Convert an STL model to a two-extruder model
I have an STL file from thingiverse. The model is of a rectangular lid with an engraving. I would like to print it using two different colors, so that the engraving would be in a different color than the lid base. In the model description, the creator explained that he simply switched the material mid printing.
However, I have a two-extruder printer, and I'd like to utilize it for this printing. What's the easiest way (tool) to select a part of the model and define that it should be printed using a different color?
After a bit tinkering, I finally managed to split the model to two STL files, then used Cura to print them each in its own color. I decided to post here the steps I followed, as simply as I could, hoping that it would help other beginners.
The procedure was quite simple, even though it took a while for me to figure it out:
Following the advice of this video, I used MeshMixer to edit the STL file I downloaded from thingiverse. I:
- Selected the areas I wanted to separate using the select tool (I had to change the tool "radius" so that it won't keep selecting unwanted faces of the model).
- In the same tool, I used the "Separate" command to create two objects from the one I had before. This showed the "object explorer" window.
- I clicked each of the parts in the object explorer window and exported them separately to STL files.
Then, using Cura, I followed this site, and performed the following:
- Loaded both models to Cura (order doesn't matter).
- Picked Print Core 1 for the first part and Core 2 for the second part.
- Selected both models (using the Shift key), then right-clicked and chose "Merge Models"
- Profit!
How did you learn that Meshmixer would accomplish your objective?
License under CC-BY-SA with attribution
Content dated before 7/24/2021 11:53 AM
Tom van der Zanden 5 years ago
What slicer are you using?