nodeslicer/doc/USER_GUIDE.md

NodeSlicer User Guide

This guide will walk you through finding the NodeSlicer interface and creating your first slicing workflow.

1. Finding NodeSlicer

NodeSlicer lives in its own dedicated Node Tree type. To access it:

1. Open any Node Editor area in Blender (usually found in the Shading or Geometry Nodes workspaces).
2. In the header, click the Tree Type icon (next to the "New" button).
3. Select NodeSlicer Tree from the list.
4. Click New to create a new slicing project.

2. Basic Usage: "The Quick Slice"

Follow these steps to generate G-code for a simple object and preview it:

Step 1: Input your Object

• Press Shift+A to open the Add menu.
• Look for the SliceNodes sub-menu at the bottom.
• Select Object to add an object picker.
• Use the eyedropper to select the mesh you want to slice.
• From the same menu, add a Get Mesh node and connect the Object output to it. This converts the Blender object into a format the slicer understands.

Step 2: Slice into Layers

• Add a Slice Shells node from the SliceNodes menu.
• Connect the Mesh output from "Get Mesh" to the Mesh input of "Slice Shells".
• Set your Layer Height (e.g., 0.2 mm).

Step 3: Create Paths and G-code

• Add a Paths to Gcode node.
• Connect the Paths output of "Slice Shells" to the Paths input of "Paths to Gcode".
• This node generates the raw G-code text.

Step 4: Preview the Result

• Add a Gcode Preview node.
• Connect the Gcode output to it.
• Click the Update Debug Mesh button on the node.
• A new object named Debug will appear in your scene, showing the toolpaths.

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3. Adding Perimeters and Infill

A single slice is just an outline. To make a 3D print, you need wall thickness and internal structure.

Buffering (Walls)

• Use the Buffer Shells node between "Slice Shells" and "Paths to Gcode".
• Set a negative Distance (e.g., -0.4 mm) to create an inner perimeter.
• You can chain multiple Buffer nodes to create multiple walls.

Infill (Internal Structure)

• Add an Infill node.
• Connect your slice paths to its input.
• Density: Controls how close the grid lines are.
• Rotation: Rotates the grid (in degrees). The grid is calculated globally, so it stays perfectly aligned across layers.

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4. Exporting to a File

Once you are happy with the preview:

1. Add a Gcode to File node.
2. Connect your G-code string to it.
3. Type a Filename (e.g., C:/temp/my_slice.gcode or /tmp/test.gcode).
4. Click Generate File.

5. Tips for Success

• Scale: The slicer treats 1 Blender unit as 1 meter, but scales everything to mm for the G-code output.
• Orientation: The slicer currently assumes your object is oriented correctly for printing (Z is up). You can use the Rotation input on the Slice Shells node to slice at an angle if needed.
• Performance: For very complex meshes, the "Get Mesh" and "Slice Shells" nodes might take a moment to compute. The result is cached, so changing settings further down the chain (like Infill density) will be much faster.