Difference between revisions of "Overview"
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== Features == | == Features == | ||
Latest revision as of 09:26, 2 February 2016
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Outdated: This page is no longer an accurate representation of the current version of MatterControl and needs to be updated. |
Contents
Features
The program includes:
- a 3D viewer with the ability to rotate, scale, and mirror designs
- a 2D viewer to examine the individual layers of a sliced design
- a Print Queue to manage large projects
- a library enabling users to organize, search, and manage their design files
- a quick printer connection wizard and dropdown list for managing multiple 3D printers
- a feature for Automatic Bed Leveling
- the ability to switch between slicing engines, including CuraEngine and Slic3r
- a terminal to view and edit G-Code
Print Queue
Users can import design files in STL format by selecting the "+Add" icon and browsing their directory, or by dragging and dropping their file(s) into the Queue. A vertical queue is expanded as each file is added. Users can move designs around with clicks and drags; copy, remove, or delete designs, and clear the Queue. The Queue Options menu allows users to import a series of files (.3dz), export their Queue to a Project or an SD card, and create a part sheet from their Queue.
3D View
After importing designs, users can select their corresponding avatar(s) and a separate window(s) will open. The default view is the 3D simulation of the part(s) to be printed.
Users can rotate a part on the X, Y and Z axes and select "align to bed" to situate the part on the platform. Users can scale the part to the maximum area which their printer's dimensions envelop. An option is included to convert between metric and imperial units. Users can also mirror parts on every the X, Y and Z axes.
Layer View
Once the desired Slice Settings are input for a selected design, users can click the design's 2D avatar in the Queue, tab to Layer View, and select "Generate Layers" to preview each individual layer of their sliced design. There are several check boxes that allow users to view the build process in real time.
Library
A tab right from the Queue is the Library. This is a space to import and collect design files. There are optional checkboxes to the left of each file name to keep track of a library's progress and a built-in search function.
About
The third and last tab is the About section. This space displays information related to the program and options to "Check for Updates" and "Send Feedback".
Controls
The Controls tab, located under Settings & Controls, enables users to operate their printer with manual controls. Once a print has begun, a new section called Tuning Adjustment appears which allows users to adjust temperature, speed, and extrusion settings as the part prints.
Temperature Control
The printer's bed and extruder can be heated manually by typing in a value in the entry box. There are also presets for the extruder and bed temperatures. For the extruder temperature, the PLA and ABS presets are 190ºC and 220ºC respectively. For the bed temperature, the PLA and ABS presets are 70ºC and 130ºC respectively. The Target and Actual temperatures of the extruder are displayed to the left of the box. The current temperatures of the bed and extruder are displayed with two white icons at the top-right corner of the interface.
Movement Control
Movement controls for the X, Y, and Z axes are located below the Temperature Settings. The ALL, X, Y, and Z icons home the respective axis or axes. The UNLOCK icon stops the motors.
The X, Y, and Z axes can also be moved in increments of 0.1mm, 1mm, and 10mm by clicking their respective "+" and "-" icons.
The movement control section disappears during the printing process and is replaced by the Tuning Adjustments section.
Setup and Calibration
Software Print Leveling
The 
icon introduces a print leveling wizard which, by measuring several points on the bed, determines the current angle of the bed and compensates for
unevenness while printing. Thus, a perfectly leveled print can be achieved without a
properly leveled bed. This feature can be enabled or disabled.
Terminal
The Terminal can be accessed by selecting the SHOW TERMINAL icon. This feature enables users to communicate with their printer manually through the use of GCode.
Settings
The "Settings" tab, also located in Advanced Controls, enables users to set Layer Heights, Infill, Support Material, extruder and bed temperatures, and insert custom GCode instructions. The "Show All Settings" check box introduces additional slicing options for more advanced users. Users also have the option to switch between various slicing engines, including CuraEngine and Slic3r.
