In the world of 3D printing there are many different applications to choose from when it comes to slicing 3D files. Not all slicing applications are compatible with every printer though. For the Flashforge printers we sell at Makers Empire there has typically been one option for slicing in the past, namely "Flashprint".
With the modern iterations of Flashforge's printers (Adventurer 4 and later models) the option to use slicers aligned to industry standard slicing programs such as Orca slicer and Flashforge's own brand of Orca slicer(Orca Flashforge) are available to us.
Orca Flashforge has been customised with Flashforge's printers in mind, but isn't updated as often as Orca slicer. If you want to be on the bleeding edge of 3D printing advancements go with Orca Slicer, if you're happy to go with a stable build vetted by Flashforge choose Orca Flashforge(The UI interface for both of these programs is virtually the same).
What benefits and disadvantages are there in using Orca Slicer compared to Flashprint?
Pros
Wifi connectivity and printer management between Orca and Flashforge printers is more stable.
Greater control over slicer settings.
Live camera monitoring.
Cons
UI interface is not as user friendly for beginners.
Steep learning curve.
Less options to fine tune supports
Getting Started with Orca Flashforge
Download the latest version from Flashforge's website. Occasionally there are issues accessing the downloads page of the flashforge website so I've provided some direct links to download here( current version at the time of writing)
Windows: https://flashforge-resource.oss-us-east-1.aliyuncs.com/Orca-Flashforge_1.4.0/Orca-Flashforge_1.4.0_win64.zip
Mac: https://flashforge-resource.oss-us-east-1.aliyuncs.com/Orca-Flashforge_1.4.0/Orca-Flashforge_1.4.0_mac.zip
Orca Slicer Development page:
This guide is intended as a quick guide to the bare minimum settings needed to get a print sliced for the printer, for a more in depth guide see this article.
Orca Flashforge Interface Overview
Let's take a look at the interface in Orca slicer and introduce each section
Nav Bar: Home(Shows previously printed designs), Prepare(Prep space for printing), Preview(Automatically slice and preview outcome), Device(Manage printers), Project(Manage 3MF files and include notes). "Slice" and "Print" buttons.
Tool Bar: description from left to right - Load file, Add Plate, Arrange all objects, Split objects, Split Parts, Variable Layer Height, Transform tools: Move, rotate, scale, Cut, Mesh Boolean,
Machine select, platform type and printer settings.
Filament settings
Slicing settings
Steps for basic slicing of a 3D file for printing
Firstly, we need to check that the correct printer profile is selected with the correct nozzle configuration.
To load a 3D model, select the cube with a plus icon from the tool bar. Orca slicer accepts many file types including standard .Stl, .Obj and .3MF files most commonly associated with 3D printing.
Once you've loaded a model and selected it in the viewport, you'll notice all the icons on the toolbar are no longer greyed out. From the toolbar you can perform the standard rotate, move, scale operations to the model.
Once you have scaled and oriented the part as necessary, the model may need support if it has unsupported 45 degree angle features such as the sharp downwards facing point on this Makers Empire trophy.
To add support select the support tab on the left hand menu and make sure "enable support" box is ticked. change type to "tree auto" this type of support is usually the easiest to remove.
Now the model is prepared for printing we need to send it over wifi to the printer or export it to be printed from USB.
First click "slice plate" to start the slicing process. Once completed the software will tell you how long the print will take and how much filament will be used.
To print over wifi, click print plate otherwise if you are printing from USB click the down arrow button next to print plate and select "export plate sliced file". Save the file to your USB, and put it in the printer and select the file and start the print.