Rapidly Improve Your 3D Prints with Hidden Slicer Settings

Summary

This video explores lesser-known 3D printer slicer settings that enhance print quality, speed, and customization. It covers features like infill thresholds, modifier areas, negative volume modifiers, hole management, X-Y hole compensation, combined infill, variable layer heights, ironing, model cutting, and per-object settings adjustments, aiming to optimize the 3D printing process.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Knowing your 3D slicer's settings can enhance print strength, speed, and customization efficiency.
• 🌐 The discussed settings are generally available in popular slicers like Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Slicer, and OrcaSlicer.
• 🐳 The speaker recommends OrcaSlicer for its user-friendly interface and integrated printer monitoring.
• 📦 The 'sparse to solid infill' threshold setting helps in selectively filling weak areas of a model without affecting the whole structure.
• 🔄 Modifier areas allow for localized adjustments in a model, such as increasing perimeters or changing infill types, without altering the entire model.
• ✂️ Negative volume modifiers can be used to cut out parts of a model, deboss logos, or create holes, simplifying tasks that might otherwise require CAD skills.
• 🔩 The 'close holes' feature automatically closes X-Y holes in a model, useful for models that require no visible holes.
• 🔗 X-Y hole compensation widens holes by a specified amount, addressing issues with tight holes caused by printer simplification of round objects.
• 🏗️ Combined infill and variable layer heights are techniques to save print time and materials by adjusting infill and layer thickness based on model geometry.
• 🏷️ Ironing is a technique that smooths the surface of a print by dragging the nozzle slowly over a layer, though it requires careful setup.
• 📈 The 'cut feature' in slicers allows for cutting models at any angle, which can be easier than performing similar tasks in CAD software.
• 🏗️ 'Complete individual objects' feature enables printing objects one at a time, which can be useful for quick assembly of multiple parts.
• 🛠️ Modifying settings per object in OrcaSlicer is streamlined, allowing for quick adjustments to different objects in a single view.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to share lesser-known slicer settings that can enhance the quality and efficiency of 3D printing.

Why might someone switch to OrcaSlicer from other slicers?

One might switch to OrcaSlicer for its user-friendly interface, advanced features, and the ability to monitor the printer directly within the slicer without needing a separate browser window.

What is the significance of the infill threshold setting in 3D printing?

The infill threshold setting allows the slicer to switch from sparse infill to solid infill based on the model's geometry, which can be crucial for adding strength to specific areas without increasing the overall model's perimeters.

How can modifier areas be used in 3D printing?

Modifier areas can be used to add shapes or objects to a model and then modify that area of the primary model accordingly, such as increasing perimeters, infill, or changing the infill type, to add strength or save material.

What is a negative volume modifier and how is it used?

A negative volume modifier is a feature that allows cutting out the difference between one shape and another within a model, which can be used to remove unwanted parts, deboss logos, or create holes without needing advanced CAD skills.

Why is the 'close holes' feature useful in 3D printing?

The 'close holes' feature is useful for automatically closing up the X-Y holes in a model, which can be helpful when holes are not needed, such as for mounting with a command strip instead of using screw holes.

What is X-Y hole compensation and how does it help in 3D printing?

X-Y hole compensation is a feature that widens holes by a specified amount before slicing, which helps to compensate for the printer's tendency to simplify line paths, especially for round objects, and prevent issues like too-tight holes.

What is the benefit of using combined infill in 3D printing?

Combined infill allows printing infill every two or three layers instead of every single one, which can save a significant amount of print time without affecting the aesthetics of the model, as the infill is not visible from the outside.

How can variable layer heights improve the 3D printing process?

Variable layer heights allow the slicer to automatically calculate the necessary layer heights based on the model's geometry, which can save time and material by using larger layer heights where high detail is not required and smaller ones where it is.

What is ironing in 3D printing and what are its pros and cons?

Ironing is a technique where the nozzle is dragged slowly over a completed layer to fill in gaps with a small amount of extruded filament. It can improve the surface quality of the top of the model but may take a long time and, if not properly set up, can worsen the surface by scraping material to the edges.

