RPS details

Reprap Print Studio (RPS) is based on a port of the original reprap host software.

RPS will provide layout management tool, slicing and gcode generation of 3D objects ready for printing. RPS will NOT print but rather rely on existing tools such as Pronterface to do the printing. Ultimately this project will also create a Print Manager which will then provide printing functionality.

A key design principle is to bring traditional printing methodologies developed during the long history of 2D printing to the reprap community.

The proposed tool chain is:

• Model creation using traditional CAD tools
• Generation of STL files using above CAD tools
• Import of (multiple) STL files into RPS
• Arrange STL files into a printable plate
• Assign colours and/or materials to each 3D Object
• Slice the objects
• Generate Gcodes

RPS will be developed using a plugable architecture. Key interface points will be:

• Print Drivers
• Model Slicing

Print Drivers

RPS will use the concept of (user space) Print Drivers to allow it to work with a variety of firmware. Each Print Drivers will be created as a simple jar which implements the defined Print Driver interface. The Print Drivers will also be used by the Print Manager.

Model Slicing

RPS will allow alternate slicing logic to be loaded. Each slicing algorithm will be loaded via a simple jar which implements the slicing interface. Initially the existing reprap host algorithm and sfact will be supported.

Features

RPS aims to provide the following features

• Read/Write STL and AMF files
• visual layout tool (main desktop) allowing direct manipulation of Objects
• allow rotation, translation of objects
• provide visual clues to the currently selected printer's print volume
• Export gcodes
• Direct TCP communications with the Print Manager to send print jobs to the Print Manager using a standards based print protocol.
• Save per job configuration for printing/slicing.