Skeinforge

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Skeinforge

Release status: experimental

Skeinforge.png
Description
Converts 3D-STL into GCODE
License
GNU AGPL
Author
Contributors
Based-on
Categories
CAD Models
External Link


Skeinforge is a tool chain composed of Python scripts that converts your 3D model into G-Code instructions for RepRap.

Installation

Skeinforge is described [here]. It can be downloaded from the author's [webpage].

Update: The original websites have been terminated and are no longer operational. Fortunately, a web archive of the download page can be found [here] and documentation [here]

Skeinforge is written in the programming language Python. To run Skeinforge you will need Python. Python can be obtained [here.]. The official website for Python is [here]. Having python installed you unzip the skeinforge archive and run

 python skeinforge_application/skeinforge.py

Mr Kliment seems to maintain a (bundled) version that is Portable_Skeinforge

Sfact is another enhanced version of Skeinforge.

Debian testing contains a package sfact and for ubuntu there is now also a ppa available (maverick natty oneiric precise):

sudo apt-add-repository ppa:richi-paraeasy/ppa

Note

Since skeinforge is a big part of the RepRap toolchain for a lot of people we may want to maintain a local mirror of it, along with incorporating all the tutorials. --Sebastien Bailard 18:57, 11 January 2010 (UTC)

Troubleshooting Tips

Extruder not moving
You need the dimensions module loaded to generate E codes, which drive the extruder.
Heater not heating when raft module disabled
The raft module also controls preheating. To stop printing rafts, simply set the layer-counts in the raft module to 0, rather than disabling it.
Extruder running backwards at start of print
Technically this is not a problem with Skeinforge, but you can make a simple change in Skeinforge to work around it. The issue is caused by manual extrusion (through RepRapHost, RepSnapper) prior to a print changing the E value calculated by your firmware.
To fix, in your start.gcode file add the command 'G92 E0' which resets the E count to 0.
Notes
The start.gcode should be in the directory ...\skeinforge_application\alterations where "..." is the directory skeinforge is installed in.
This file needs to be referenced in the "Name of Start File:" entry, under the "Name of Alteration Files" section of the "Preface" tab.
Volume-based extrusion
Skeinforge 040 made some drastic changes to the dimension module (for the better). Check Volumetric Dimension settings for help setting it up.