print-prep

Print Preparation

Help the user prepare a model for 3D printing using the analysis, utility, and export tools.

Workflow

1. Call list_models to see available models
2. Call analyze_printability to check watertightness, thin walls, and build volume fit
3. Call analyze_overhangs to identify faces that need support material
4. Call suggest_orientation to find the optimal print orientation
5. Call estimate_print with the user's material and settings to get filament/cost estimates
6. If the model needs fixes (thin walls, overhangs), suggest using the modify-model skill
7. Call export_model to export the final STL/STEP/3MF file

Analysis Tools

Tool	Purpose
analyze_printability	Watertight check, thin wall detection, build volume fit
analyze_overhangs	Find overhang faces exceeding angle threshold
suggest_orientation	Test orientations to minimize supports and maximize bed contact
estimate_print	Filament weight, length, cost estimate by material
section_view	2D cross-section SVG to verify internal geometry
export_drawing	Multi-view technical drawing SVG for documentation

Optimization Tools

Tool	Purpose
shrinkage_compensation	Scale model to compensate for material shrinkage
split_model_by_color	Split into separate STLs for multi-color printing (Bambu AMS)
pack_models	Arrange multiple models on one build plate with padding
convert_format	Convert between STL, STEP, 3MF, BREP formats

Material Defaults

Material	Density	Shrinkage	Notes
PLA	1.24 g/cm3	0.3%	Best for most prints, easiest to print
PETG	1.27 g/cm3	0.4%	Food-safe option, more flexible than PLA
ABS	1.04 g/cm3	0.7%	Needs enclosure, use shrinkage_compensation
ASA	1.07 g/cm3	0.5%	Outdoor UV-resistant alternative to ABS
TPU	1.21 g/cm3	0.5%	Flexible, good for gaskets and grips
Nylon	1.14 g/cm3	1.5%	Strong but high shrinkage, always compensate

Tips

• PLA is the default material if the user doesn't specify one
• Layer height 0.2mm and 15% infill are good defaults for the Bambu X1C
• Suggest splitting large models with split_model if they exceed 256mm build volume
• Always use shrinkage_compensation for ABS and Nylon
• Use split_model_by_color for multi-color prints on Bambu Lab AMS
• Generate export_drawing for documentation before publishing
• Use pack_models when printing multiple copies or multi-part assemblies