73 lines
3.3 KiB
Markdown
73 lines
3.3 KiB
Markdown
This document provides some tips for configuring a "slicer"
|
|
application for use with Klipper. Common slicers used with Klipper are
|
|
Slic3r, Cura, Simplify3D, etc.
|
|
|
|
# Set the G-Code flavor to Marlin
|
|
|
|
Many slicers have an option to configure the "G-Code flavor". The
|
|
default is frequently "Marlin" and that works well with Klipper. The
|
|
"Smoothieware" setting also works well with Klipper.
|
|
|
|
# Klipper gcode_macro
|
|
|
|
Slicers will often allow one to configure "Start G-Code" and "End
|
|
G-Code" sequences. It is often convenient to define custom macros in
|
|
the Klipper config file instead - such as: `[gcode_macro START_PRINT]`
|
|
and `[gcode_macro END_PRINT]`. Then one can just run START_PRINT and
|
|
END_PRINT in the slicer's configuration. Defining these actions in the
|
|
Klipper configuration may make it easier to tweak the printer's start
|
|
and end steps as changes do not require re-slicing.
|
|
|
|
See the
|
|
[example-extras.cfg](https://github.com/KevinOConnor/klipper/tree/master/config/example-extras.cfg)
|
|
file for details on defining a gcode_macro.
|
|
|
|
# Large retraction settings may require tuning Klipper
|
|
|
|
The maximum speed and acceleration of retraction moves are controlled
|
|
in Klipper by the `max_extrude_only_velocity` and
|
|
`max_extrude_only_accel` config settings. These settings have a
|
|
default value that should work well on many printers. However, if one
|
|
has configured a large retraction in the slicer (eg, 5mm or greater)
|
|
then one may find they limit the desired speed of retractions.
|
|
|
|
If using a large retraction, consider tuning Klipper's
|
|
[pressure advance](Pressure_Advance.md) instead. Otherwise, if one
|
|
finds the toolhead seems to "pause" during retraction and priming,
|
|
then consider explicitly defining `max_extrude_only_velocity` and
|
|
`max_extrude_only_accel` in the Klipper config file.
|
|
|
|
# Do not enable "coasting"
|
|
|
|
The "coasting" feature is likely to result in poor quality prints with
|
|
Klipper. Consider using Klipper's
|
|
[pressure advance](Pressure_Advance.md) instead.
|
|
|
|
Specifically, if the slicer dramatically changes the extrusion rate
|
|
between moves then Klipper will perform deceleration and acceleration
|
|
between moves. This is likely to make blobbing worse, not better.
|
|
|
|
In contrast, it is okay (and often helpful) to use a slicer's
|
|
"retract" setting, "wipe" setting, and/or "wipe on retract" setting.
|
|
|
|
# Disable any "advanced extruder pressure" settings
|
|
|
|
Some slicers advertise an "advanced extruder pressure" capability. It
|
|
is recommended to keep these options disabled when using Klipper as
|
|
they are likely to result in poor quality prints. Consider using
|
|
Klipper's [pressure advance](Pressure_Advance.md) instead.
|
|
|
|
Specifically, these slicer settings can instruct the firmware to make
|
|
wild changes to the extrusion rate in the hope that the firmware will
|
|
approximate those requests and the printer will roughly obtain a
|
|
desirable extruder pressure. Klipper, however, utilizes precise
|
|
kinematic calculations and timing. When Klipper is commanded to make
|
|
significant changes to the extrusion rate it will plan out the
|
|
corresponding changes to velocity, acceleration, and extruder
|
|
movement - which is not the slicer's intent. The slicer may even
|
|
command excessive extrusion rates to the point that it triggers
|
|
Klipper's maximum extrusion cross-section check.
|
|
|
|
In contrast, it is okay (and often helpful) to use a slicer's
|
|
"retract" setting, "wipe" setting, and/or "wipe on retract" setting.
|