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author | Kevin O'Connor <kevin@koconnor.net> | 2018-10-28 10:24:34 -0400 |
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committer | Kevin O'Connor <kevin@koconnor.net> | 2018-10-28 10:47:32 -0400 |
commit | 057acb07b7825b4175ae7159ec9358b80a8b1354 (patch) | |
tree | 103829ad0f1420ba38a7e9706337f829087563c7 /docs/Slicers.md | |
parent | 47e45ab39133cc155e5e1f232efafadb66463212 (diff) | |
download | kutter-057acb07b7825b4175ae7159ec9358b80a8b1354.tar.gz kutter-057acb07b7825b4175ae7159ec9358b80a8b1354.tar.xz kutter-057acb07b7825b4175ae7159ec9358b80a8b1354.zip |
docs: Add a Slicers.md document
Add some information on configuring a slicer for use with Klipper.
Signed-off-by: Kevin O'Connor <kevin@koconnor.net>
Diffstat (limited to 'docs/Slicers.md')
-rw-r--r-- | docs/Slicers.md | 71 |
1 files changed, 71 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/docs/Slicers.md b/docs/Slicers.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..25c45d05 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/Slicers.md @@ -0,0 +1,71 @@ +This document provides some tips for configuring a "slicer" +application for use with Klipper. Common slicers used with Klipper are +Slic3r, Cura, Simplify3D, etc. + +# Set the G-Code flavor to Marlin + +Many slicers have an option to configure the "G-Code flavor". The +default is frequently "Marlin" and that works well with Klipper. The +"Smoothieware" setting also works well with Klipper. + +# Klipper gcode_macro + +Slicers will often allow one to configure "Start G-Code" and "End +G-Code" sequences. It is often convenient to define custom macros in +the Klipper config file instead - such as: `[gcode_macro START_PRINT]` +and `[gcode_macro END_PRINT]`. Then one can just run START_PRINT and +END_PRINT in the slicer's configuration. Defining these actions in the +Klipper configuration may make it easier to tweak the printer's start +and end steps as changes do not require re-slicing. + +See the [example-extras.cfg](../config/example-extras.cfg) file for +details on defining a gcode_macro. + +# Large retraction settings may require tuning Klipper + +The maximum speed and acceleration of retraction moves are controlled +in Klipper by the `max_extrude_only_velocity` and +`max_extrude_only_accel` config settings. These settings have a +default value that should work well on many printers. However, if one +has configured a large retraction in the slicer (eg, 5mm or greater) +then one may find they limit the desired speed of retractions. + +If using a large retraction, consider tuning Klipper's +[pressure advance](Pressure_Advance.md) instead. Otherwise, if one +finds the toolhead seems to "pause" during retraction and priming, +then consider explicitly defining `max_extrude_only_velocity` and +`max_extrude_only_accel` in the Klipper config file. + +# Do not enable "coasting" + +The "coasting" feature is likely to result in poor quality prints with +Klipper. Consider using Klipper's +[pressure advance](Pressure_Advance.md) instead. + +Specifically, if the slicer dramatically changes the extrusion rate +between moves then Klipper will perform deceleration and acceleration +between moves. This is likely to make blobbing worse, not better. + +In contrast, it is okay (and often helpful) to use a slicer's +"retract" setting, "wipe" setting, and/or "wipe on retract" setting. + +# Disable any "advanced extruder pressure" settings + +Some slicers advertise an "advanced extruder pressure" capability. It +is recommended to keep these options disabled when using Klipper as +they are likely to result in poor quality prints. Consider using +Klipper's [pressure advance](Pressure_Advance.md) instead. + +Specifically, these slicer settings can instruct the firmware to make +wild changes to the extrusion rate in the hope that the firmware will +approximate those requests and the printer will roughly obtain a +desirable extruder pressure. Klipper, however, utilizes precise +kinematic calculations and timing. When Klipper is commanded to make +significant changes to the extrusion rate it will plan out the +corresponding changes to velocity, acceleration, and extruder +movement - which is not the slicer's intent. The slicer may even +command excessive extrusion rates to the point that it triggers +Klipper's maximum extrusion cross-section check. + +In contrast, it is okay (and often helpful) to use a slicer's +"retract" setting, "wipe" setting, and/or "wipe on retract" setting. |