This topic contains 11 replies, has 4 voices, and was last updated by 
David 44 minutes ago.
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It would be interesting to have a feature where we could set AM to pause the print at a certain layer. It would make the prints where we swap out filaments a little less attention-intensive.
Cheers
Shaun
@saiken I think that it is in the roadmap for the AutoMaker software.
I operate two Betas and one Production Robox.
See my 3D Hub site at https://www.3dhubs.com/phoenix/hubs/ben@saiken It is.
@chrisyt Will the feature require the layers be specified before starting print, and inserting, say, the M0 gcode, or something in AutoMaker where we can choose the next layer to pause at on the status screen during the print?
@saiken I have already done the mockup interface and it involves adding ‘pause planes’ i.e. semi transparent panes which can be moved in Z that highlight the model boundaries as they pass through the plane. You will be able to add and remove planes, and each one will automatically insert a ‘M1’ gcode pause on the corresponding layer.
It will use the same interface elements as the ‘split parts’ feature which we hope to implement soon, but it is presenting a number of complex challenges. The code for it is essentially complete, but we are finding that it is difficult to reliably produce manifold models suitable for printing after the cut, due to the need to create new geometry to fill the cut surface. Even big budget software such as Microsoft’s 3DBuilder can have trouble with this task, and although able to perform the slice, the resulting model is not always watertight and without errors.
@chrisyt Why does the geometry need to be changed? The printer just needs to pause, maybe lift the head if that’s not part of the pause routine, and wait for the eject/reload/unpause.
I just want something that will pause for me at the specified layer so I don’t have to sit next to the printer constantly.
@saiken I think there is a little misunderstanding. @chrisyt gets really excited about new features and overshares sometimes.
There are two functions Chris has described. The first is the pause plane. This will be what you are asking for.
The second will be a split function where you will be able to take a model, load it into AutoMaker, and set a plane where the model will be split into two parts. It is this second feature that is posing the challenge. The pause planes are much easier, but since they use the same functionality they will probably be released together.
I operate two Betas and one Production Robox.
See my 3D Hub site at https://www.3dhubs.com/phoenix/hubs/ben@bhudson Would the split function place the second part beside the original on the print bed? What if the split parts are too large for the surface area of the bed?
Any news on AM 2.1?
@saiken You know as much as I do now about the split function. 🙂 I hadn’t heard of it until this post.
AM 2.01 is currently in Alpha and seems pretty stable. It is mostly a bugfix release without a lot of new features.
I operate two Betas and one Production Robox.
See my 3D Hub site at https://www.3dhubs.com/phoenix/hubs/ben@bhudson Someone mentioned a marked increase in print quality. I think it might have been Pete. I’m keen to see the difference.
I haven’t tested print quality. I see some things that are better and some that haven’t changed during my normal use. I think the changes are mostly to the number of perimeters and top and bottom layers.
I operate two Betas and one Production Robox.
See my 3D Hub site at https://www.3dhubs.com/phoenix/hubs/benThanks to Ben for the link to this thread. The pause layer looks fantastic, I’m very much looking forward to this new feature as I often use captive parts in my models.
Any chance we can get the pause function added without having to wait for the whole split model thing to become fully featured?
Pretty please?
I can send more kit-kats if that helps sway any policy making?
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