Multi Material File Splitting

[C.A.D.]

I've got a Prusa MMU 2.0 on order. Its on back order until Mid December. In the meantime I'd like to get some files ready to try this out.

I see that I will need to divide the different colors/materials within a single part and then re-assemble them in the slicer software. I'm curious to know what strategies people are using to do this. These individual divisions have to be such that when combined they re-create the top level part. Booleans come to mind but I've only dabbled in Boolean operations.

Looking for some good suggestions from the community.

 

[bigseb]

The MMU is really just a handy way to avoid dual/multiple nozzles. Beyond that I would think that Slic3r still handles multiple materials the same way i.e. a separate part to represent each material/colour.

 

[C.A.D.]

Thanks for your reply.

I know I can use Autodesk's Meshmixer (which I don't know how to use) to apply different colors etc. but I was hoping to use the software I do know how to use, Alibre, to create a sub-assembly of the different color/material parts of a design. Also I've been using Simplify3d, that I have a monetary investment in. From what I can tell that software can re-assemble multi-color/material parts and then slice to different extruders (which can be tricked into working with the Prusa approach).

I was hoping for tips from people actually doing this with Alibre now and how they go about it. As I mentioned I was thinking Boolean subtract might work and then making an assembly of the pieces after the fact. I assume folks on this community are using at least dual extruders now and they must be going through this conversion process.

 

[bigseb]

I've done many multimaterial prints. Not with Slic3r or Simplify3D but that's really not the point., the principle is the same. It is exactly as you say (and as I said above), simply make a part for each colour. The parts are then uploaded into the slicer one at a time to form an assembly. Assign extruders and you're good to go...

 

[C.A.D.]

I guess I should have read your first post more carefully.

I am interested in creating a single part that makes use of multiple colors/materials within itself. Prusa has a demo that they took a model of Josef Prusa's caricature and his skin is one color, his glasses another, his hat another, and his beard a final color. They are brought into a slicer software reassembled and then set up to switch colors per layer.

My question is on the method used in Alibre to carve up a model in such a way that each piece can be reassembled back together as separate stl files in a slicer.

Say for example I want raised letter label portion in another color. Say I want the same model to also have 3 mounting lugs in different colors for assembly order instructions.

 

[bigseb]

If its an existing model then you'll have to manually create your splits. Depending on the model it can be tough to do.

 

[C.A.D.]

Thanks for your interest and replies. Hopefully there's someone in the community that's doing this kind of thing routinely and they may have some tips and tricks to pass on.

 

[beastro]

I guess I should have read your first post more carefully.
Say for example I want raised letter label portion in another color. Say I want the same model to also have 3 mounting lugs in different colors for assembly order instructions.

I have not done any MM printing, but have MMU 2.0 on order as well for my MK3. I envision doing what you are asking in form of assemblies and top down design.
For your example that would mean creating an assembly that is composed of

• base plate
• letter color 1 created as a new part in assembly as a interdesign feature
• letter color 2 - the same as above
• etc.

Does that make sense?

 

[C.A.D.]

It does. I will probably do a lot of prints that way too. Individual add-on elements forming an assembly. However, I don't want to be limited in utilizing the more sophisticated means of dressing up my parts.

Still hoping someone is already doing this and can share how they do it.