A simple tool for pre-processing 3d models and controlling 3d DLP printers.

monkeyprint came into existance as an open source, will-natively-run-on-linux alternative to Creation Workshop. When a friend built a 3d DLP printer which I was doing the software for, we noticed that there was no nice and simple programm to pre-process a 3d model and control the print job on linux. Until now...

monkeyprint allows you to:

• load one or multiple stl files
• define the position, scale or rotation in the printers build volume
• generate supports with some simple parameters
• hollow out the model and create fill structures
• slice the model with a specific layer height
• control a print job on your DLP printer via serial port

In addition to that, monkeyprint allows you to control your printer directly from your PC or to send print jobs via network to a Raspberry Pi 2 that will control the print for you. This way you can use your PC for other things while your printer is busy.

monkeyprint currently relies on a custom board (schematics and layout included) and custom control commands. However, a G-Code command interface is in the making so it will soon be possible to control G-Code boards (like the RAMPS board) as well.

In order for monkeyprint to work you need a 3d DLP printer that can receive commands via serial port and whos projector is connected to your PC.

monkeyprint is programmed in python and uses VTK and openCV for stl processing, slicing and slice image handling. It also needs some other stuff, all of which you can get using the following command: sudo apt-get install git-core libvtk5.8 libopencv-core2.4 python2.7 python-vtk python-gtkglext1 python-numpy python-opencv python-imaging python-scipy python-serial python-zmq avrdude Tested with python 2.7.3 and VTK 5.8.0. There may be issues with VTK version 6 because of API changes.

Once the dependencies are installed, simply download monkeyprint using git: git clone git://github.com/robotsinthesun/monkeyprint.git

monkeyprint currently only works with a custom board. If you want to build it, you can find the schematics and layout. It can be made from cheap components like an Arduino Pro Micro and two Pololu DRV8825 stepper drivers. There is a board making tutorial here: http://robotsinthesun.org/monkeyprint-dpl-printer-board-making-tutorial/

There will be G-Code support soon, so all of you who already have for example a RAMPS board will be able to use that.

Simply run monkeyprint via terminal by changing to the monkeyprint directory and typing ./monkeyprint.py

The monkeyprint gui is set up to walk you through the pre-processing steps up to committing the print. The model and it's position is shown in the 3d view on the left while the tabs on the right will guide you through the necessary settings.

First, load a model file by clicking the "Load model" button. Set it's scaling, position and rotation. The model will automatically fitted to the build volume if the scaling is too large.

Proceed to the "Slicing" tab. Here you can set the overhang angle and define the geometry of the support pillars. You can also define the thickness of the bottom plate. You can also play with the "Maximum support height" option to eliminate unwanted supports.

In the "Slicing" tab you can set the layer height and walk through the model by using the slider. The "Print hollow" and "Use fill structures" should be self explaining. Printing hollow reduces the force on the coating of the VAT and helps to elongate the coatings life.

The "Print" tab finally let's you start the print. Set the exposure values and hit "Print!". Complete the safety check list and there you go: print is running! Cancel the print by pressing "Cancel". It won't stop immediately but complete the current slice and move the build platform to the top.

Note that you can't close the program while a print is running.

• clean up code and rebuild print process with G-Code
• fix issues with VTK versions >= 6
• improve model rotation -> make model rotate around world axes
• implement a customisable print process