WAXJETPRINT GUIDE · PART 3 OF 6
Part 3:
Import and edit models.
Bring your STL files in, check them, and use the Edit tab to place, scale, rotate and arrange parts on the build plate.
Guide sections
3. Import and edit models
CHAPTER 6
Import and check your models
1
Click File › Load File (Ctrl + O) and pick one or more models.
2
When asked whether to check for defects, click Yes.
3
The model lands on the plate. With Auto layout on, it is placed for you.
4
Open the Part List and check each part's status icon.
Part List: a green tick means ready to print.
Green tick
The model is good to print.
Red or yellow mark
The model has defects. Repair it in the Fix tab first.
Freedom column
Locks an axis so layout tools leave it alone, for example All Free, X Fixed or Z Fixed.
Eye column
Shows or hides a part on screen.
A file holding several pieces (a ring, earrings and a pendant in one STL) loads as one part. Use Split Models to separate them.
CHAPTER 7
Edit tab: every tool
Select a model first (it shows bright), then click a tool. The tools are grouped the way you use them: shape and place, lay out the plate, then prepare for casting.
Position and size
Move
Drag the model, or type exact X, Y and Z positions.
On Platform drops it to Z = 0. Center moves it to the middle. Reset undoes changes.
Rotate
Drag the coloured rings, use the ±90° buttons, or type an angle per axis.
If the plate turns red, the model is outside the print area. Use Move › On Platform.
Scale
Set size in mm or percentage per axis.
Uniform Scaling keeps proportions. Inches›mm converts. Maximum fills the plate. Reset restores.
Delete
Removes the selected models.
No confirmation. Use Undo at the top left if needed.
Select All
Selects every model on the plate.
Handy before Auto Layout or 3D Packing.
Duplicate
Makes a copy of the selected model.
TO CONFIRM
Array
Copies a model in a grid along X, Y and Z.
Set copies and spacing per axis. 3 × 3 × 1 at 3.0 mm gives 9. Sum shows the total.
Rotate: drag a ring or type an angle.
Arrange the plate
Orientation
Finds the best angle for each part.
Minimum Print Time lays parts flat. Maximum Print Quality stands them up for finer detail.
Auto Layout
Arranges models flat on the plate.
Spacing about 3 mm. Minimum Area, Minimum Y, or Frame Selection to fill only a box you drag.
3D Packing
Stacks models in 3D using the full height.
Part gap 0.60 mm, group gap 1.00 mm. Custom Height caps the stack. Stop After: more attempts, tighter pack. Click Running.
Split Models
Separates a multi-piece file into individual parts.
3D Packing with its result height.
Auto Layout options.
A lower stack prints faster. In Flashforge's example, capping Custom Height at 20 mm packed the parts into 19.8 mm instead of about 48 mm.
Prepare for casting
Extract Shell
Hollows a solid model, keeping a wall of set thickness. Saves wax on large pieces.
SETTINGS TO CONFIRM
Make Holes
Adds holes, for example drain holes in a hollow part.
Cuboid or Cylinder. Diameter and depth (8.0 mm default). Click Add, click the model, then Apply.
Add Nozzles
Adds a sprue so metal can flow into the mould.
Hexagonal or Cuboid, any direction or along X or Y. Click Add, click the attachment point, then Apply.
CANNOT BE DELETED ONCE APPLIED
Add Prop
Adds supports so thin parts don't warp while printing or washing.
Cylinder with middle and end diameters and end length (for example 2.0, 2.0, 3.0 mm). Click two contact points, then Apply.
Add Label
Adds text to a model, raised or engraved.
Content, size and height (for example 2.0 mm and 0.5 mm). Raised or Engraved, place it, then Apply.
Create Part
Adds a test shape: Box, Cylinder, Cone, Prism, Sphere or Rounded Box.
Useful for checking quality or calibrating shrink.
Cooling
Extra cooling for large parts.
Grade I over 60 × 60 mm, II over 75 × 75 mm, III over 90 × 90 mm. Higher grades add print time.
Weight
Shows the wax weight of the selected models.
TO CONFIRM
Count
Shows how many models are on the plate.
TO CONFIRM
Add Nozzles: the preview shows where the sprue will go.
PART 3 OF 6
Jump to: Getting started · Settings · Models · Fix and view · Printing · Checklist
Models