MatterControl
Release status: working
Description | graphical user interface front-end to G-code sender and various slicing programs
|
License | ???
|
Author | |
Contributors | |
Based-on | |
Categories | |
CAD Models | |
External Link |
Contents
Introduction
MatterControl is a free software program developed by MatterHackersto control RepRap 3D printers. It enables users to organize and manage the printing process.
Overview
The program includes:
- Automatic bed leveling
- a 3D viewer with the ability to rotate, scale, and mirror designs
- a 2D viewer to examine the individual layers of a sliced design
- the ability to switch between slicing engines, including Cura and Slic3r
- a library which enables users to organize, search, and manage their design files
- a terminal to make G-code edits
- a quick printer connection wizard and dropdown list for multiple 3D printers
Platform
MatterControl is currently in beta and available for downloadon Windows and Mac. A Linux version is in development.
Features
Printer Controls
Temperature Control
The printer's bed and extruder can be heated manually by using the sliders. There are also presets for the extruder and bed temperatures. For the extruder temperature, the PLA and ABS presets are 180C and 230C respectively. For the bed temperature, the PLA and ABS presets are 70C and 130C respectively. The Target and Actual temperatures of the extruder are displayed to the right of the sliders. The current temperatures of the bed and extruder are displayed with two white icons at the top-right corner of the interface.
Movement Control
Movement controls for the X, Y, and Z axes are located below the Temperature Settings. The ALL, X, Y, and Z icons home the respective axis or axes and the UNLOCK icon stops the motors.
The X, Y, and Z axes can also be moved in increments of 0.1mm, 1mm, and 10mm by clicking their respective "+" and "-" icons.
Automatic Bed Leveling
The Print Leveling wizard determines, by measuring several points on the bed, the current angle of the bed and compensates for unevenness while printing. Thus, a perfectly leveled print can be achieved without a properly leveled bed.
3D Model View
Users can rotate a part on the X, Y and Z axes and click "align to bed" to situate the part on the platform. Users can also scale the part to the maximum area which their printer's dimensions envelop. An option is included for easy design conversion between metric and imperial units. Finally, users can mirror parts on every the X, Y and Z axes.