preping a part for 3d printing

uri_shani653

To print in 3-D, it is needed to orient the part appropriately.
I have applied a rotation of 180 degrees on a part so it can be exported upside down as STL file
for 3D rip-rap printing.
Yet, the STL comes out the same before and after the rotation.
Any idea how to make this happen?

larry_hawes

or check this google search - there seems to be a method within Slic3r to change orientation.

https://www.google.com/search?q=slic3r+oprintation+change&oq=slic3r+oprintation+change&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i8i13i30.7049j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

michael3424

uri_shani653 said:

Thanks Michael. I use Slic3r which lacks that feature, though I was seeking an OnShape-based answer. So I gather there is none yet.
I finally used Open Scad to turn the STL model upside down.

I think that PrusaSlicer is based on Slic3r so it could be that you already have the option to select a face on the part that will be oriented so that it is down on the bed.  I had a brief search with Google and YouTube but couldn't find it, though that search did reveal that Slic3r can rotate a part about any of the axes and that might suffice for you.  If you are using an old version of Slic3r you might want to consider upgrading to a newer version or even changing to PrusaSlicer if that directly supports your printer or you feel up to configuring it for your printer.

I've had the same sort of problem routinely many years ago when using a different CAD program to export models for CAM use.  I'd forget to build the model in CAD so that it would be located in the right orentation when imported into the CAM system and learned pretty quickly that it was simplest just to re-orient the model from within the CAM system, so that's what I do now in CAD for 3D Prints. 

larry_hawes

Here's a video showing how to do it in Slic3r @ 2:35 ish. and..."though that search did reveal that Slic3r can rotate a part about any of the axes." Is there another feature you are looking for? Have you not done a simple google search?

I just downloaded Slic3r. Select the object, go to the tool bar>object>rotate>then choose the axis you want to rotate about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuKRSr1FbcU

michael3424

A simpler solution might be to orient your part in the slicer.  PrusaSlicer has a feature that lets you select any flat surface and make that the bottom of your part and I'd think that most other slicers do as well.

uri_shani653

Thanks Michael. I use Slic3r which lacks that feature, though I was seeking an OnShape-based answer. So I gather there is none yet.
I finally used Open Scad to turn the STL model upside down.

EvanReese

That seems strange. I think the export should match the coordinates of the Onshape part studio or assembly, so you're doing it right. Any chance your slicer does any kind of auto-orientation on import?

tim_hess427

That seems odd to me as well. Just to double-check - when you say you're applying a 180 degree rotation, are you using the transform tool in a part studio (not an assembly)? If so, I would think that would work. 

It seems even more odd that Slic3r doesn't have a way to re-orient models since that seems like one of the first and most important things you define when setting up a print job. If you're able, I would definitely check out some other slicers that may improve your workflow overall. 

larry_hawes

My 3D imports just started to come in to Simplify 3D in the wrong orientation but it's so easy to change I never bothered to change the orientation in OnShape. Cura is just as easy to change and never used Slic3r and with your post here will not if it is indeed missing such a simple feature.

larry_hawes

or check this google search - there seems to be a method within Slic3r to change orientation.

https://www.google.com/search?q=slic3r+oprintation+change&oq=slic3r+oprintation+change&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i8i13i30.7049j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

michael3424

uri_shani653 said:

Thanks Michael. I use Slic3r which lacks that feature, though I was seeking an OnShape-based answer. So I gather there is none yet.
I finally used Open Scad to turn the STL model upside down.

I think that PrusaSlicer is based on Slic3r so it could be that you already have the option to select a face on the part that will be oriented so that it is down on the bed.  I had a brief search with Google and YouTube but couldn't find it, though that search did reveal that Slic3r can rotate a part about any of the axes and that might suffice for you.  If you are using an old version of Slic3r you might want to consider upgrading to a newer version or even changing to PrusaSlicer if that directly supports your printer or you feel up to configuring it for your printer.

I've had the same sort of problem routinely many years ago when using a different CAD program to export models for CAM use.  I'd forget to build the model in CAD so that it would be located in the right orentation when imported into the CAM system and learned pretty quickly that it was simplest just to re-orient the model from within the CAM system, so that's what I do now in CAD for 3D Prints. 

larry_hawes

Here's a video showing how to do it in Slic3r @ 2:35 ish. and..."though that search did reveal that Slic3r can rotate a part about any of the axes." Is there another feature you are looking for? Have you not done a simple google search?

I just downloaded Slic3r. Select the object, go to the tool bar>object>rotate>then choose the axis you want to rotate about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuKRSr1FbcU

uri_shani653

Thanks Larry and Michael. Indeed SLIC3R has that feature. Hidden in the drop down "Object" menu you can choose a rotation axis.
Same works also in OnShape as Tim pointed out (thanks) asking whether that was done in the assembly or the studio.
So - it sticks if you do that in the dtudio, but it is better to let the CAM system do that when producing the part.
I have probed both Onshape and Slic3r for that flip, but apparently not sufficiently. My appologies, yet I hope this discussion will
help somebody else one day.
BR

tim_hess427

@uri_shani653 - glad we could help!

larry_hawes

tim_hess427 said:

@uri_shani653 - glad we could help!

+1