(updated 7/3/25)

Once you have your 3d object file, such as .stl, you’re ready to use the slicing software. In the 3d printing room, use the computer setup on the right side of the room. Open the Prusa Slicer software. On the right side there are a few drop down menus to select the various options.

First, pick the preset for which printer you’re going to use. Double check that the Prusa MK3S+ profile is selected

Next, you’ll need to add your object into the slicing software. At the top of the main window there’s a button for “add.” This will prompt you to open the file you want to print.

Your object will appear in the center of the build plate. Generally you won't need to do much else here. Just choose the few options that were discussed during the training course.

You’ll need to choose the filament type (PLA or PETG) . This option includes the temperature setting. Generally you’ll want to use “Generic PLA” for normal PLA prints.

Choose your desired layer thickness (recall there is a trade off between how smooth the object will look vs how much time it will take to print. .20mm is standard.)

You’ll also need to decide on your support options. If you have any portions of your object that overhang in the air, you should use the “build plate support” option.

Once all of the options are set, you can click the Slice Now button at the bottom right.

The multicolored line view is the actual toolpath that the machine will perform. Take a moment to make sure it seems logical. For example, check that there are no parts that will try to print in mid air. (This will cause a failed print.) If you need to make any changes (such as changing the support options) you’ll need to go back to the object tab on the bottom left, and then click the slice now button again to see the updated toolpath.

Once it looks good, click the “export g-code” button in the bottom right to save the instruction file for the 3d printer onto one of the SD cards. This .gcode file is what you will run on the 3d printer itself.

Here are the printers in the space, all four on the racks are Prusa MK3S+ models. The one on the table to the left is the MMU3 multi color printer.

FOR THE PRUSA MK3S+: