3D Printing with MatterControl

In 3D Printing With MatterControl, Joan Horvath and Rich Cameron, the team behind Mastering 3D Printing, explain step-by-step how to use the MatterControl program, which allows you to control many common types of 3D printers (including both cartesian and delta style machines). 3D Printing With MatterControl can stand alone, or it can be a companion to Mastering 3D Printing to show you how to install, configure, and use best practices with your printer and printing software. The book includes both step by step software walkthroughs and case studies with typical 3D printed objects.

Whether you are a “maker” or a teacher of makers, 3D Printing with MatterControl will show you how to get the most out of your printer with the new standard for open source 3D printing software.

While there are books available on 3D printers, and even a few on software to make models for printers, there are few good sources covering the software that actually controls these printers. MatterControl is emerging as the leading open source software for 3D printers, and 3D Printing With MatterControl covers this new standard in this brief book.

What you’ll learn

• 3D model basics and slicing the model
• Controlling the printer and using G code
• Working with different materials and different printing situations
• Using MatterControl plug-ins
• Using your 3D printer in the classroom
• Basic post-processing and troubleshooting

Who this book is for

Makers, students, teachers, hackerspace leaders, and anyone who wants step-by-step guidance on using MatterControl 3D printer software.

Table of Contents

Part 1: The 3D-Printing Ecosystem
Chapter 1. The Desktop 3D Printer
Chapter 2. What is MatterControl?
Chapter 3. Downloading and Configuring MatterControl

Part 2: The 3D-Printing Process
Chapter 4. Making a 3D Model
Chapter 5. Slicing a 3D Model
Chapter 6. Controlling your 3D Printer
Chapter 7. Material Considerations
Chapter 8. Special Cases

Part 3: Your Printer at Work
Chapter 9. File and Settings Management and the Touch Tablet
Chapter 10. Case Studies and Classroom Tips
Chapter 11. MatterControl Plugins
Chapter 12. Troubleshooting and Post-Processing
Appendix A. Supported Printer Manufacturers
Appendix B. Links