Notifications
Clear all

PLA color changes without changing GCODE  

  RSS
Kevin
(@kevin-7)
Active Member
PLA color changes without changing GCODE
Want to start playing with PLA filament changes mid-print, color to color only. Having some trouble getting started with the correct settings and could PLEASE use some guidance. I am also looking to use this as a print pause to insert a small magnet into the base of the print. It seems the easiest way so far to do that, but i will happily explore other suggestions anyone may have found that worked for them.
Printing on an MK3S with single extruder. Have not been able to order the MMU yet due to availability. I know how to make this work with pause at height in CURA. But would really like to figure it out in PrusaSlicer, i like it better for a lot of things so far.
I'm hoping to automate both these steps to have the machine beep at me for attention (or something like that). It is in a different room and i don't want to have to sit and "watch paint dry" so to speak.
Posted : 20/08/2020 3:19 am
tj
 tj
(@tj-2)
Trusted Member
RE: PLA color changes without changing GCODE

Since latest versions of prusa slicer it should be pretty straight forward to add a color change at a given layer height.

Add your object as normal and slice it, go to preview window and move slider to the needed layer height, right click the plus sign on the right side of the slider itself and pick "Add color change (M600)"
Repeat as many times as you want.

You also use the same mechanism to insert a pause at given layer height, plus if you are a bit more creative you can insert your own custom G-code too (like pause + beep probably).

 

Regarding MMU, if/when you get one i would recommend to first make sure you have a well working printer that you are familiar with how to troubleshoot.
The MMU adds a lot of complexity and at times can be a bit frustrating (speaking from personal experience with LOADs of odd problems that eventually turned out to be a power cable problem) so be patient with it.

Posted : 20/08/2020 7:54 pm
Kevin
(@kevin-7)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: PLA color changes without changing GCODE

@torbjorn-j3

Thank you so much for the input. I printing a test with this right now, we'll see how it turns out. And i very much appreciate the advanced advise on the MMU. I have now doubt I will be pulsing the wealth of experience around here down the road again. I do have one question regarding mid-print color change or filament change in general. I know in Cura i can set the filament change to repeat the last printed layer or quickly "iron" the last layer to help fuse the two filaments together. Have you noticed if it does this in PrusaSlicer? Or even found a need for this to occur. My experience with Cura leans toward this layer repeat being beneficial. Just a curiosity as the next test print include both a color change and embedded magnet.

Posted : 21/08/2020 5:29 am
Share: