Jump to content
UltiMaker Community of 3D Printing Experts

Automate STL>Slice>Print via Ubuntu Terminal


modernonline

Recommended Posts

Posted (edited) · Automate STL>Slice>Print via Ubuntu Terminal

We're doing an art installation. In short, every day, an .stl file will be automatically generated that needs to be sliced and launched for printing on its own. 

 

I tried reading some previous posts and assembling information from bits, but perhaps it is best if all my questions are gathered together:

 

1) Is the Ultimaker model important, and what's the difference? Ideally I would communicate via Wifi but could also set up a Ubuntu-running device and connect via USB. U2 would be my primary option simply because we don't need dual extrusion, but it seems U3 has WiFi enabled features?
 

2) Could somebody indicate a good starting point(s), or maybe some scripts already exist? I imagine a python script for slicing via CuraEngine and then sending via serial?

 

Thanks in advance.

Edited by modernonline
  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Automate STL>Slice>Print via Ubuntu Terminal

    Probably not the answer you are looking for, but what about making a human part of the art installation? And let him/her do that? Put him/her on a marble base plate, attach a nice brass label similar to those on stone statues, and shine a spotlight on him/her?

     

    That "human piece of art" can handle things like parts stuck to the build plate, or parts falling off prematurely, or cleaning a blocked nozzle. An automaton can't, or not that easy.

     

    Further, a human seems way more artfull to me than a silly automaton, and probably way more beautiful too (depending on who you choose, how he/she behaves, and how you clothe him/her). I think humans are masterpieces of art, well, at least some of them.

     

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted (edited) · Automate STL>Slice>Print via Ubuntu Terminal

    @geert_2 Fair point. Actually, the exhibition staff will still be taking the prints off the plate, cleaning the plate, changing the filaments, and so on.

     

    If we can't automate properly, of course I will ask them to submit the gcode manually. However, (at least) slicing is really not an option and has to be done automatically.

     

    Let's just say that automation is quite a big part of the installation for various reasons. Also, 'failure' of the print as such in this context is an option, hence I'm not so precious about the slicing/gcode being perfect or the printer throwing threads of plastic all over the place.

     

    Hope that makes sense 🙂

     

    Edited by modernonline
  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now
    • Our picks

      • UltiMaker Cura 5.3 stable released
        In this stable release, Cura 5.3 achieves yet another huge leap forward in 3D printing thanks to material interlocking! As well as introducing an expanded recommended print settings menu and lots of print quality improvements. Not to mention, a whole bunch of new printer profiles for non-UltiMaker printers!
          • Thanks
        • 21 replies
      • Here it is. The new UltiMaker S7
        The UltiMaker S7 is built on the success of the UltiMaker S5 and its design decisions were heavily based on feedback from customers.
         
         
        So what’s new?
        The obvious change is the S7’s height. It now includes an integrated Air Manager. This filters the exhaust air of every print and also improves build temperature stability. To further enclose the build chamber the S7 only has one magnetically latched door.
         
        The build stack has also been completely redesigned. A PEI-coated flexible steel build plate makes a big difference to productivity. Not only do you not need tools to pop a printed part off. But we also don’t recommend using or adhesion structures for UltiMaker materials (except PC, because...it’s PC). Along with that, 4 pins and 25 magnets make it easy to replace the flex plate perfectly – even with one hand.
         
        The re-engineered print head has an inductive sensor which reduces noise when probing the build plate. This effectively makes it much harder to not achieve a perfect first layer, improving overall print success. We also reversed the front fan direction (fewer plastic hairs, less maintenance), made the print core door magnets stronger, and add a sensor that helps avoid flooding.
         

         
        The UltiMaker S7 also includes quality of life improvements:
        Reliable bed tilt compensation (no more thumbscrews) 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi A 1080p camera (mounted higher for a better view) Compatibility with 280+ Marketplace materials Compatibility with S5 project files (no reslicing needed) And a whole lot more  
        Curious to see the S7 in action?
        We’re hosting a free tech demo on February 7.
        It will be live and you can ask any questions to our CTO, Miguel Calvo.
        Register here for the Webinar
          • Like
        • 18 replies
      • UltiMaker Cura Alpha 🎄 Tree Support Spotlight 🎄
        Are you a fan of tree support, but dislike the removal process and the amount of filament it uses? Then we would like to invite you to try this special release of UltiMaker Cura. Brought to you by our special community contributor @thomasrahm
         
        We generated a special version of Cura 5.2 called 5.3.0 Alpha + Xmas. The only changes we introduced compared to UltiMaker Cura 5.2.1 are those which are needed for the new supports. So keep in mind, this is not a sneak peek for Cura 5.3 (there are some really cool new features coming up) but a spotlight release highlighting this new version of tree supports.  
          • Like
        • 22 replies
    ×
    ×
    • Create New...