What does the 'cut feature' in slicers allow users to do and why is it useful?

The 'cut feature' allows users to cut a model at any angle and keep one or both of the resulting cuts. It is useful for modifying models more easily within the slicer compared to CAD programs, especially for tasks like creating custom angles or dividing models for easier assembly.

How can the 'complete individual objects' feature help in a multi-object print?

The 'complete individual objects' feature allows a slicer to print one object at a time before moving on to the next, which can be beneficial for quickly installing or using individual pieces of a project without waiting for the entire print to finish.

Why is modifying settings per object in a slicer beneficial?

Modifying settings per object allows for customization of print parameters for different objects within the same print job, which can save time and material by applying different settings like perimeters and infill percentages to different parts of a model as needed.

How does OrcaSlicer simplify the process of modifying settings per object?

OrcaSlicer simplifies the process by allowing users to right-click an object, select 'edit' in the parameter table, and view and modify all parameters for all objects in one quick view, making it more intuitive and less time-consuming.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ Advanced 3D Slicer Settings for Enhanced Printing

This paragraph introduces the video's focus on lesser-known 3D slicer settings that can significantly improve print quality and efficiency. The speaker shares their experience with OrcaSlicer, a fork of Bambu Slicer, and assures viewers that the discussed settings are widely available across various slicers. The video aims to guide viewers on how to find and utilize these settings, even if they are named differently in different software. The speaker also highlights the convenience of OrcaSlicer's built-in monitoring feature and encourages viewers to explore it for better printer management.

05:01

🔧 Customizing Print Strength and Efficiency with Modifiers

The speaker discusses advanced slicing techniques to customize print strength and efficiency. They explain how to use a feature that determines the switch from sparse to solid infill based on model details, which is particularly useful for fragile areas. The paragraph also covers the use of modifier areas to selectively strengthen or customize specific parts of a model without affecting the entire print. Additionally, the concept of negative volume modifiers is introduced, which allows for cutting out parts of a model, such as debossed logos or unwanted holes. The 'close holes' feature is mentioned as a convenient way to eliminate unnecessary holes in a model, and 'X-Y hole compensation' is highlighted as a solution to common printing issues with round objects.

10:04

🚀 Time-Saving and Quality-Enhancing Slicer Features

This paragraph delves into time-saving and quality-enhancing features within 3D slicers. The speaker introduces 'Combined infill' which allows for printing infill less frequently, saving time without affecting the model's appearance. They also discuss the benefits of 'variable layer heights' that automatically adjust layer thickness based on the model's geometry, optimizing print time and quality. The paragraph touches on the technique of 'ironing' to improve surface finish, the 'cut feature' for slicing models at various angles, and the 'complete individual objects' feature for printing separate objects sequentially. Lastly, the speaker explains how to modify settings per object in OrcaSlicer for customized print configurations, making the process more efficient and streamlined.

🎉 Conclusion and Call to Action

In the concluding paragraph, the speaker summarizes the 11 favorite slicer settings discussed in the video, emphasizing their impact on enhancing 3D printing capabilities, saving time, and strengthening prints. They express hope that viewers have gained valuable insights and encourage them to engage with the content by liking, subscribing, or commenting. The speaker also extends special thanks to Patreon supporters and looks forward to connecting with the audience in future videos.

Keywords

💡Slicer

A Slicer in the context of 3D printing is software that converts a 3D model into a set of instructions for a 3D printer to follow. It is crucial for determining the print quality, speed, and material usage. The video discusses various lesser-known settings within different slicers like Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Slicer, and OrcaSlicer, which can enhance the 3D printing experience.

💡Infill

Infill refers to the internal structure of a 3D printed object, which provides strength and stability. The video mentions settings that allow for a switch from sparse infill patterns to solid infill based on certain thresholds, which can be used to reinforce weak areas of a model without affecting the entire print.

