1.2.20. Batch processing with PrusaSlicer

Todo

Batch processing with PrusaSlicer scripts.

Important

I am doing a massive update based on the recent name change from Slic3rPE to PrusaSlicer. Please bear with me while I update everything.

Note

The latest Alpha releases of PrusaSlicer do not support command-line processing as of this writing. Use the latest release version.

Note

These notes are based on my experiences with the Prusa i3 Mk3 and Artillery/Evnovo Sidewinder X1 printers. If you are using a different printer, please verify the hardware details are similar.

1.2.20.1. .ini scripts

Listing 1.19 PrusaSlicer printer definition .ini file

bed_shape = 0x0,250x0,250x210,0x210
bridge_acceleration = 1000
end_gcode = ; Last updated 20181007\nG4 ; wait\nG92 E0 ; prepare to retract\nG1 E-0.8 F2100; retract to avoid ooze\nM221 S100 ; reset extruder factor to 100%\nM900 K0 ; reset linear acceleration\nM104 S0 ; turn off temperature\nM140 S0 ; turn off heatbed\nM107 ; turn off fan\n{if layer_z < max_print_height}G1 Z{z_offset+min(layer_z+60, max_print_height)}{endif} ; Move print head up\nG1 X0 Y200 ; present bed\nM84 ; disable motors\nM300 S100 P10 ; chirp
gcode_flavor = marlin
extruder_clearance_height = 20
extruder_clearance_radius = 20
extruder_colour = #FFFF00
extruder_offset = 0x0
extrusion_axis = E
machine_max_acceleration_e = 5000,5000
machine_max_acceleration_extruding = 1250,1250
machine_max_acceleration_retracting = 1250,1250
machine_max_acceleration_x = 1500,960
machine_max_acceleration_y = 1500,960
machine_max_acceleration_z = 1000,1000
machine_max_feedrate_e = 120,120
machine_max_feedrate_x = 200,100
machine_max_feedrate_y = 200,100
machine_max_feedrate_z = 12,12
machine_max_jerk_e = 1.5,1.5
machine_max_jerk_x = 8,8
machine_max_jerk_y = 8,8
machine_max_jerk_z = 0.4,0.4
machine_min_extruding_rate = 0,0
machine_min_travel_rate = 0,0
max_volumetric_speed = 11.5
max_print_height = 210
output_filename_format = [input_filename_base].gcode
printer_model = MK3
;print_center = 125,105
remaining_times = 1
silent_mode = 1
start_gcode = ; Last updated 20181018\nM115 U3.3.1 ; tell printer latest fw version\n; Set initial warmup temps\nM104 S140 ; set extruder no-ooze temp\nM140 S{max(first_layer_bed_temperature[0],60)}  ; set bed PINDA warmup temp\n; Nozzle warmup routine\nM300 S40 P10 ; chirp\nG28 W ; home all without mesh bed level\nG0 X0 Y200 Z100.0 F10200 ; raise nozzle and present bed for cleaning\nM109 ; wait for extruder no-ooze warmup temp before mesh bed leveling, cool hot PINDA\n; PINDA warmup routine\nM300 S40 P10 ; chirp\nG0 X125 Y105 Z0.10 F10200; PINDA warming position\nM860 S35 ; wait for PINDA temp to stabilize\nM300 S40 P10 ; chirp\nG28 W ; home all without mesh bed level\nM140 S[first_layer_bed_temperature] ; set bed final temp\nG80 ; mesh bed leveling\n; Final warmup routine\nM104 S[first_layer_temperature] ; set extruder final temp\nM109 S[first_layer_temperature] ; wait for extruder final temp\nM190 S[first_layer_bed_temperature] ; wait for bed final temp\n; Prime line routine\nM300 S25 P10 ; chirp\nM83  ; extruder relative mode\nM900 K0; Disable LA for prime line\nG92 E0.0 ; reset extrusion distance\nG1 Y-3.0 F1000.0 ; go outside print area\nG1 E2 F1000 ; de-retract and push ooze\nG1 X20.0 E6  F1000.0 ; fat 20mm intro line @ 0.30\nG1 X60.0 E3.2  F1000.0 ; thin +40mm intro line @ 0.08\nG1 X100.0 E6  F1000.0 ; fat +40mm intro line @ 0.15\nG1 E-0.8 F2100; retract to avoid stringing\nG1 X99.0 E0 F1000.0 ; -1mm intro line @ 0.00\nG1 X110.0 E0 F1000.0 ; +10mm intro line @ 0.00\nG1 E0.5 F1500; de-retract\nG92 E0.0 ; reset extrusion distance\n; Final print adjustments\nM92 E282.54 ; adjust extrusion ratio\n;M221 S{if layer_height==0.05}100{else}95{endif}
threads = 4
use_relative_e_distances = 1
use_volumetric_e = 0
variable_layer_height = 1

