MatterControl
Release status: working
| Description | graphical user interface front-end to G-code sender and various slicing programs
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| License | ???
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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. It is currently in beta and available for downloadon Windows and Mac. A Linux version is in development.
Overview
The program includes:
- a 3D viewer with the ability to rotate, scale, and mirror designs
- a 2D viewer to examine the individual layers of a sliced design
- a Print Queue to manage large projects
- a library to enable users to organize, search, and manage their design files
- a quick printer connection wizard and dropdown list for managing multiple 3D printers
- a feature for Automatic Bed Leveling
- the ability to switch between slicing engines, including Cura and Slic3r
- a terminal to make G-code edits
Features
Printer Controls
The Printer Controls tab, located under Advanced Controls, enables users to operate their printer with manual controls. Once a print has begun, a new section called Tuning Adjustment appears which allows users to adjust temperature, speed, and extrusion settings as the part prints.
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 180ºC and 230ºC respectively. For the bed temperature, the PLA and ABS presets are 70ºC and 130ºC 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.
The movement control section disappears during the printing process and is replaced by the Tuning Adjustments section.
Setup and Calibration
Automatic Bed Leveling
The "Setup Bed Leveling" icon introduces a Bed Leveling wizard which, by measuring several points on the bed, determines 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. This feature can be enabled or disabled.
Terminal
The Terminal can be accessed by selecting the SHOW CONSOLE icon. This feature enables users and their printer to communicate manually through the use of G-code.
Slice Settings
The "Slice Settings" tab, also located in Advanced Controls, enables users to set Layer Heights, Infill, Support Material, extruder and bed temperatures, and insert custom G-code instructions. The "Show All Settings" checkbox introduces additional slicing options for more advanced users. Users also have the option to switch between various slicing engines, including Cura and Slic3r.
3D Model View
Users can rotate a part on the X, Y and Z axes and select "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 to convert between metric and imperial units. Finally, users can mirror parts on every the X, Y and Z axes.
2D Layer View
Once the desired Slice Settings are input for a selected design, users can click the design's 2D avatar in the Print Queue, tab to Layer View, and select "Generate Layers" to preview each individual layer of their sliced design.
