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Importing Configurations

Configurations play a crucial role in accurate estimations within the BuildPlateZ platform. This is why entering accurate data when creating configurations will provide a more accurate estimation.

However, not all print properties that a printer needs are required for BuildPlateZ to work. BuildPlateZ only needs the fields that directly influence the time needed for printing and the material weight.

Basics​

Adding a new Configuration is done from the Configurations page under Machines -> Configurations in the main header menu by clicking on the "Create Configuration" button on the top right. Config Create in BuildPlateZ Currently only Prusa Slicer configuration files (.ini) are supported. If you have a Prusa Slicer configuration file, you can upload it here. The platform will automatically extract the necessary properties from the file and fill out the form below.

Exporting a Configuration file from Prusa Slicer​

To export a configuration file from Prusa Slicer, follow these steps:

  1. Open the slicer
  2. select the configuration you wish to export as if you will use it for printing
  3. Go to File -> Export Config and save the file to your computer

Export Config from Prusa Slicer

Creating your own .ini file​

If you are using different slicing software and cannot import an .ini config properly, you can create your own .ini file instead of copying properties into Prusa Slicer and then exporting.

FFF Printers .ini template
layer_height = 0.2
first_layer_height = 0.35
perimeters = 3
top_solid_layers = 3
bottom_solid_layers = 3
perimeter_speed = 80
external_perimeter_speed = "50%"
infill_speed = 80
solid_infill_speed = 40
fill_density = 20
fill_pattern = "gyroid"
support_material = false
support_material_auto = false
support_material_buildplate_only = false
support_material_style = "grid"
extrusion_width = 0
nozzle_diameter = 0.4
spiral_vase = false
travel_speed = 130
first_layer_speed = 30
first_layer_acceleration = 1000
travel_acceleration = 3000
perimeter_acceleration = 3000
external_perimeter_acceleration = 1500
infill_acceleration = 3000
solid_infill_acceleration = 2000
SLA Printers .ini template
layer_height = 0.3
initial_layer_height = 0.3
initial_layers = 1
exposure_time = 10
initial_exposure_time = 15
off_time = 1
supports_enable = true
support_buildplate_only = false
pad_enable = false
pad_wall_thickness = 2
hollowing_enable = false
hollowing_min_thickness = 3
z_lift_distance = 5
z_lift_speed = 2
z_retract_speed = 3

Importing a Configuration into BuildPlateZ​

  1. Give your new Configuration a name and specify the print process this config is to be used for. (e.g. FFF)
  2. Once you select the Process, 3 options will appear:
  3. We are currently interested in uploading our Configuration file, so choose the first option - Upload Configuration
  4. For the slicer, select Prusa Slicer - currently only Prusa Slicer configuration files (.ini) are supported Export Config from Prusa Slicer
  5. Upload the file and the platform will automatically extract the necessary properties from the file and fill out the form below.
  6. You can modify the imported properties if necessary and finally save the Configuration.

(The procedure for SLA printers is the same, just select SLA as the print process)

Missing properties

If for some reason a property is missing from the Configuration file you are importing, it will be automatically filled with the default value.

Adding a Configuration to a Machine​

In order for a Machine to be able to use the new Configuration you are creating, it has to be added to said machine. This can be done from the Machines page under Machines -> Machines in the main header menu. Edit the machine you wish to add the Configuration to and select it from the Configurations dropdown.

Note that you can add a Configuration to a Machine only if their Print Processes match.

Read more about Machines and creating them.