Surface define by functions to G-code without a mesh
Posted: 16 Nov 2016, 05:32
Hello
A month ago I got my Kossel XL kit built and working, and I am having great fun with it. I am designing in OpenSCAD and using KISSlicer (both excellent) for creating G-code.
I am a mathematician by training, but have always worked (up till retirement) with computers.
I am visualising a lot of 3d objects I would like to print. Many if them I think of as surfaces defined by functions, like a twisted prism vase with the scaling and twist varying with Z. For each Z-value there will be a function or algorithm which defines (x,y) in terms of another parameter, typically rotational angle about the Z-axis (assuming radii only cut the surface once).
The steps I am using now are to convert my OpenSCAD to STL (a surface defined by meshes of triangles), and then slice the STL by Z-value to generate G-code (x,y) moves at a specific Z, along with loops, infill, support and printer control.
Is there another route which avoids the time-consuming and potentially inaccurate conversion to a mesh and STL. Is there some slicer which would skip the STL read, and instead give me hook to allow me to provide, for any Z-value, a series of straight lines ( and possibly circular arcs) for the surface section, and then produce the G-code directly. I would still need the loops/infill generated, but for most cases support would nit be needed.
I hope this makes sense - sorry if this is not the right forum/topic to post under.
Best wishes
John
A month ago I got my Kossel XL kit built and working, and I am having great fun with it. I am designing in OpenSCAD and using KISSlicer (both excellent) for creating G-code.
I am a mathematician by training, but have always worked (up till retirement) with computers.
I am visualising a lot of 3d objects I would like to print. Many if them I think of as surfaces defined by functions, like a twisted prism vase with the scaling and twist varying with Z. For each Z-value there will be a function or algorithm which defines (x,y) in terms of another parameter, typically rotational angle about the Z-axis (assuming radii only cut the surface once).
The steps I am using now are to convert my OpenSCAD to STL (a surface defined by meshes of triangles), and then slice the STL by Z-value to generate G-code (x,y) moves at a specific Z, along with loops, infill, support and printer control.
Is there another route which avoids the time-consuming and potentially inaccurate conversion to a mesh and STL. Is there some slicer which would skip the STL read, and instead give me hook to allow me to provide, for any Z-value, a series of straight lines ( and possibly circular arcs) for the surface section, and then produce the G-code directly. I would still need the loops/infill generated, but for most cases support would nit be needed.
I hope this makes sense - sorry if this is not the right forum/topic to post under.
Best wishes
John