Orca Slicer Guide
Step-by-Step Tutorials for Beginners and Advanced Users
Getting Started with Orca Slicer
Orca Slicer has an intuitive interface for your 3D printing project. Use the application to set up your printer and have a 3D printout.
Our comprehensive guide helps you understand the most crucial features of the software. You will understand how to update the application and edit G-code. The guide also covers other details, such as adjusting nozzle sizes and print speed. So, keep reading and remove your doubts about the usage of Orca Slicer.
How Does Our Advanced 3D Printing Software Work?
Orca Slicer is designed to scan the 3D model thoroughly to provide the desired output. It slices the model into multiple thin horizontal layers. It converts the sliced layers into a language (G-code), which is identifiable to the 3D printer. The application optimizes G-code that contains instructions about the movement of your printer’s nozzle. The instructions also include details on the usage of filament and temperature settings.
To prevent printing issues, Orca Slicer lets you preview the G-code of every layer. Based on the preview, you may adjust the print speed and layer height. Proper adjustments will lead to pro-level 3D prints. After doing configurations, send the G-code file to your machine through Wi-Fi or USB.
How to update Orca Slicer?
Ensure you are using the latest version of Orca Slicer. Find a guide to updating our software.
Check the Current Version
Detect the current version before taking a step for an upgrade. Go to the About section to find the version details. If it is an old version, download the latest one from our website.
Back Up Your Settings
It is safe to have a data backup before updating the application to its latest version. Hit the File option from the toolbar and click on Export to create a backup file. Store the file in your preferred location.
Download the Latest Version
The new version is downloadable from our official site. This application is compatible with almost any OS, such as Windows and Mac.
Install the Update
First, close the application file before installation. Access the download file and double-click it. This step will initiate the installation process. Read the instructions displayed on your screen to launch the software.
Verify the Update
Now, check if the latest version has been installed on your device. So, again go to the About section to find information. Also, ensure that the upgraded features of Orca Slicer are working smoothly. Your software should be free from bugs.
Restoring Your Backup
As you have backed up data, restore it. Go to the File section and click on Import.
How to Edit G-code in Orca Slicer?
Your printer needs customization to edit the G-code and have a clear output. Moreover, your data should have a backup before editing. You have to test the new G-code on a sample print.
Check the steps for editing it.
1st Method — Edit Start or End G-code of Orca Slicer
Access the software and manage Printer Settings. It lets you adjust the existing G-code. Work on the scripts before dealing with the G-code. For instance, heat the nozzle or move the printer head before starting the printing process. These settings are also important for running commands once the printing has been done.
2nd Method — Edit the saved G-code file
- Start slicing your chosen model.
- From the Preview tab, click Export G-code.
- Access the G-code file with Notepad++.
- Add commands or edit them.
M106 S255 for adjusting fan speed
M104 S210 for nozzle temperature (210°C)
M25 for pausing the print
3rd Method — Add commands at a particular layer
- Locate a line (such as
LAYER:10) in your G-code. - Add commands and run the layer.
How to Shrink or Scale in Orca Slicer?
If the chosen model is very small or big, scaling or shrinking is the best option. Orca Slicer lets you resize the model in different steps.
- Load your model to Orca Slicer and resize it. Click it for selection. The model size is adjustable with the Scale tool.
- Enter the percentage based on the desired size. To shrink the model, the percentage should be below 100. Drag the scale to modify it.
To alter sides at once, choose the Uniform Scaling option. However, you can deactivate it to allow automatic resizing. Use the preview to determine if your model aligns with the build plate. When the settings are correct, start slicing and export your slice G-code for 3D prints.
How to Change Print Speed in Orca?
Click your model and go to the Print Settings. Scroll to the Speed section for different adjustments.
- Perimeters — inner and outer walls — you can set them slow for a better output.
- Infill — this internal structure can be faster (50 mm/s or more).
- Supports — match them to infill and slow speed whenever needed.
- Travel — the fast non-printing moves.
Remember that when layers are small, Orca slows down automatically to facilitate cooling. Go to Cooling and click the Minimum Layer Time option. Sometimes, the hot part cannot dissolve the filament quickly. In this case, our software adjusts the speed depending on the printer profile’s volumetric flow. The speed should match the settings chosen.