💡Modifier Areas

Modifier areas are a feature in 3D slicing software that enable users to add or modify specific areas of a model. The script describes how they can be used to increase perimeters, infill, or even remove layers in certain areas to add strength or save material, showcasing the flexibility of the slicing process.

💡Negative Volume Modifier

A negative volume modifier is a tool within slicing software that allows for the subtraction of material from a model by defining the difference between two shapes. The video script uses it as an example to show how one can remove unwanted parts of a model or create debossed logos without needing advanced CAD skills.

💡Close Holes

The 'Close Holes' feature in slicing software automatically closes up the X-Y holes in a 3D model. The video explains how this can be useful for models that have holes not intended to be printed, such as those meant for screws, allowing for cleaner and more functional prints.

💡X-Y Hole Compensation

X-Y Hole Compensation is a setting that adjusts the size of holes in a 3D model to ensure they are not too tight due to the printer's simplification of line paths. The script mentions using this feature to avoid assembling issues with round objects, like the Bambu spool winder.

💡Combined Infill

Combined infill is a setting that allows the printer to print the infill of a model every two or three layers instead of every single layer. The video mentions this as a time-saving technique that doesn't significantly impact the aesthetics of the final print.

💡Variable Layer Heights

Variable layer heights is a feature that enables the slicer to calculate different layer heights based on the geometry of the model, optimizing for speed and quality. The script explains how this can save time by using larger layer heights where high detail is not required.

💡Ironing

Ironing in 3D printing is a technique where the nozzle is slowly dragged over a layer to smooth out the surface by extruding a small amount of filament. The video script describes it as a method to improve the top surface appearance of a model, although it may not produce a perfect finish.

💡Cut Feature

The cut feature in slicing software allows users to divide a 3D model into multiple parts at various angles. The script highlights its utility in slicing software like PrusaSlicer and its derivatives, making it easier to handle complex model divisions compared to CAD programs.

💡Complete Individual Objects

Complete individual objects is a setting that enables a 3D printer to print one object at a time before proceeding to the next. The video script explains the requirements for using this feature, such as model height, clearance, and spacing, to facilitate faster assembly of multi-part prints.

💡Settings Per Object

Settings per object is a functionality in some slicers, like OrcaSlicer, that allows users to customize print settings for each individual object in a print job. The script describes how this can streamline the process of applying different settings to different objects, making it more efficient.

Highlights

Introduction to lesser-known Slicer settings for enhancing 3D prints.

Availability of settings in various Slicers like Cura, PrusaSlicer, and OrcaSlicer.

Switching to OrcaSlicer for integrated printer monitoring.

Using infill threshold to switch between sparse and solid infill for strength in specific areas.

Modifier areas for localized model adjustments such as increased perimeters or infill.

Negative volume modifiers for cutting out parts of a model or adding features.

The 'Close Holes' feature to automatically fill unwanted holes in a model.

X-Y hole compensation to adjust the size of holes for better fit.

Sponsor acknowledgment of PCBWay for custom PCBs and other fabrication services.

Combined infill for printing infill less frequently to save time without affecting aesthetics.

Variable layer heights for balancing print speed and quality based on model geometry.

Ironing technique for improving model surface finish manually.

The 'Cut' feature for slicing models at custom angles and keeping parts of the result.

Printing individual objects one at a time for quick assembly and customization.

Configuring print settings per object for different models with varying requirements.

Concluding with a summary of 11 favorite Slicer settings for optimizing 3D printing.

Transcripts

Knowing the ins and outs of your Slicer of choice can mean stronger

3D prints, faster print times, less time spent in CAD customizing

your models and much, much more.

And in this video I'm going to share a handful of lesser known Slicer

settings that will help you take your 3D prints to the next level.

Let's dive in.

Before we dive into the actual settings, just a quick note: To the

best of my knowledge, all of these settings are available in Cura,

PrusaSlicer, Bambu Slicer, and so on.

