Mandoline Py

This is a 3D printing 3D Model GCode/SVG slicer, written in Python, based on the Clipper geometry library. It will let you take 3D model files like STL, 3MF, OBJ, AMF, OFF, 3MJ and generate a GCode path file that you can send to your RepRap 3D printer to print the object.

Installation

Install using PyPi (NOT IMPLEMENTED YET):

unzip mandoline-py.zip
cd mandoline-py
pip3 install .

Installing from sources:

python3 setup.py build install

Usage

To just validate a model, checking it for manifold errors, just run mandoline with the name of the file:

mandoline cube.stl

Any error messages will be printed to STDERR, and the return code will be non-zero if errors were found.

To slice a file into GCode, you need to specify the file to write to with the -o OUTFILE arguments:

mandoline -o cube.gcode cube.stl

If you want to force it to skip validation, then add the -n argument:

mandoline -o cube.gcode -n cube.stl

Settings

To display all slicing config options, use the --show-configs argument:

mandoline --show-configs

To get descriptions about all slicing config options, use the --help-configs argument:

mandoline --help-configs

You can set slicing options on the command-line with -S NAME=VALUE args:

mandoline -S layer_height=0.3 -S skirt_lines=3

You can write changed options to the persistent slicing configs file using the -w argument:

mandoline -S layer_height=0.3 -S brim_width=3 -w

Query Settings

You can query the value of a slicing config option with the -q OPTNAME argument:

mandoline -Q layer_height -Q brim_width

Built-in GUI

You can view the sliced output in a GUI window if you add the -g argument. In this window, up and down arrow keys will move through the slice layers, and the 'q' key will quit and close the window. The keys 1 - 4 or - and = will zoom the image.

TODO

• Fixing non-manifold or general get more linient on models

  • 3DBenchy fails to slice without -n
  • Voron_Design_Cube_v7 slices wrong as seen with -g

• Allow case-insensitive settings (infill_type, support_type, adhesion_type, bed_geometry)
• Resolve "shell" vs "wall" vs "perimeter" in source variables, source comments and config
• ~~Support more import formats, e.g. 3MF~~ done 0.8.6: 3MF, OBJ, OFF, AMF and 3MJ formats added

• Enable multi-model loading/placement/rotation

  • 0.8.4: -M scale=s or -M scale=x,y,z for single model

• Verify models fit inside build volume
• Interior solid infill perimeter paths
• Pathing type prioritization
• Optimize route paths
• Skip retraction for short motions
• Smooth top surfacing for non-flat surfaces

• G-Code custom startup/shutdown/toolchange scripts

  • 0.8.3: start_gcode and end_gcode added

• G-Code flavors
• G-Code volumetric extrusion
• Relative E motions
• Better Bridging

See Also

https://xyzdims.com/2021/09/16/mandoline-slicer/