71 lines
3.1 KiB
Markdown
71 lines
3.1 KiB
Markdown
# NodeSlicer User Guide
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This guide will walk you through finding the NodeSlicer interface and creating your first slicing workflow.
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## 1. Finding NodeSlicer
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NodeSlicer lives in its own dedicated Node Tree type. To access it:
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1. Open any **Node Editor** area in Blender (usually found in the Shading or Geometry Nodes workspaces).
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2. In the header, click the **Tree Type** icon (next to the "New" button).
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3. Select **NodeSlicer Tree** from the list.
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4. Click **New** to create a new slicing project.
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## 2. Basic Usage: "The Quick Slice"
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Follow these steps to generate G-code for a simple object and preview it:
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### Step 1: Input your Object
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* Press `Shift+A` to open the Add menu.
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* Look for the **SliceNodes** sub-menu at the bottom.
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* Select **Object** to add an object picker.
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* Use the eyedropper to select the mesh you want to slice.
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* 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.
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### Step 2: Slice into Layers
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* Add a **Slice Shells** node from the **SliceNodes** menu.
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* Connect the Mesh output from "Get Mesh" to the Mesh input of "Slice Shells".
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* Set your **Layer Height** (e.g., 0.2 mm).
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### Step 3: Create Paths and G-code
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* Add a **Paths to Gcode** node.
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* Connect the Paths output of "Slice Shells" to the Paths input of "Paths to Gcode".
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* This node generates the raw G-code text.
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### Step 4: Preview the Result
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* Add a **Gcode Preview** node.
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* Connect the Gcode output to it.
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* Click the **Update Debug Mesh** button on the node.
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* A new object named **Debug** will appear in your scene, showing the toolpaths.
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---
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## 3. Adding Perimeters and Infill
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A single slice is just an outline. To make a 3D print, you need wall thickness and internal structure.
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### Buffering (Walls)
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* Use the **Buffer Shells** node between "Slice Shells" and "Paths to Gcode".
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* Set a negative **Distance** (e.g., -0.4 mm) to create an inner perimeter.
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* You can chain multiple Buffer nodes to create multiple walls.
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### Infill (Internal Structure)
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* Add an **Infill** node.
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* Connect your slice paths to its input.
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* **Density**: Controls how close the grid lines are.
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* **Rotation**: Rotates the grid (in degrees). The grid is calculated globally, so it stays perfectly aligned across layers.
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---
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## 4. Exporting to a File
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Once you are happy with the preview:
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1. Add a **Gcode to File** node.
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2. Connect your G-code string to it.
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3. Type a **Filename** (e.g., `C:/temp/my_slice.gcode` or `/tmp/test.gcode`).
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4. Click **Generate File**.
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## 5. Tips for Success
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* **Scale**: The slicer treats 1 Blender unit as 1 meter, but scales everything to **mm** for the G-code output.
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* **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.
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* **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.
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