PrusaSlicer#

Setup#

First, install the software at their official website. I’m gonna use [yadanium]’s STL file for a mobile phone stand for now, to get the hang of the software.

Preparation#

First, open up PrusaSlicer. You should see this :

Simply drag and drop the STL, STEP, 3MF, OBJ, or AMF file. Or use Add button, then File - Import. In my case I’m using STL.

You should see the model.

The model is automatically placed into the center of the bed when you import it. To orient the model, go to File, then Preference and Auto-center parts.

To rotate the object use the arrows in upper menu. For a specific angle, right click on your object, then Rotate, then choose the axis. Here, you can also scale it with Scale.

You could also use the Place and Arrange buttons. At this point, playing around with the model to see which button does what is really how I learned.

You can choose which mode you’re using on the top left corner. Modes range from beginner to expert.

In the slicing configurations, there are a few settings to take a look at. - Print settings : printing layer’s height. A precision of 0.3mm is enough here. - Filament : type of material. 0.15mm or 0.2mm is fine too. - Printer : which model you’re using. In this case, Original Prusa i3 MK3S & MK3S+ 0.6 nozzle

There are other print settings in Print Settings with additionnal parameters.

  • Layer and perimeters : thickness of each printed layer (a smaller layer height leads to finer details and longer printing time).
  • Print speed : overall print time, can affect quality and accuracy.
  • Infill : control the amount and structure of the material used to fill the internal structure of the print
  • Skirt and brim : add a skirt (thin outline around the model) and/or a brim (outline for better adhesion)

Then, press Slice now. This will bring you to a cut preview window. The vertical bar is for choosing which layer you’re previewing, and the horizontal one is like a timeline for the printing process respective to the layer being previewed.

If you rotate the model in a way that the printer will have to add supports in order to print the object, you could see the supports by selecting Supports, then On the board only, and Cut now

After making sure you have all the settings you want, export as .gcode to an SD card. Insert the SD card into the printer’s interface and selecting your file. Make sure you the printing plate is clean.