The acceleration settings of the backend regulate the printer’s speed. In case of low acceleration, the printer does not reach the desired speed.
How to Change Nozzle Size in Orca Slicer?
You may need to alter the nozzle size using Orca Slicer. The nozzle size should be small for your detailed model. However, to accelerate printing, enlarge the nozzle. For a slower process, 0.2 mm is the best size. Choose 0.8 mm to find better quality prints. In this case, you need to sacrifice the details.
As you have understood the significance of the nozzle size, learn the way to adjust it.
Launch our software on a device and access the Printer Profile. Go to the Printer Settings and set the size from the Nozzle Diameter option. Save the new diameter details with a single click.
Manage the nozzle and settings, such as speed and layer height. These steps are important for restoring the speed and quality.
How to Cut in Orca Slicer?
Our 3D printing software lets you cut the chosen model precisely. Learn the way to use connections and glue the parts together.
Open Orca Slicer
The primary step is to open the application.
Bring in Your Model
- Send the model into your slicer. As we often update the application, you may find a slight difference in the interface design.
- The older versions had a separate cut button. But, the latest one includes a number of shortcuts for your convenience.
Open the Cut Function
Click on the model to select. Press the key combinations Shift + C to access the Cut function. The software will start cutting your model. Check its design and hit the axis controls to adjust the cut plane. It may take time to identify the right axis. After selecting the appropriate one, lift the cut.
In a few cases, the cut line reaches an awkward place. So, use another axis control to manage the cut’s angle and position.
Add Connectors
You can leverage connectors by clicking the Connectors tab. Choose the spot where you need to place them. They are resizable if you edit the values or drag the slider. Make the connection stronger by adding more depth. Modify the connector shape based on your needs.
After adjusting the settings, select the option — Confirm Connectors. You will find the full model, although the connectors are internally used.
Perform the Cut
The Perform Cut section lets you see separate models. Based on the cut’s position, make an exact split. It effectively prints big models in multiple smaller sections.
These are steps for cutting the model into different parts. Connectors help you join the parts easily.
How to Merge Objects in Orca Slicer?
Our 3D printing software enables you to consider multiple 3D models as a single printing piece. Import the parts for successful merging and positioning. With rotation and alignment, you can do so. Choose the positioned models to merge them. Press the Ctrl button and click each on the list.
Once you have right-clicked Assemble, Orca Slicer treats them as a model. Still, you can adjust each piece.
Then, blend the models into a solid mesh for your 3D printing project. Select Assembly and access Mesh Boolean. Click on Union and select the part. It takes some time to combine the objects and get them ready for slicing.
These tricks help you combine smaller parts into a single print. Ensure you have chosen slightly overlapping models to stick them together.
How to Add a Pause in Orca Slicer?
To adjust anything in mid-print, use the Pause feature. Open the application and add the pause to your file. When the file is ready for print, click the Preview tab and check the layers.
The preview makes it easy to determine the position where you should add the pause. For example, you can switch filament colors or insert an object. After identifying layers for the pause, right-click on it and choose Add Pause.
The second step is to choose the Slice Plate option to re-slice. You can also insert the G-code to ensure a pause. After finishing the slicing process, see the Preview again to position the pause. The G-code will display the command for a pause at a particular layer. Now, you can print your model while the pause function is turned on.
How to Export Orca Slicer Settings?
Export the software settings and maintain a backup. You may also move them to a different device.
Open Orca Slicer
- Ensure you have launched the application.
Access the Export Menu
Go to the File option and select Export. Click on Export Preset Bundle from the menu.
Determine What to Export:
Find a window with different options.
- Printer config bundle — move your printer setup that includes print profiles and printer configurations.
- Filament bundle — manage printer connections and custom filament profiles.
- Printer presets — export printer settings.
- Filament presets — move filament configurations.
- Process presets — move print profiles.
Select the option based on what you need to export.
Select the Presets
After selecting the export type, check the configurations and the presets to be saved.
Save the Exported File
By clicking OK, you can save the file. It will be easy to find the file at any time.
Conclusion
Orca Slicer is an innovative 3D printing application that lets you adjust and merge prints. Our comprehensible tutorial will help you use the software efficiently. You can also find answers to Orca Slicer-related queries. Use the application properly to produce a quality output for your 3D printing project.