Orca

Setting Up the Printer Profile

Before creating a filament profile, ensure you have your 3D printer set up in Orca Slicer.

Step 1: Open Orca Slicer

Launch Orca Slicer on your computer.

Step 2: Add Your 3D Printer

• Click on the gear icon next to the Printer tab.
• Search for your 3D printer from the list. If it's not listed, you can create a custom 3D printer profile by selecting Create 3D printer from the dropdown menu and inputting the necessary parameters such as nozzle size, bed dimensions, and other settings.

Creating a Custom Filament Profile

Step 3: Navigate to Filament Settings

• Click on the Prepare tab in the top left.
• On the right-hand side of the screen, find the Filament section.
• Click the settings icon next to the Filament section or scroll to the bottom of the Filament drop-down menu and select Add/Remove Filament.

Step 4: Access the Custom Filaments Menu

• This will open a window showing all the pre-configured filament profiles.
• Click on the Custom Filaments tab.
• Select Create New to begin the process of creating a custom profile.

Step 5: Input Filament Details

• Vendor: Select the manufacturer of the filament. If your brand isn’t listed, you can create a custom entry by checking the box "Can’t find vendor I want."
• Filament Type: Select the material type (e.g., PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU).
• Serial: Give the filament profile a descriptive name (e.g., “Overture Silk PLA Rainbow”).
• Base Profile: Select an existing profile that is close to your filament as a starting point. For example, use “Generic PLA” for PLA filaments.

Step 6: Assign Printer Compatibility

• Select the printers this profile will be compatible with. This ensures the profile only shows up in the filament menu when using the selected printers.

Step 7: Save and Edit

• Click Create to save your new profile.
• You can now select this profile from the Custom Filaments list and start tweaking the settings for your filament.

Customizing the Filament Profile

Temperature and Flow Rate Adjustments

• Adjust the temperature settings for the first layer and subsequent layers based on the filament type and your printer's requirements.
• Use calibration tools like temperature towers and flow rate tests to optimize these settings. For example, you might start with a flow rate of 100% and adjust based on test results.

Other Settings

• Retraction Settings: Adjust retraction distance, speed, and delay to minimize stringing and oozing.
• Extrusion Speed: Adjust the extrusion speed for different parts of the print (e.g., first layer speed, inner wall speed, infill speed).
• Infill and Shells: Set the infill type and percentage, the number of walls, and the top and bottom shells to achieve the desired strength and finish.

Notes and Documentation

• Use the Notes tab to document any changes made, test results, or manufacturer recommendations for the filament. This helps in keeping track of important information and avoiding duplication of work.

Saving and Exporting the Profile

• Once you’re happy with your custom filament profile, save your settings for future use. You can save the profile as a new file or overwrite the existing one.
• If you want to share the profile with others or use it across multiple printers, you can export the profile as a file.