But personally, I've made the switch over to OrcaSlicer, formally known as

the SoftFever fork of Bambu Slicer, which itself is a fork of PrusaSlicer,

which is a fork of Slick three up,

whatever, you get the idea.

Whatever Slicer you are using, you should be able to find these

settings, though they may be named just a little bit differently.

If you can't find them quickly, just remember that your

Slicer has a search feature.

I'm sorry, but this video would be way too long if I stopped to show how to navigate

to each feature in every Slicer out there.

Oh, and if you haven't tried out OrcaSlicer yet, you really should because

as you're going to see in this video, it is really slick, no pun intended.

And it's definitely worth checking out, especially if you want to

be able to monitor your printer in your Slicer without needing to

go to a separate browser window.

Oh, and I know that some of you may already know about a few of

these, so feel free to use the chapters below to jump around.

Alright, let's get into the settings, shall we?

First things first, let's start with one of the more practical ones and

one that I use literally all the time.

This feature allows you to determine at what threshold your Slicer will

switch from sparse infill, like gyroid or grid, to solid infill.

And this is great because on many models with smaller details or limbs,

you may want those weaker areas to be completely filled in without having to

up the perimeters on the entire model.

I use this a lot on my own Bitcoin art statuettes, especially my Bitcoin

bull, to make the narrowest parts of the legs and the thin tail sturdier.

This has made it much easier to ship them around the world without damage.

Speaking of wanting to make specific areas stronger, many of you probably

already know about modifier areas, but basically they allow you to add

any shape or even another object to your model, and then modify that area

of the primary model accordingly.

For example, you could increase perimeters only for that area,

increase infill, remove top and bottom layers, do a different

infill type, and much, much more.

This is a great way to add strength, save material, add mouse ears for bed adhesion.

There are so many ways that you can use this, and it's super valuable

if you don't want to apply those changes to the entire model.

While we're talking about modifiers, I do have to mention one that you

probably know, but for those of you who are newer and don't, it's a must.

In the same way that you can use modifiers to change settings in certain

areas, you can also use negative volume modifiers to modify a model.

Wow.

Say that three times fast.

Don't let the fancy terminology fool you though.

A negative volume modifier is just a way to cut out the difference

between one shape and another.

This can be used to remove parts of a model that you don't want, deboss

logos or symbols into your model, cut holes into something that doesn't

have them, or tons of other uses.

This is especially useful if you aren't yet very confident in CAD software.

So that's adding holes, but what if you want to remove them?

Not to worry because there's a Slicer feature for that - close holes, which

is a dropdown option under slicing mode.

This is the one that I actually discovered by accident, and I spent a

long while trying to figure out why my holes weren't showing up after slicing.

Basically it gets the Slicer to automatically close up

the X-Y holes in your model.

Now, you might wonder why you need that, but I found it to come in handy for a

lot of models that may have, for example, screw holes, but which I prefer to

mount with a command strip, for example.

Instead of fixing the modeling CAD or having an ugly hole that you

don't need, you can just click one dropdown and the holes are gone.

Okay, we've added holes, removed them, but what about compensating for them?

Allow me to explain.

One of the challenges with 3D printing is that the printer will simplify line paths,

especially for round objects, which can cause things like holes to be too tight.

This was particularly problematic for me when I tried to assemble

the popular Bambu spool winder that everyone's been printing.

Fortunately, you don't need to resort to filing your holes, get your heads

outta the gutter guys, or modifying the models in CAD because you can

instead use X-Y hole compensation.

What this does is basically widen your holes by the specified

amount before slicing them.

I've used this feature to add a little bit of extra tolerance in

models, and it saves so much time, frustration, and broken print.

Speaking of saving time and frustration, now is a great time to

thank this video's sponsor - PCBWay.

As I'm sure you know, PCBWay offers incredible prices on custom PCBs, plus

fantastic sign-on bonuses, but did you know that they also do custom sheet

metal fabrication, injection molding, CNC machining, metal 3D printing,

and like half a dozen other things?