Listing 1.20 PrusaSlicer nozzle definition .ini file

brim_width = 0
external_perimeter_extrusion_width = 0
extrusion_width = 0
first_layer_extrusion_width = 0
infill_extrusion_width = 0
max_layer_height = 0.32
min_layer_height = 0.1
nozzle_diameter = 0.4
perimeter_extrusion_width = 0
perimeters = 3
solid_infill_extrusion_width = 0
support_material_extrusion_width = 0
top_infill_extrusion_width = 0

Listing 1.21 PrusaSlicer filament definition .ini file

; filament characteristics
filament_type = PLA
filament_diameter = 1.715
extrusion_multiplier = 0.98
filament_max_volumetric_speed = 11.5
z_offset = 0
start_filament_gcode = "M900 K30"

; temperatures
bed_temperature = 55
temperature = 200
first_layer_bed_temperature = 60
first_layer_temperature = 205

; cooling
max_fan_speed = 100
min_fan_speed = 100
disable_fan_first_layers = 1
fan_always_on = 1
fan_below_layer_time = 100
bridge_fan_speed = 100
cooling = 1

; retraction
retract_before_travel = 1
retract_layer_change = 1
retract_length = 0.8
retract_lift = 0.6
retract_lift_above = 0
retract_lift_below = 209
retract_restart_extra = 0
retract_speed = 35
deretract_speed = 25

; bridges
dont_support_bridges = 1
bridge_flow_ratio = 1
bridge_speed = 30

Listing 1.22 PrusaSlicer print job definition .ini file

notes = Normal
;quality settings
perimeters = 3
external_perimeters_first = 0
avoid_crossing_perimeters = 1
external_fill_pattern = rectilinear
extra_perimeters = 1
infill_every_layers = 2
only_retract_when_crossing_perimeters = 1
ooze_prevention = 0
overhangs = 1
seam_position = aligned
spiral_vase = 0
variable_layer_height = 1
xy_size_compensation = 0
gcode_comments = 1

; layer height
layer_height = 0.2
first_layer_height = 0.2
bottom_solid_layers = 5
top_solid_layers = 5

; speeds
perimeter_speed = 45
external_perimeter_speed = 35
small_perimeter_speed = 25
first_layer_speed = 20
gap_fill_speed = 40
infill_speed = 200
solid_infill_speed = 200
min_print_speed = 15
top_solid_infill_speed = 50
travel_speed = 180

; acceleration
default_acceleration = 1000
first_layer_acceleration = 1000
infill_acceleration = 1250
perimeter_acceleration = 800

; print characteristics
fill_angle = 45
fill_density = 20%
fill_pattern = grid
infill_first = 0
infill_only_where_needed = 0
infill_overlap = 25%
solid_infill_below_area = 0
solid_infill_every_layers = 0
solid_infill_extruder = 1
solid_infill_extrusion_width = 0

interface_shells = 0

; skirt, brim & raft
raft_layers = 0
skirt_distance = 2
skirt_height = 1
skirts = 1
min_skirt_length = 4

; support
support_material = 0
support_material_angle = 0
support_material_auto = 1
support_material_buildplate_only = 0
support_material_contact_distance = 0.25
support_material_enforce_layers = 0
support_material_extruder = 0
support_material_extrusion_width = 0
support_material_interface_contact_loops = 1
support_material_interface_extruder = 0
support_material_interface_layers = 1
support_material_interface_spacing = 0.2
support_material_interface_speed = 100%
support_material_pattern = rectilinear
support_material_spacing = 2
support_material_speed = 50
support_material_synchronize_layers = 0
support_material_threshold = 45
support_material_with_sheath = 0
support_material_xy_spacing = 60%

