PrusaSlicer

Introduction to the PrusaSlicer

PrusaSlicer is the software that prepares your 3D model for printing. While your CAD program is where you design a part, PrusaSlicer is where you turn that design into instructions your 3D printer can understand. It “slices” your 3D model into thin layers and generates a G-code file that controls the printer’s movements, temperature, and extrusion.

At NJIT’s Makerspace, PrusaSlicer is the standard software used for our fleet of Prusa Core 1 FDM 3D printers and other compatible machines. This guide is designed to help you move quickly from having a finished 3D model to having a ready-to-print file. By following these steps, you’ll learn the basics of loading models, adjusting essential print settings, and exporting your file so you can start printing right away.

By the end of this quick-start guide, you’ll know how to:

Import a 3D model into PrusaSlicer
Navigate the workspace
Adjust the most important print settings (layer height, infill, supports, adhesion)
Preview your print to catch potential issues
Export your file in the correct format for the Makerspace printers

Process for Printing Your Design

Quick-Start Video

A quick 2 minute video demonstrating the information given below.

Importing a File

PrusaSlicer works with STL, 3MF, and OBJ files, which are the most common formats for 3D models. Once you’ve finished designing your part in CAD software, you’ll need to save or export it to one of these formats before you can bring it into PrusaSlicer.

Step 1

Open PrusaSlicer and confirm that have the correct printer profile is selected. This information can be found on the far right information panel.

🦉The printers found on the Mezzanine are the Prusa CORE One

Step 2

Click the "Add" button (the left button in the center cluster of buttons) or drag and drop a file into the workspace. Your model will appear on the virtual build plate.

Navigating the Workspace

Once your model is on the build plate, use the workspace tools (located in the column of buttons on the left). These help you prepare your model for printing.

Move Tool

Lets you drag the model around the build plate. If you click directly on the axis arrows, you will be locked in to move in those directions, or you can just click on your part and move it around the build plate.

Scale Tool

Enlarges or shrinks the part. Just like the move tool, you can scale your part in the direction of the axis arrows or enter a value in the object manipulation window to the right.

🗒️Make sure your part fully fits on the print bed. If it doesn't fit, the part will turn blue indicating that it's either hanging off the bed or too large.

Rotate

Adjusts the angle of your part along the axis. This can help reduce the need for supports or improve the part's strength by changing the orientation of the layers.

Place on Face

Automatically orients your part so that the selected face lies flat on the build plate. This is especially useful for stabilizing parts, ensuring even layer adhesion, and reducing the need for supports.

Adjusting Basic Print Settings

Now that your model is placed correctly, it’s time to adjust the print settings that determine the quality, speed, and material use. All of these settings can be found in the information panel on the right side of the screen

Layer Height

Controls the thickness of each printed layer. This effects the print speed and quality of the print. Smaller layer height = smoother surface and longer print time, larger layer height = rougher finish and faster print time.

Filament

Where you select the material to print with. The slicer assigns different settings to different materials so please ensure you select the correct setting before sending your print to the printer.

Our printers have color-coded filament markers!

📎PLA printers have black markers, PETG printers have red markers, and TPU (Flex) printers have blue markers.

So when starting a print, make sure you choose a printer that already has the correct material loaded.

Supports

Structures added to ensure overhangs and bridges print correctly. You can turn them on or off here. They are removed by hand once the print is completed.

Infill Density

Defines how much material is inside your part. Low infill = faster print time and less strength, high infill = longer print time and stronger

Brim

A thin, flat layer of extra material printed around the base of your part to help it stick to the build plate. Useful for tall, thin, or small-surface-area prints that risk tipping over.

Slicing Your Part

Once your settings are defined, you need to “slice” the model. Slicing converts your 3D design into a set of instructions (G-code) that the printer can follow.

How to Slice using PrusaSlicer:

Click the “Slice Now” button in the lower right corner. After slicing, the view switches to the preview mode. In this mode, you can use the layer-by-layer slider to view how the printer will build your part, verify that supports are placed correctly, and make sure the infill and walls look as expected. In the preview mode, you can also see the estimated total print time and the amount of filament the print will use. This will help you plan ahead and avoid running out of material mid-print. If something looks off, you can always go back and adjust the infill, perimeters, or layer height settings before slicing again.

Process for Printing Your Design

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