So whatever project it is you are working on, if you are looking for

a great fabrication service to help you add functionality or quality

from one piece to a thousand, PCBWay helps you save money and time.

Visit the link in the description below to support the channel, and

thanks again to PCBWay for being this channel's longest standing sponsor.

Okay, let's get back into the video.

Speaking of saving time and effort, here's one that I would hope most of

you already know, but which for some reason isn't enabled by default on any

of the print profiles that I've seen.

Combined infill allows you to only print infill every two or three

layers instead of every single one.

This will mean thicker layer lines for the infill, but since nobody sees

the inside of your model, it means that you can save a ton of time on

printing without sacrificing aesthetics, which is a great segue into...

Here's one that I'm always surprised people don't use more.

You may not realize it, but certain parts of your models simply don't need

small layer heights to look great.

Conversely, other parts such as spheres need incredibly tiny

layer heights to look even decent.

So why not save time here where it's not needed and invest that time where it is?

That's where variable layer heights come into play.

You simply specify the trade off that you want on a continuum between speed

and quality, and the Slicer will auto calculate the necessary layer heights

based on the geometry of your model.

You may just find that major swaths of your model don't need anything more than

0.2 millimeter, and that's time that you can save or better use elsewhere.

One such elsewhere is with the use of ironing.

Ironing is a practice whereby your nozzle is dragged over a completed

layer extremely slowly against the grain of the previous pass.

While this happens, a very small amount of filament is extruded

to fill in the remaining gaps.

I'll be honest, ironing doesn't lead to a picture perfect surface.

It takes quite a long time, and if it's not dialed in, it can even

make your surface look worse by scraping material off to the edges.

So if you need a surface to look perfect, it is better to have that

side face the build plate or sand it.

However, if that's not an option and or you want the top of your model to

look just as good as possible, then definitely check out ironing because

it beats sanding your models by hand.

Here's one that I've only recently begun using more: The cut feature.

Many of you know that you can cut a model by syncing it into the build plate, but

recent versions of PrusaSlicer and its derivatives also offer the ability to

actually cut a model on any access at any angle with the option of keeping

one or both of the resulting cuts.

This is super useful and frankly, easier to do in the Slicer than even

the easiest to use of CAD programs.

In case you haven't noticed, I'm incredibly impatient and sometimes

when I'm working on a project such as my honeycomb storage wall, link

up here, I want to install the pieces as quickly as possible.

Fortunately, I discovered complete individual objects, a feature

which will print one object at a time before moving on to the next.

In order to use this, you'll need a few things.

First, you'll need models that are low enough to not cause collisions when the

print head moves onto the next model.

Second, you'll need your Slicer to know the actual clearance of

the print head so that it can accurately predict any collisions.

And third, you'll need to space out your models enough so that the

collisions don't actually occur.

Fortunately, all of this is either automatic for popular printers

where the software already knows the print head size, or easy

enough to configure in your Slicer.

Just please do me a favor and pause the printer before you

reach in to snap off the parts.

While we're on the topic of printing things one by one, let's talk about

configuring them one by one as well.

What if, for example, you have a few different objects that you need to print,

but you want to have five perimeters and 10% infill, and another one to

have 50% infill in just one perimeter.

You could of course, use modifier shapes, but that's slow.

Instead, you can actually modify settings per object.

Now, this used to be somewhat annoying and confusing in PrusaSlicer with a

bunch of right clicking and modifiers added into the object view, that you

then need to go down and click to see.

But in OrcaSlicer, it's actually really cleverly done.

Simply right click the object, hit edit in the parameter table, and you can see

and modify all of your parameters for all of your objects in one quick view.

Clever, right?

So there you have it, 11 of my all-time favorite Slicer settings for getting

more out of your 3D printer, saving time, strengthening prints, and so on.

I hope you really enjoyed this video, and if you learn something then please let me

know by smashing that like or subscribe button or dropping a comment below.

Thanks for watching and a special thanks to all of my Patreon supporters and

I'll see all of you on The Next Layer.