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Filament Extrusion/Retraction Method

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 12:40 pm
by Sparky
I haven't found dedicated filament extrusion/retraction buttons, so what would be the procedure?

Re: Filament Extrusion/Retraction Method

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 12:51 pm
by Simplify3D
If you bring up the Machine Control Panel (Ctrl-P or Command-P on a Mac), you can select the Extruder axis. In particular for the extruder, I would suggest using the "Custom Jog" button to move a specified distance. For example select Extruder axis and enter 225mm/min for the speed. Then enter 20mm in the custom jog box and press the button to extrude 20mm of plastic. You could enter -20mm for retraction.

Does that help?

Re: Filament Extrusion/Retraction Method

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 1:39 pm
by ketil
I also struggled to find that.

If you're sticking with the "select axis then move" concept, perhaps you could add shortcuts like hitting x, y, z and e to choose the axis, and add a plus and minus button for the custom distance?

Re: Filament Extrusion/Retraction Method

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:00 pm
by Simplify3D
Nice, I like that idea! Especially useful for the extruder. Saves you from having to enter a minus sign every time you want to back up.

Re: Filament Extrusion/Retraction Method

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:02 pm
by Sparky
Simplify3D wrote: . . . Does that help?
Yep, and it works nicely, but leaves me questioning my observation skills and wondering how I've avoided snakebites for so many years.