Macro 3d Printer Slicer

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Revision as of 20:02, 9 October 2013 by Cae2100 (talk | contribs)

File:Text-x-python Export to slicing software for 3D printers

Description
Exports stl file in the same directory as original design file, then opens it in slicing software.

Author: cae2100
Author
cae2100
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Macro Version
1.0
Date last modified
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FreeCAD Version(s)
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This code, when run, will export the currently open design to STL file, and open it in the slicing software that you use. This example is for KISSlicer, but can be modified to use Slic3r, cura, or any other 3d printer software. It can also be modified slightly to open up CAM software for CNC machines. It's best used by creating a link to the macro on the toolbar, and when your ready to slice the object, just click it and your object, as it appears on the screen in FreeCAD will appear on your slicing software's interface, ready to slice. It will also create an STL file with the same filename as the design file in the same directory as the design file as a backup.

The SLICER varable can be changed to any slicing software of your choosing, just make sure to set it before you try running it or it'll flag an error with the script.


   import FreeCAD
   import Mesh
   import sys
   import math
   import os
   import subprocess
   # some fuctions
   def getPlacement(quat,vect,obj):
     if quat[3] > -1  and quat[3] < 1:
       delta = math.acos(quat[3])*2.0
       scale = math.sin(delta/2)
       rx = quat[0]/scale
       ry = quat[1]/scale
       rz = quat[2]/scale
     else:
       delta = 0
       rx = 0
       ry = 0
       rz = 1
     info0 = "translation "+str(vect.x)+" "+str(vect.y)+" "+str(vect.z)
     info1 = "rotation "+str(rx)+" "+str(ry)+" "+str(rz)+" "+str(delta)
     return info0+" "+info1
   # some definitions
   placement = App.Placement(App.Vector(0,0,0),App.Rotation(0,0,0,1))
   # user need to set this directory where slicing software is located
   OutDir = FreeCAD.ActiveDocument.FileName.replace(FreeCAD.ActiveDocument.Label + ".fcstd", "")
   visible_objs = []
   SLICER = "/kisslicer location/"                          # Put your Slicer program location here
   os.chdir(SLICER)
   # Get Objects in document
   doc = App.ActiveDocument
   objs = doc.Objects
   # hide all
   for obj in objs:
      if obj.ViewObject.isVisible():
         visible_objs.append(obj)
   for obj in visible_objs:
   # {
     # get volume
     volume = obj.Shape.Volume
     # get Rotation and translation of volume
     quat = obj.Placement.Rotation.Q
     vect = obj.Placement.Base
     pinfo = getPlacement(quat,vect,obj)
     # reset placement, export it and set at original placement
     oldPlacement = obj.Placement
     obj.Placement = placement
     obj.Placement = oldPlacement   
   stlFile = OutDir+str(doc.Label)+".stl"
   Mesh.export(visible_objs,stlFile)
   subprocess.Popen([SLICER + "KISSlicer", stlFile])