In 3D printing, one of the common challenges is managing vibrations or “ringing” (also known as ghosting) that appear on the surface of printed objects. These artifacts are caused by the printer’s rapid directional changes, particularly when printing at high speeds. A game-changing solution to this problem is input shaping, a technique that mitigates vibrations and enhances print quality. With Orca Slicer, setting up input shaping is easier than ever.
What is Input Shaping?
Input shaping is a motion-planning algorithm that adjusts the timing of a printer’s movements to cancel out the vibrations caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration. By shaping the motion commands, it minimizes oscillations in the printer’s structure, resulting in smoother prints without sacrificing speed.
Why Use Input Shaping?
- Reduced Ringing/Ghosting: Eliminates surface artifacts caused by vibrations.
- Higher Print Speeds: Enables faster printing without compromising print quality.
- Improved Accuracy: Ensures sharper corners and details.
- Optimized Performance: Works seamlessly with modern 3D printers and slicers.
How Input Shaping Works in Orca Slicer
Orca Slicer integrates input shaping into its advanced settings, allowing you to tune your printer’s performance easily. By configuring input shaping, the slicer communicates optimized motion commands to the printer’s firmware, such as Klipper, which supports this feature.
Setting Up Input Shaping in Orca Slicer
Prerequisites
- 3D Printer Firmware: Your printer should run a firmware that supports input shaping, such as Klipper.
- Measurement Tool: An accelerometer (e.g., ADXL345) to measure your printer’s resonance frequencies.
- Orca Slicer: Download and install the slicer (a fork of Bambu Studio) compatible with Klipper.
Step 1: Measure Resonance Frequencies
- Attach the accelerometer to your printer’s hotend or bed carriage.
- Use Klipper to run a resonance test by following these commands:
- Ensure the accelerometer is recognized by the firmware.
- Run a
CALIBRATE_SHAPERcommand in Klipper’s console.
- The test generates a frequency response graph and identifies the printer’s resonance peaks (X and Y axes).
Step 2: Configure Input Shaping in Klipper
- Open the printer.cfg file in Klipper.
- Add the identified resonance frequencies to the
[input_shaper]section:
[input_shaper] shaper_type_x = mzv ; Modify based on your preference (e.g., mzv, ei, zv) shaper_freq_x = <Frequency from test> shaper_type_y = mzv shaper_freq_y = <Frequency from test>
- Save and restart the firmware.
Step 3: Enable Input Shaping in Orca Slicer
- Printer Profile: Set up a profile for your printer in Orca Slicer.
- Advanced Settings:
- Navigate to the “Printer Settings” tab.
- Locate “Input Shaping” and enable it.
- Match the shaper frequencies and types configured in Klipper.
- Slice your model as usual.
Step 4: Test and Refine
- Print a calibration object, such as a vibration tower or a ringing test cube, to verify the improvements.
- If needed, fine-tune the shaper frequencies based on the test results.
Tips for Using Input Shaping
- Shaper Selection: Start with MZV for a balance of quality and speed. Experiment with ZV or EI for specific use cases.
- Printer Maintenance: Ensure belts are tight, pulleys are secure, and the frame is rigid. Input shaping can’t fix mechanical issues.
- Maximize Speed: With input shaping active, try increasing your printer’s acceleration limits for faster prints without compromising quality.
Conclusion
Input shaping is a transformative feature that empowers 3D printing enthusiasts to achieve superior print quality at higher speeds. Orca Slicer, with its intuitive interface and robust integration with Klipper, makes this cutting-edge technique accessible to all.
By investing a bit of time in setup and calibration, you can say goodbye to ringing artifacts and enjoy faster, more precise prints. Try input shaping today and elevate your 3D printing experience!
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