1.2.20.2. Build scripts

Listing 1.23 PrusaSlicer build script

#!/bin/sh
# Normal mode prints
DIR_BASENAME="./output"
find "./models/normal" -iname "*.stl" | while read MODEL
do 
    echo "${MODEL}"
    for NOZZLE in nozzles/*.ini; do 
        DIR_NOZZLE="$(basename -s .ini $NOZZLE)"
        for FILAMENT in filaments/XT.ini; do 
            DIR_FILAMENT="$(basename -s .ini $FILAMENT)"
            for SETTINGS in settings/settings_020_layers_normal.ini ; do 
                DIR_PATH="${DIR_BASENAME}/${DIR_FILAMENT}/${DIR_NOZZLE}"
                mkdir -p "${DIR_PATH}"
                run_prusaslicer \
                --load printers/printer_mk3.ini \
                --load $NOZZLE \
                --load $FILAMENT \
                --load $SETTINGS \
                --post-process scripts/prusaslicer_massage.py \
                --output "${DIR_PATH}" "${MODEL}"

            done
        done
    done
done

# Vase mode prints
find "./models/vase" -iname "*.stl" | while read MODEL
do 
    echo "${MODEL}"
    for NOZZLE in nozzles/*.ini; do 
        DIR_NOZZLE="$(basename -s .ini $NOZZLE)"
        for FILAMENT in filaments/XT.ini; do 
            DIR_FILAMENT="$(basename -s .ini $FILAMENT)"
            for SETTINGS in settings/settings_020_layers_vase.ini ; do 
                DIR_PATH="${DIR_BASENAME}/${DIR_FILAMENT}/${DIR_NOZZLE}"
                echo "Output file is $DIR_BASENAME/${DIR_FILAMENT}/${DIR_NOZZLE}/${DIR_MODEL}"
                mkdir -p "${DIR_PATH}"
                run_prusaslicer \
                --load printers/printer_mk3.ini \
                --load $NOZZLE \
                --load $FILAMENT \
                --load $SETTINGS \
                --post-process scripts/prusaslicer_massage.py \
                --output "${DIR_PATH}" "$MODEL"

            done
        done
    done
done

# Concentric fill prints
find "./models/concentric" -iname "*.stl" | while read MODEL
do 
    echo "${MODEL}"
    for NOZZLE in nozzles/*.ini; do 
        DIR_NOZZLE="$(basename -s .ini $NOZZLE)"
        for FILAMENT in filaments/XT.ini; do 
            DIR_FILAMENT="$(basename -s .ini $FILAMENT)"
            for SETTINGS in settings/settings_020_layers_normal.ini ; do 
                DIR_PATH="${DIR_BASENAME}/${DIR_FILAMENT}/${DIR_NOZZLE}"
                echo "Output file is $DIR_BASENAME/${DIR_FILAMENT}/${DIR_NOZZLE}/${DIR_MODEL}"
                mkdir -p "${DIR_PATH}"
                run_prusaslicer \
                --load printers/printer_mk3.ini \
                --load $NOZZLE \
                --load $FILAMENT \
                --load $SETTINGS \
                --post-process scripts/prusaslicer_massage.py \
                --output "${DIR_PATH}" "$MODEL" \
                --external-fill-pattern concentric

            done
        done
    done
done

Listing 1.24 PrusaSlicer run script

#!/bin/sh
/Applications/PrusaSlicer.app/Contents/MacOS/PrusaSlicer --no-gui --print-center 125,105 $*

Listing 1.25 PrusaSlicer postprocessing script

#!/usr/bin/python
import sys
import re
import os

parmEstimatedHours = ''
parmEstimatedMinutes = ''
parmEstimatedSeconds = ''
parmNotes = ''

sourceFile=sys.argv[1]

# Read the ENTIRE g-code file into memory
with open(sourceFile, "r") as f:
    lines = f.readlines()

    coordMinX = 9999.9
    coordMaxX =0.0
    coordMinY = 9999.9
    coordMaxY = 0.0
    currLine = 1
    parsing = False

for line in lines:
    currLine += 1
    parts = line.split(';', 1)
    if len(parts) > 0:
        # Parse command
        command = parts[0].strip()
        if len(parts) > 1:
            # Parse comments
            comment = parts[1].strip()

        # Track extruder movement ranges
        if not re.search(";", comment):
            # Limit track to print movements, avoid start and end gcode blocks
            if re.search("move to first skirt point", comment):
                #if not parsing:
                #    print("Start extruder movement parsing at line %d with %s" % (currLine, comment))
                parsing = True
            if re.search("PURGING FINISHED", comment):
                #print("Stop extruder movement parsing at line %d with %s" % (currLine, comment))
                parsing = False
        if parsing:
            stringMatch = re.search ('^G[01].*X([0-9.]+)', command)
            if stringMatch:
                val = float(stringMatch.group(1))
                # print("%s: X is %d" % (currLine, val))
                if(val < coordMinX):
                    coordMinX = val
                if(val > coordMaxX):
                    coordMaxX = val
            stringMatch = re.search ('^G[01].*Y([0-9.]+)', command)
            if stringMatch:
                val = float(stringMatch.group(1))
                if(val < coordMinY):
                    coordMinY = val
                if(val > coordMaxY):
                    coordMaxY = val

