[johnd]

Need recommendation for slicer software for my new printer.
Looking for something easy for changing setup as we will be capable of multiple
materials.
The printer is controlled by Mach 3.
The heated bed plate as well as the three extruder zones are controlled seperately.
The majority of the models will be created by solid works.
We have done some testing to establish extruder parameters such as RPM, zone
temperatures, and feedrates.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.

JohnR

[metalmayhem]

I've got a flash forge creator pro and I've been using their software . After a few issues with my prints I paid the money for simplify 3d and I don't regret paying for their software . Alternatively craftware has a nice slicer which is free and I used that many times with my other printer . It's very user friendly and has a lot of options . Otherwise there is cura which is probably the most popular . There is lots of online feedback , you can google and find a lot of the settings guy are using , or there are lots of preset profiles that can be downloaded

[CL_MotoTech]

I have had good luck with Cura.

[maxspongebob]

I use CURA and swear by it. However, you are going to have compatibility problems with Mach3. None of the 3D printer G code is going to be recognized by Mach.

What is the printer? Is it a 1-off made by you or a kit? I built mine from scratch and spent much time debating if I wanted to just built a 3D print adapter for my CNC router that runs off Mach4 or build a whole 3D printer. I went with building the whole printer. There was no way I could have written the scripts necessary for controlling the extruder, heaters, and all the rest. Duet3D does a better job of that than I ever could.

https://grabcad.com/library/retnirp-d3-the-3d-printer-1

[johnd]

Sorry I did not respond until now.
The printer is our design or one off as you would say.
The machine specification are as follows:
Build area is 24" x 24" x 24"
The machine would be considered gantry style with the bed Y axis and having a heated platten
26" square.
The gantry consists of X and Z axis equipped a true screw style extruder designed to run common
pelletized resins.
The extruder consists of a single stage design .375 Dia. , 24 to 1 L/D with 3 zone heating. Compression
ratio of the screw is 2 to 1.
All axis are driven by steppers and controlled gecko drives ( 203 V's).
Max travel speed should be around 75 ipm.
We have run the printer by creating simple G code.
Currently building enclosure for safety as well enviormental control.
Hope this helps./