Mark2 Software

Mark2 3D Printer

Documentation | BOM | Assembly | Electronics | Firmware Setup | Software Setup | Calibration | Printing | Troubleshooting | Sample Prints | Upgrades & Modifications

Introduction

In order to operate your printer, you will need a few different pieces of software. You will need a slicing program, which converts a 3D model into a series of GCODE commands (instructions that the printer's electronics can understand), and a host program, which is responsible for loading the sliced file, and sending it to the printer via USB as the print progresses.

There are a lot of different software options out there - two common (and free) choices are Slic3r (for slicing the 3D model) and Pronterface (for sending the GCODE to the printer). We'll cover how to get these programs up and running below.

Getting Started

Printrun / Pronterface

• Download
• Open
• Quick explanation of settings

Slic3r

• Download
• Open
• Quick walkthrough of different slicing settings
• Profile for Mark2 Printer

Testing the Printer

Caution:

Make sure you have quick access to a means to rapidly disconnect the printer from power in case something goes wrong. Ideally, use a powerboard with an on/off switch, or have the power cable in a position where it can be quickly unplugged. Remember, safety first!

• Connect with Pronterface
• Heat things up
• Test Endstops
• Move things around
• If something doesn't work, double check all connections (with power off). Check troubleshooting page.

Going Further

OctoPrint

• What are the advantages / use case
• What is needed to get it going
• Printer specific info

Simplify3D

• Profile for Mark2 Printer

Resources

http://reprap.org/wiki/RepRap_Options#CAM_Tools

http://www.pronterface.com/

http://slic3r.org/

https://ultimaker.com/en/products/cura-software

https://www.simplify3d.com/

http://octoprint.org/

https://github.com/guysoft/OctoPi