        # Include files
        includeFile = re.search('#INCLUDE\s+(.*)', comment)
        #if includeFile:
        #    outputFile.write(' -- Would include '+includeFile.group(1)+' stuff here')

        # Parse estimated print time
        stringMatch = re.search ('^notes = (.*)', comment)
        if stringMatch:
            parmNotes = stringMatch.group(1).strip()
        stringMatch = re.search('estimated printing time \(normal mode\) =.* ([0-9]+)h.*', comment)
        if stringMatch:
            parmEstimatedHours = stringMatch.group(1)+'h'
        stringMatch = re.search('estimated printing time \(normal mode\) =.* ([0-9]+)m.*', comment)
        if stringMatch:
            parmEstimatedMinutes = stringMatch.group(1)+'m'
        stringMatch = re.search('estimated printing time \(normal mode\) =.* ([0-9]+)s.*', comment)
        if stringMatch:
            parmEstimatedSeconds = stringMatch.group(1)+'s'
        # Parse print job parameters
        stringMatch = re.search('filament_type = (.*)', comment)
        if stringMatch:
            parmFilamentType = stringMatch.group(1)
        stringMatch = re.search('nozzle_diameter = (.*)', comment)
        if stringMatch:
            parmNozzleDiameter = stringMatch.group(1)
        stringMatch = re.search('layer_height = (.*)', comment)
        if stringMatch:
            parmLayerHeight = stringMatch.group(1)
        # Parse temperatures
        stringMatch = re.search('bed_temperature = (.*)', comment)
        if stringMatch:
            parmBedTemperature = stringMatch.group(1)
        stringMatch = re.search('first_layer_bed_temperature = (.*)', comment)
        if stringMatch:
            parm1stLayerBedTemperature = stringMatch.group(1)
        stringMatch = re.search('temperature = (.*)', comment)
        if stringMatch:
            parmTemperature = stringMatch.group(1)
        stringMatch = re.search('first_layer_temperature = (.*)', comment)
        if stringMatch:
            parm1stLayerTemperature = stringMatch.group(1)

destFile = re.sub('\.gcode$','',sourceFile)
if parmNotes:
    destFile = destFile + ' ('+parmNotes+')'
#destFile = destFile + ' S3r'
if parmFilamentType:
    destFile = destFile + ' '+parmFilamentType
if parmLayerHeight:
    destFile = destFile + ' '+parmLayerHeight
if parmNozzleDiameter:
    destFile = destFile + 'X'+parmNozzleDiameter
if parm1stLayerTemperature:
    destFile = destFile + ' '+parm1stLayerTemperature
if parmTemperature:
    destFile = destFile + '-'+parmTemperature
if parm1stLayerBedTemperature:
    destFile = destFile + ' '+parm1stLayerBedTemperature
if parmBedTemperature:
    destFile = destFile + '-'+parmBedTemperature
if parmEstimatedHours or parmEstimatedMinutes or parmEstimatedSeconds:
    destFile = destFile + ' '
    if parmEstimatedHours:
        destFile = destFile + parmEstimatedHours
    if parmEstimatedMinutes:
        destFile = destFile + parmEstimatedMinutes
    if parmEstimatedSeconds:
        destFile = destFile + parmEstimatedSeconds
destFile = destFile + '.gcode'
#print('Writing to %s' % re.sub('.*/','',destFile))

with open(destFile, "w") as of:
    of.write('; Minimum X = '+ str(coordMinX)+'\n')
    of.write('; Maximum X = '+ str(coordMaxX)+'\n')
    of.write('; Minimum Y = '+ str(coordMinY)+'\n')
    of.write('; Maximum Y = '+ str(coordMaxY)+'\n')
    for lIndex in xrange(len(lines)):
        oline = lines[lIndex]
        #if ("G0" in line or "G1" in line) and ("E" in line) :
        #    line = re.sub("E","B",line)
        of.write(oline)

of.close()
f.close()

os.remove(sourceFile)

Fig. 1.25 Batch build directory structure

Fig. 1.26 Batch output directory structure

See also

• The Comprehensive RepRap G-code page

Contact and feedback

You can find me on the Prusa support forums or Reddit where I lurk in many of the 3D printing-related subreddits. I occasionally drop into the Official Prusa 3D discord server where I can be reached as bobstro (bobstro#9830). You can email me directly at projects@ttlexceeded.com.

Last updated 20190831