{{tag>projects 3d-printing club }}


[[clubs:3d-printing:3d-printing|About the Club]]


==== Slicer ====

For the slicer, we will will use [[https://digitalfactory.ultimaker.com/|Ultimaker MakerBot]].

After you finish select and edit your projects, you will need to prepare it for printing. This process is called slicing. Imagine a pile of Lego bricks sitting in a pile on a table. You didn't just smash all of the bricks together and magically become your masterpiece. Well, maybe you're the special one that can do that, but I can't. ;) For the rest of us, we build our project 1 brick at a time.

This is where the slicer software comes in. This software reads your model and cuts lots of very thin layers like a deli slicer cutting meat and cheese for your sandwich. The slicer creates the instructions used by the 3D printer. The type of file and instructions contained differ from one brand & model to another. Since we have a MakerBot file, we will be saving **.makerbot** files.

==== Slicing ====

{{:clubs:3d-printing:print_validation_2025-09-13.png}} {{:clubs:3d-printing:overhangs_issue_notice_2025-09-13.png?200}} {{clubs:3d-printing:support_options_2025-09-13.png?200}} {{clubs:3d-printing:support_options_-_placement_2025-09-13.png?200}}

You will likely see the above notice at the bottom right corner
  - Click the icon that looks like a target to see the location(s) of the issue and options to resolve them
  - Click the **Add Support** link. The default supports are not the best type. Let's change it.
  - Click the drop-down menu next to type to select **Tree**
  - Click the drop-down menu next to placement to select **Touching Buildplate**
  - You can optionally change your **infill** style. All forms should be sturdy and you are not likely to see this when your print is complete.
  - Finally, click the **Slice** button. You should see the slicing progress bar while it's calculating the layers.
  - Check the **print time** in the form of a click icon and formatted like "0 hours 53 minutes", located above the Queue button. **Please keep all prints close to 1 hour** in order to have time for everyone to get their projects printed.


Next Step: [[/clubs:3d-printing:3d_printing_printing|Printing]]