After opening Slic3r you will see the Slic3r desktop.
The settings for these plastics are stored in a configuration menu. The first step in using the Slic3r software involves choosing the settings for the type of plastic you plan on printing with. Different types of plastic filament require different temperatures, for both the extrusion and the adhesion to the printer bed. The settings for these plastics are stored in a configuration menu. Load the appropriate settings by selecting “File” &“Load Config…”. From the dialogue box, select the location and file needed. (In this case, “Desktop” & “PLA configuration”.) Note: For this project, use the PLA settings.
Locate your STL (3d Object) file and select it from the folder. Once the configuration has been set, select the Plater tab to begin loading the STL files. To place an object (STL file) onto the bed, select “Add…” from the menu. Locate your STL (3d Object) file and select it from the folder.
Your STL file object will appear on the bed. It may not be oriented in the proper direction for printing. The object must have a flat surface facing the bed. Note: This object is not oriented properly, it is resting on its edge. This is based on the plane that the object was drawn on in the CAD software.
To orient the object in another direction, select “Object”, “Rotate” and then choose the axis of rotation necessary for the correct orientation. Note: In this case, the object will need to be rotated on the X axis @ 270 degrees.
With the object oriented correctly, any additional objects can be added in the same manner.
Select “Slice now” and then, “Export G-code” to slice the STL file and produce the G-code needed to produce the part on the printer
Save your “G-code file on the flash drive. Insert the SD card reader with an SD card in it and “Save As” the G-code file to the SD card for use on the Prusa printer. Close out the Slic3r software and remove the SD card reader.
Prusa I3 Printer Set-up 1. Plug in the Prusa I3 and turn it on. 2. The on/off switch is located on the right side of the printer near the power cord. 3. The LCD readout will indicate the Main Information (shown below). 1. Nozzle temperature (actual / desired temperature) 2. Heatbed temperature (actual / desired temperature) 3. Progress of printing in % (shown only during the printing). 4. Status bar (Prusa i3 ready / Heating/ model, name .g-code, etc.) 5. Z axis position 6. Printing speed 7. Elapsed printing time shown only when printing
Insert the SD card (connection side up) into the slot on the left hand side of the LCD readout.
The LCD readout should indicate that the SD card is inserted. Press the raised part of the control knob.
Turn the control knob until the indicator arrow is next to “Preheat”. Press the raised button on the knob to open the preheating menu.
Select “PLA” from the list by pressing the control knob once the arrow has been set to PLA.
Press the knob again. This time, select “Print from SD”. Scroll through the selections by turning the knob. When your file is indicated, press the knob again.
DO NOT REMOVE THE SD CARD! When the printer reaches the correct operating temperature, it will begin to print. DO NOT REMOVE THE SD CARD! Removing the card will stop the printing process!