How to Use Orca Slicer [Complete Guide]

Orca Slicer is an advanced 3D printing slicer software that is easy to use, set up, and 100% free. It’s open source and can easily be downloaded on your Linux, Windows, and Mac systems to help you convert the 3D models into layers of G-code that your printer can easily understand.

Although it’s the easiest to use 3D printing slicer available in the market, some beginners may initially struggle to understand how to use Orca Slicer to create the G-code of the models.

It’s easy, and we’ll teach you how to do that step by step so you can create the best 3D models on your printer using Orca Slicer.

How to Use Orca Slicer? Step-By-Step Guide

Using Orca Slicer is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps.

Select Your Printer

• Choose your 3D printer from Orca’s supported list. Pre-set profiles make setup quick and easy.

Configure Filament Settings

• Pick your filament type and the Orca will automatically adjust the speed, size, and temperature accordingly. If you want to tweak the settings, you can do that using the options.

Enable Wireless Connectivity

• Second, to easily share your G-code with your printer, connect your 3D printer to Wi-Fi. This step helps you skip putting the code into the SD cards or using the USB cables to transfer the data.

Create a New Project

• Click “New Project” and drag in your 3D model. You can resize or rotate it to fit the build plate.

Adjust Settings

• Tweak layer height, infill, print speed, and other options, or keep the defaults for simplicity.

Slice Your Model

• All the settings are done now. Just click on “Slice Plate” to generate the code. It’ll start to generate and won’t take long, as Orca Slicer is quite fast and efficient. When the code is ready, you can click on Preview to check code layer by layer to ensure everything looks correct.

Send Your File to the Printer

• If your printer is connected to Wi-Fi, send the G-code directly to it. If you have an SD card, you can export the G-code to it as well. If the printer is linked with Obico, you can monitor the prints remotely.

Executing Key Printing Tasks in Orca Slicer

This is how to perform different printing tasks in Orca Slicer easily to get the optimal 3D printing results.

Managing Nozzle Size

Sometimes, you want to work with different nozzle sizes with Orca Slicer. This is how to change the Nozzle size on the Orca Slicer software.

• To change the Nozzle Size on Orca Slicer, you need to open Printer Profile > Printer Settings > Nozzle Diameter and then pick the size and hit Save. After changing the size of the nozzle, adjust the layer height, extrusion, and the print speed accordingly. When choosing the nozzle size, remember that the small size results in fine details but slower prints, and the large size results in faster prints but less detail.

Cutting a Model

You can cut the model by following these steps:

• To cut a model in Orca Slicer, open your model, highlight it, and press Shift + C. Adjust the cut plane with the axis controls until positioned correctly. Optionally, add connectors, adjust size, depth, or shape, then click Confirm Connectors and Perform Cut.

Merging Objects

Merging objects helps you combine multiple parts into a single print for easier slicing and handling.

• Import all the parts you want to merge and position them. Select all models, right-click, and hit Assemble. To combine into one solid mesh, go to Assembly > Mesh Boolean > Union > select parts > click Union. Make sure parts slightly touch or overlap.

Adding a Pause

Adding a pause allows you to make filament changes or insert objects mid-print without stopping the whole job.

• Open your file in Orca Slicer and go to Preview. Find the layer to pause for filament changes or inserting objects. Right-click the layer > Add Pause. Click Slice Plate to reslice, check Preview to ensure the pause is in place.

Adding Supports

Supports prevent overhangs from failing and ensures complex models print successfully.

• Open your model and access the support tools. Place supports where needed and adjust density, size, and position for stability. Supports ensure that overhangs and complex areas print properly.

Exporting Orca Slicer Settings

Exporting settings lets you back up your profiles or transfer them to another machine easily.

• Open Orca Slicer > File > Export > Export Preset Bundle. Pick what to export: printer config, filament, or process presets. Select specific presets > click OK > choose folder > name file > Save. This backs up or moves your settings easily.

These are the steps to follow to use Orcal slicer to make your 3d prints.