Slicer 2D

Overview

Slicer 2D converts 2D curve profiles into multi-layer 3D printpaths. It takes vector linework from a Rhino (.3dm) or PDF file — such as a floor plan or wall cross-section — and extrudes the selected curves vertically across a defined number of layers at a specified layer height.

This tool is designed for architects and engineers working in 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) who need to go from a 2D drawing to a printable path with minimal setup.

Supported File Formats

Important: The system reads vector linework exclusively. If your PDF was exported from a raster source or contains embedded images instead of drawn paths, Slicer 2D will not detect any curves.

Accessing Slicer 2D

Navigate to Slicer 2D using either:

• The Slicer 2D button on the main dashboard.
• The sidebar menu → Slicer 2D.

Workflow

1. Import a File

Drag and drop a .3dm or .pdf file into the upload area. The system extracts all vector curves from the file and renders them on a 3D canvas.

2. Select Curves

All extracted curves are displayed on the canvas. By default, all curves are selected.

• Click a curve to toggle its selection. Selected curves are highlighted in blue.
• Use the Select All / Deselect All controls to quickly manage the selection.

Only selected curves will be included in the generated printpath.

3. Set Units

Use the unit selector to match the units of your source file. Available options:

• mm (millimeters)
• inches
• feet

If the preview appears incorrectly scaled (e.g., the geometry looks extremely large or small), the unit setting likely does not match the units used in the original file. Adjusting this will rescale the geometry accordingly.

4. Configure Layer Parameters

Set the extrusion parameters:

• Layer Height (mm): The vertical distance between each layer. Always specified in millimeters, regardless of the selected unit for the source geometry. No minimum or maximum limit is enforced.
• Number of Layers: The total number of layers to extrude from the base profile. No upper limit is enforced.

As you adjust these values, the 3D canvas updates a real-time preview, stacking layers on top of the selected curves with the given height and count. This preview is purely visual and does not compute the final connected toolpath — it shows the projected layer geometry so you can verify the result before committing.

5. Generate Path

Click Generate Path to compute the final printpath. This step:

• Connects the layers into a continuous toolpath with layer transitions.
• Creates a new Design in the workspace.

Once generated, you are taken to the Design page, where you can view the simulation, edit design metadata (name, description), adjust the transition point, switch between view modes, and access further tools such as G-code export (a separate feature).

Curve Types: Closed vs. Open

Slicer 2D supports both closed curves (loops) and open curves (lines, arcs, open polylines).

Closed Curves

For closed profiles, the toolpath follows the curve continuously. The transition between layers occurs at a single point along the profile, and the path spirals upward across layers.

Open Curves

For open curves, the path cannot form a continuous loop. Instead, the system alternates the direction of travel on each layer:

• Layer 1 travels from point A → point B.
• Layer 2 travels from point B → point A.
• Layer 3 travels from point A → point B.
• And so on.

At the end of each layer, the printhead moves vertically to the next layer height and reverses direction. This produces a back-and-forth extrusion pattern.

After Generation

The generated design behaves identically to designs created with any other tool in CAMADA Playground. From the Design page, you can:

• View and interact with the 3D simulation of the printpath.
• Edit the transition point (the location where the path steps up between layers).
• Change the design name and description.
• Switch between available view modes.
• Export G-code for your 3D concrete printer (see the G-code Export documentation).

Quick Reference