INVENT3D
TM
Printer Operating Instructions and Troubleshooting Guide
AST2 © 10/26/16
Page 18
VII. CONVERTING .STL FILE TO G-CODE
CAD files saved as .stl must be converted to a G-code file prior to printing on INVENT3D using a slicer
program. The G-code file tells the printer how to print a desired part, controlling print parameters
such as temperature, speed, orientation, and scale as well as part options such as fill type (rectilinear,
honeycomb, etc.) and support material usage. Default print parameters are calibrated specifically for
the INVENT3D printer and cannot be changed. The print settings defined in the slicer program will
always take precedent over the settings programmed into the INVENT3D printer firmware.
The recommended slicer program for use with the INVENT3D printer is slic3r, an open source slicing
program. Instructions for downloading slic3r are posted to the INVENTORcloud website at
www.inventorcloud.net
It is absolutely essential that slic3r program be downloaded from the
INVENTORcloud website to prevent printer damage and provide quality prints. This assures that the
settings correspond to the INVENT3D Printer. Using settings designed for any other printer will
damage the INVENT3D Printer and/or result in poor quality.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a slicer program that is not calibrated specifically for INVENT3D printer as
doing so may break the printer. Do not download the program from any other generic website.
Instructions on how to convert a .stl file to a G-code file using slic3r:
1.
Open slic3r from desktop button.
2.
Use the
Platter
screen to set up the print.
2.1.
Select
Add
, then search for the file to be printed
2.2.
Select file and click
Open.
2.3.
Double click on drawing to view in 3D.
2.3.1.
Be sure the object is facing the direction desired for printing.
2.3.2.
If rotation is needed, use the
Rotate
buttons change model orientation. The design may
need to be rotated in the CAD program.
2.4.
Scale
button allows for increasing or decreasing the size of the part to be printed. This size
of the part is shown in mm. Verify that part is correct size.
2.5.
To copy part, click “
+
“ to add a copy of the part, or use ”
-“
to subtract a copy of the part.
2.6.
The
Add
button allows adding another file to the same print.
2.7.
Delete / Delete All
will allows removing parts from print.
