Anyone who thinks that 3D printing just involves pushing a button has another think coming.
Especially since I got the Cereberus 3D Gigante printer, I’ve had a pretty steep learning curve.
Part of it is software. I’m still learning how to run the two programs that I use between my CAD software and the actual print, so that’s three kinds of software before the print head even starts moving.
And of course, all the settings I was using on the Cereberus 250 have to be adjusted (and adjusted some more – had another failed print last night). Fortunately, Steve Graber of Cerberus 3D is very helpful.
Anyway, I thought it might be interesting to do a series of posts on the software I’m using with the printer.
First is my CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. That’s where I create my designs. I’m currently using Geomagic, although I’ve also looked at Rhino. I’ll elaborate more on these programs in my next post.
Next I send the file through a slicer, which breaks the design into the layers the printer creates. On Steve’s recommendation, I use a program called KISSlicer. There is a slicer built into the host program I’m using, but KISSlicer seems to output more detailed information.
Finally, there’s the host program that runs the print. Again, on Steve’s recommendation, I’m using Repetier Host. There are lots of buttons and dials, and I’m learning to use them, but it’s an adventure.
In my next posts, I’ll offer more information about each of these types of software.