2011-09-01 21:06:28 +02:00
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_Q: Yet another RepRap slicer?_
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A: Yes.
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# Slic3r
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## What's it?
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Slic3r is (er, will be) an STL-to-GCODE translator for RepRap 3D printers,
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like Enrique's Skeinforge or RevK's E3D.
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## Why another one? Why Perl?
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2011-09-04 11:01:22 +02:00
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The purpose is to build something more maintainable and flexible than both
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2011-09-01 21:06:28 +02:00
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Skeinforge and E3D. The code makes extensive use of object-oriented
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programming to achieve some level of abstraction instead of working with
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raw geometry and low-level data structures.
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This should help to maintain code, fix bugs and implement new and better
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algorithms in the future.
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2011-09-04 11:01:22 +02:00
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I also aim at implementing better support for hollow objects, as Skeinforge
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isn't smart enough to generate internal support structures for horizontal
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facets.
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2011-09-01 21:06:28 +02:00
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Of course, Perl's not that fast as C and usage of modules like Moose make
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2011-09-04 11:01:22 +02:00
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everything quite memory-hungry, but I'm happy with it. I want to build a "rapid
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2011-09-01 21:06:28 +02:00
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prototyping" architecture for a slicer.
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Also, http://xkcd.com/224/
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## What's its current status?
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Slic3r can now successfully parse and analyze an STL file by slicing it in
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layers and representing internally the following features:
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* holes in surfaces;
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* external top/bottom surfaces.
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This kind of abstraction will allow to implement particular logic and allow the
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user to specify custom options.
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2011-09-04 11:01:22 +02:00
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It is also able to generate perimeters and to produce working GCODE.
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To reach a minimum level of usability, I need to implement an algorithm to generate
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surface fill.
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2011-09-01 21:06:28 +02:00
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Future goals include support material, options to control bridges, skirt, cool.
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2011-09-04 11:01:22 +02:00
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## Is it usable already?
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Not yet, as I need to finish the command line interface.
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2011-09-01 21:06:28 +02:00
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## Can I help?
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Sure! Send patches and/or drop me a line at aar@cpan.org. You can also
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find me in #RepRap on FreeNode with the nickname _Sound_.
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## What's Slic3r license?
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Slic3r is dual-licensed under the _Perl Artistic License_ and the _AGPLv3_.
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The author is Alessandro Ranellucci (that's me).
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