_Q: Oh cool, a new RepRap slicer?_ A: Yes. # Slic3r ## What's it? Slic3r is an STL-to-GCODE translator for RepRap 3D printers, like Enrique's Skeinforge or RevK's E3D. See the [project homepage](http://slic3r.org/) at slic3r.org for more information. ## Why a new one? Why Perl? The purpose is to build something more maintainable and flexible than both Skeinforge and E3D. The code makes extensive use of object-oriented programming to achieve some level of abstraction instead of working with raw geometry and low-level data structures. This should help to maintain code, fix bugs and implement new and better algorithms in the future. I also aim at implementing better support for hollow objects, as Skeinforge isn't smart enough to generate internal support structures for horizontal facets. Also, http://xkcd.com/224/ ## What's its current status? Slic3r current features are: * multi-platform (Linux/Mac/Win); * easy configuration/calibration; * read binary and ASCII STL files; * generate multiple perimeters (skins); * generate rectilinear fill; * set 0% - 100% infill density; * set infill angle; * retraction; * skirt (with rounded corners); * use relative or absolute extrusion commands; * infill every N layers (like the "Skin" plugin for Skeinforge); * detect optimal infill direction for bridges; * save configuration profiles; * center print around bed center point; * multiple solid layers near horizontal external surfaces; * ability to scale, rotate and duplicate input object; * customizable initial and final GCODE (using command line only); * use different speed for bottom layer and perimeters; * experimental support for G2/G3 native arcs. Roadmap includes the following goals: * output some statistics; * support material for internal perimeters; * new and better GUI; * cool; * other fill patterns. ## Is it usable already? Yes! ## How to install? It's very easy. See the [project homepage](http://slic3r.org/) for instructions and links to the precompiled packages. ## Can I help? Sure! Send patches and/or drop me a line at aar@cpan.org. You can also find me in #reprap on FreeNode with the nickname _Sound_. ## What's Slic3r license? Slic3r is dual-licensed under the _Perl Artistic License_ and the _AGPLv3_. The author is Alessandro Ranellucci (me). ## How can I invoke slic3r.pl using the command line? Usage: slic3r.pl [ OPTIONS ] file.stl --help Output this usage screen and exit --save Save configuration to the specified file --load Load configuration from the specified file -o, --output File to output gcode to (default: .gcode) Printer options: --nozzle-diameter Diameter of nozzle in mm (default: 0.5) --print-center Coordinates of the point to center the print around (default: 100,100) --use-relative-e-distances Use relative distances for extrusion in GCODE output --z-offset Additional height in mm to add to vertical coordinates (+/-, default: 0) --gcode-arcs Use G2/G3 commands for native arcs (experimental, not supported by all firmwares) Filament options: --filament-diameter Diameter in mm of your raw filament (default: 3) --filament-packing-density Ratio of the extruded volume over volume pushed into the extruder (default: 1) --temperature Extrusion temperature (default: 200) Speed options: --print-feed-rate Speed of print moves in mm/sec (default: 60) --travel-feed-rate Speed of non-print moves in mm/sec (default: 130) --perimeter-feed-rate Speed of print moves for perimeters in mm/sec (default: 60) --bottom-layer-speed-ratio Factor to increase/decrease speeds on bottom layer by (default: 0.3) Accuracy options: --layer-height Layer height in mm (default: 0.4) --infill-every-layers Infill every N layers (default: 1) Print options: --perimeters Number of perimeters/horizontal skins (range: 1+, default: 3) --solid-layers Number of solid layers to do for top/bottom surfaces (range: 1+, default: 3) --fill-density Infill density (range: 0-1, default: 0.4) --fill-angle Infill angle in degrees (range: 0-90, default: 0) --fill-pattern Pattern to use to fill non-solid layers (default: rectilinear) --solid-fill-pattern Pattern to use to fill solid layers (default: rectilinear) --start-gcode Load initial gcode from the supplied file. This will overwrite the default command (home all axes [G28]). --end-gcode Load final gcode from the supplied file. This will overwrite the default commands (turn off temperature [M104 S0], home X axis [G28 X], disable motors [M84]). Retraction options: --retract-length Length of retraction in mm when pausing extrusion (default: 1) --retract-speed Speed for retraction in mm/sec (default: 40) --retract-restart-extra Additional amount of filament in mm to push after compensating retraction (default: 0) --retract-before-travel Only retract before travel moves of this length (default: 2) --retract-lift Lift Z by the given distance in mm when retracting (default: 0) Skirt options: --skirts Number of skirts to draw (default: 1) --skirt-distance Distance in mm between innermost skirt and object (default: 6) Transform options: --scale Factor for scaling input object (default: 1) --rotate Rotation angle in degrees (0-360, default: 0) --duplicate-x Number of items along X axis (1+, default: 1) --duplicate-y Number of items along Y axis (1+, default: 1) --duplicate-distance Distance in mm between copies (default: 6)