SLS 3D printer RAMP's and a Post Processor.

Hello,

I recently constructed an SLS printer and I need some help with the Post Processor, for Firmware I'm using Marlin, and for the electronics I have RAMP's.

Three Axis of the Five available on the RAMP's are being used, however I don't mind using another Driver for the Second Piston Motor it's not required, I inverted the wiring of one motor attached to the Z, this way one motor lifts the bed and the other drops the bed.

What I need to do is have the printer or Post-Processor in Slic3r do the following before each layer.

* Run to absolute Zero (Move "Y" to the end of the Second Powder Bed and "X" to the far right corner).
* Move one bed (piston) up a layer, and the other down a layer (Currently just one driver "Z")
* Move to the other end and cover both beds, (scrape the powder from the First Piston over the Second).
* Move to Zero on the Second Print bed and print the layer.
*** Repeat***

So I think I need G-Code or a Post-Processor to complete these steps.

Can anyone help me with an Example or Solution?
Does this require M-Code or is it just G-code?

For example is it just simple G-Code?

G1 Y0 X0;
G1 Z0.5; // Part of a typical process, will it move the motors twice?
G1 Y200;
G1 Y100;

Where do I enter this if it's the case?

Thanks in advance for any and all help, thanks also for your time.

So given this link: [manual.slic3r.org]
After switching to Expert there is a spot for "Layer Change G-Code"...
I'll keep digging but it looks like .pl is required, but G-Code might work?

I need this to happen between layers as noted last:

1.) Move the Gantry and Tooling (Syntering Laser/ IR) to Zero.
2.) Move the Z axis as normal (I'm really stumped here).
3.) Move the Gantry and Tooling 100% across the table.
4.) Move the Gantry 48% across the table
5.) Print the layer.

Repeat...

Can anyone help me with an example for the "Layer Change G-Code"? I've been looking but I don't see anything.

I think I got it!!

No Post required...

But please critique! I'm going to give it a try...
(Layer change G-Code)
; Z moves and the Powder Bed Rises, the Print bed drops:
G60 Z ; Remembers the position of the Axis
G1 Z0 ; will move everything to Zero, this includes the Part being made.
G1 X0 Y-35 ; must be negative because Zero is the Print Bed (Not sure about the limit switch here.
G61 Z ; Returns the Z back to the next layer height, the Print bed may lose powder….
G1 Y235 ; Moves across the bed
G1 Y0 ; Moves to zero

What printer firmware are you using that supports the G60 and G61 commands to save/restore the position? I can't find those documented, although I found other meanings for them when controlling CNC machines.

---

Large delta printer [miscsolutions.wordpress.com], E3D tool changer, Robotdigg SCARA printer, Crane Quad and Ormerod

Disclosure: I design Duet electronics and work on RepRapFirmware, [duet3d.com].

Hi DC42,

I'm using Marlin, the forum location I found the G60 on is here: [forums.reprap.org]

Do you happen to have any suggestions?

I tried downloading an older version of Slic3r to see if that would work, the older versions may not move the Z axis befor the layer change, but no luck.

Would it be a G90 thing?

Thanks again for any help.

Well I figured it out, check out my post here for more details: [whatisacnc.com]