[Feature Request] Set Number of Instances/Fill bed with instances

[harriettubgirl]

Hello I just wanted to put in my request for re-adding the ability to add instances or set number of instances of a specific model from prusaslicer/superslicer as it's implemented over there.

I find it's far easier to work with than using clone.

Thanks!

[YifanWuBambu]

@harriettubgirl
Bambu Studio optimized the clone logic.
All cloned objects shared the same geometry data and only one object is really sliced.

[Kingbuzz0]

I agree creating instances is important functionality that has different use benefits over cloning. The key benefit of instances is that they inherit the object print settings. Clones, once created must have their settings managed as separate objects. What is interesting is that BambuStudio appears to currently support instance functionality. If a 3mf file that was created in PrusaSlicer has model instances, they will carry over when imported to BambuStudio. They show as "instance" and behave as expected. It just seems like in BambuStudio, the + and - options were just omitted.

Please add this functionality.

[jeffamelang]

Cloning and instances are fundamentally different. I don't think that the end user cares that "only one object is really sliced", we would like to have a primary copy of the geometry and a bunch of instances, so that if you make changes to the primary copy, that change affects all of the instances.

Please add this functionality.

[harriettubgirl]

Thank you for adding your feedback on this! I agree, it has a lot of important functionality and I really hope it's added!

[ftheriachab]

Definitely would like this feature implemented. When batching out parts, it's so nice to have the slicer determine the maximum number of objects in can print.

[kozakm00]

Agree with OP, need to add instancing to the Bambu studio. Prusa slicer has it

[pennystockss]

This is huge for me. Printing 3-20 versions of the same object routinely. Kind of a pain having to delete every one but a single one. Make a change, then clone it back.

[khibchen]

Linked instances that all share the same parameters and modifiers is a critical feature for anyone that produces multiple identical parts on a build plate. The way it’s implemented in Prusa Slicer is very powerful and simple to use. The clone function in Bamboo Studio basically just makes ‘dumb’ copies of a part. Any changes to one part are not automatically reflected in the other parts.

The absence of linked instances in Bamboo Studio requires a lot of tedious effort to make even small changes to multiple identical parts. I routinely print 120 small parts on a build plate. For various reasons it’s sometimes required to change the parameters, a modifier or some other detail of that part. In Bamboo Studio I must delete all instances except one, make the changes to the one part and then re-create the desired number of clones. Finally, I must redo the arrangement of the parts on the build plate.

Another problem with the ‘clone’ approach is that there is no easy way to know how many objects are on the build plate. You must count them! In Prusa Slicer, under each part there is an ‘Instances’ item that can be opened and you can see all the instances listed and clearly numbered. If you want to change the number of instances in Prusa Slicer, you just right-click on an instance and select ‘Set number of instances…’. There are a lot of things I like about Bamboo Studio and the X-1 Carbon an absolutely awesome 3D printer. Bamboo Labs seem to be very responsive to user feedback. I hope they will add this feature soon.

[harriettubgirl]

Linked instances that all share the same parameters and modifiers is a critical feature for anyone that produces multiple identical parts on a build plate. The way it’s implemented in Prusa Slicer is very powerful and simple to use. The clone function in Bamboo Studio basically just makes ‘dumb’ copies of a part. Any changes to one part are not automatically reflected in the other parts.

The absence of linked instances in Bamboo Studio requires a lot of tedious effort to make even small changes to multiple identical parts. I routinely print 120 small parts on a build plate. For various reasons it’s sometimes required to change the parameters, a modifier or some other detail of that part. In Bamboo Studio I must delete all instances except one, make the changes to the one part and then re-create the desired number of clones. Finally, I must redo the arrangement of the parts on the build plate.

Another problem with the ‘clone’ approach is that there is no easy way to know how many objects are on the build plate. You must count them! In Prusa Slicer, under each part there is an ‘Instances’ item that can be opened and you can see all the instances listed and clearly numbered. If you want to change the number of instances in Prusa Slicer, you just right-click on an instance and select ‘Set number of instances…’. There are a lot of things I like about Bamboo Studio and the X-1 Carbon an absolutely awesome 3D printer. Bamboo Labs seem to be very responsive to user feedback. I hope they will add this feature soon.

Thanks for your reply to this. Agree completely with your thorough explanation! I just posted it on the forums to hopefully get more dev attention if you wouldn't mind throwing this reply or showing support over there! Much appreciated

https://forum.bambulab.com/t/set-number-of-instances-fill-bed-with-instances/6427

[Kingbuzz0]

I think it might help to change the title and original ask. The way it reads, the request is for the fill bed feature. I think this should be secondary feature request with the priority goal of adding the 'instance' construct. Clones and Assemblies to address the need. How instances are implemented in PrusaSlicer is exactly what is needed and should be straightforward.

@YifanWuBambu since you have been the only Bambu rep to comment, can you please help to get a dev assignment on this?

[KD7LRJ]

Yes, please implement the ability to edit a single object and have all copies on the plate inherit the settings.

I'm currently working on producing 200K of these little game pieces with 6 printers (so far) and this would have been extremely helpful while developing the custom settings for them. All of the things a previous poster mentioned applied to my experience as well. The worst was having to recreate the custom layout every time I made an update to the settings. I went through 88 revisions (I renumber each one before I send it to the printer) over the past 3 months perfecting the process and am about half way through the 400+ rolls of PETG now. Printers are doing great, btw!