .092(Best move ever...Thank you Luc!) about 2 months or 3. I used Slicr3 exclusively and have had great results after tinkering with the settings over the XYZware. Something always was in the back of my head that the speeds I was using between 20-30 mm/s were way to fast. Then one day i couldn't get a stl to slice with it and decided to give Cura a shot. I put the speeds down to 20-30 mm/s and maybe its just me, but the speed seems slower than Slicer3. Has anybody else got the same impressions with the speeds between the two? Quality wise so far, I think there are pluses and minus with both, but I don't have as much printing time with Cura to say its better. I definitely say give both a shot and others when you get cleansed from XYZware.