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3. Creating your own printable file:
from STL to gcode
In this chapter we will teach you how to 'slice' (create your own 3D printable file name 'gcode') us-
ing your 3D part (or 'stl') as input. The slicing software we will be using to do so is Materialise Creatr
In the gcode, all movements of your printer and characteristics of the different layers are encrypt-
ed. With Materialise Creatr, you have the possibility to print with either standard print settings
that we prefabricated for you, or (as you get more advanced) you can tweak your own settings for
your print.
Among the many options that Materialise offers, there are options to change the temperature, the
layer height, the infill (how massive or how hollow you want your object to be), as well as options
for support structures (for structures with an overhang of more than 45 degrees). In Section 4.6.
we will go over the most important options. If you want more information on advanced printing
options, or support for your software, please revert to full Materialise Creatr manual
We will go over the following:
3.1
The 3D printing workflow – from idea to print
3.2
Installing Materialise Creatr
3.3
Materialise Creatr software overview
3.4
Printer setup
3.5
Materialise Creatr workflow
Export to file or print directly
3.6
3.7
Profile Editor
3.8
Calibrating your printer using Materialise Creatr
3.1 The 3D printing workflow – from idea to print
Below is a schematic workflow on how you get from an idea to a print. In this chapter, we will take
you through the last four steps: from STL to print.
3.2 Installing Materialise Creatr
The preferred software for your Leapfrog 3D printer is Materialise Creatr. This software package
prepares your 3D part into machine instructions for your 3D printer. Materialise Creatr is not sold
separately but bundled together with your 3D-Printer. So together with your 3D-Printer, you also
received a voucher code. You should use this voucher code to register the software.
Creating your own printable file: from STL to gcode
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