In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of downloading, installing and using PrusaSlicer to slice your STL files for our Prusa i3 MK3S+ printers, before exporting that gcode to 3DPrinterOS, our cloud based printing platform that allows you to remotely queue prints to our print farm.

please note! All students can queue to the print farm after training, but our print farm runs on a service based model. This means that the queue is managed by staff to balance the workload among all of the printers, as well as remove the prints from the printer and place them outside the lab for pickup.

How to download and install PrusaSlicer:

Step 1: visit the official Prusa website

Open your web browser and navigate to the official Prusa website. Click here or type in prusa3d.com into the address bar and press Enter.

Step 2: go to the PrusaSlicer page

Once you’re on the Prusa website, locate the “Software” section in the menu bar at the top of the page. Hover over this section, and a dropdown menu will appear. Click on “PrusaSlicer” from the options provided.

Step 3: choose your operating system

On the PrusaSlicer page, you’ll find options to download the software for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Click on the appropriate download link based on the operating system you’re using.

Step 4: download the installer

After selecting your operating system, you’ll be directed to a page where you can download the PrusaSlicer installer file. Click on the download button to start the download process. The file size may vary depending on your operating system.

Step 5: run the installer

Once the download is complete, locate the installer file on your computer (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click on it to run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation.

Step 6: install PrusaSlicer

During the installation process, you may be prompted to choose installation options such as the installation directory and additional components. Make your selections as desired and click “Next” or “Install” to proceed. You likely do not need to install the firmware updater unless you own your own Prusa.

Step 7: Select the Prusa i3 MK3S+ printer

During the installation process, you’ll have the option to select the printer model for which you want to import presets. At the time of writing this article, the School of Architecture and Design is utilizing Prusa i3 MK3S+ printer, make sure to choose this model when prompted. This ensures that PrusaSlicer will load presets designed for the correct printer. Please check with a staff member to ensure that this is the most up-to-date printers that we have available in the labs to use with PrusaSlicer!

Step 8: complete the installation

After the installation process is complete, you’ll typically see a confirmation message indicating that PrusaSlicer has been successfully installed on your computer. Click “Finish” or “Close” to exit the installer.

Step 9: launch PrusaSlicer

Once PrusaSlicer is installed, you can launch the software by locating it in your list of installed applications or by using the desktop shortcut if one was created during the installation process.

Step 10: verify installation

Upon launching PrusaSlicer, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the interface and ensure that everything is working correctly. You’re now ready to start slicing your STL files for your Prusa i3 MK3S+ printer!

How to slice STL or OBJ Files with Prusa Slicer for Wentworth’s Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D Printer fleet

Step 1: import your STL file

Launch PrusaSlicer after installation and import your STL file into the software. You can drag and drop the file or use the “File” menu to open it. If PrusaSlicer was installed correctly, it will automatically load presets optimized for the Prusa i3 MK3S+ printer.

Step 2: adjust print settings

Next, fine-tune the print settings according to your preferences and the requirements of your model. PrusaSlicer offers a variety of parameters to customize, including layer height, infill density, print speed, and support structures. You can choose from predefined presets or create custom settings for your specific project. 

 

Why might you want to use custom settings? It may be necessary if you’re considering factors such as: print quality, print speed, material usage, and durability of your prints when adjusting settings. Please speak with a staff member if you think custom slicing settings are best suited for your particular project. 

Step 3: slice your model

Once you’ve configured the print settings, it’s time to slice your model. Click the “Slice Now” button in PrusaSlicer, and the software will generate the G-code instructions tailored for your Prusa i3 MK3S+ printer. This process divides your model into layers and calculates the toolpath for precise printing.

Step 4: save the G-code file

After slicing is complete, save the generated G-code file to your computer. This file contains instructions for your Prusa i3 MK3S+ printer, including movement paths, temperatures, and extrusion rates. Ensure the file is saved in a location where it’s easily accessible.

Step 5: upload to 3DPrinterOS

You may drag and drop your gcode file into 3DPrinterOS. It should automatically detect that this was sliced in PrusaSlicer for a Prusa I3MK3S+ , but if it doesn’t please select that from the drop-down menu of options. 

Step 6:

Print as you normally would from your training in 3DPrinterOS!