3
WORKING WITH 3D MODELS
3.2
Generating G-code from 3D models
After you get a 3D model, you need to slice it into horizontal layers for your Artifex 3D
Printer to print it out layer by layer. The instructions which command your Artifex 3D
Printer to do the layer-by-layer printing are saved in a G-code file. The translation from a
digital 3D model into a G-code file is processed by a slicing program called
slicer
.
Slic3r
(http://www.slic3r.org) is the slicer recommended for your Artifex 3D Printer, and it has
been integrated in the Repetier-Host interface. This section will guide you through the
process to use Slic3r to generate the G-code file from a 3D model of your choice in the
Repetier-Host interface.
3.2.1
Loading 3D models
1. Download the STL file (CuteOcto.stl) for the cute octopus model from our website,
and save it to your computer’s Desktop or a location of your choice.
2. On the Repetier-Host interface, click the “Load” button on the top menu bar. Locate
the downloaded file “CuteOcto.stl” and open it.
3. Once the loading is completed, the 3D model will be displayed on the left “3D View”
window, where you can rotate, zoom, move the model to view the 3D model. The
“Object Placement” page on the right side listed the file name of loaded 3D model,
available placement operations, and some model information. (Figure 3.1)
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