> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/the-fablab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/the-fablab/3d-printing/fdm/bambu-studio-quick-start.md).

# Bambu Studio Quick Start

## What is **slicing?** 

Slicing refers to generating the data 3d printers need to produce your model. Following these steps  ensures you achieve the best outcome for your project and will avoid printing issues and delays.

***

## **Installing Bambu Studio**

<details>

<summary>Bambu Studio Installation Guide</summary>

## **Setup Bambu Studio**

Click below to download the latest version of Bambu Studio

{% embed url="<https://bambulab.com/en/download/studio>" %}

#### After downloading and installing Bambu Studio, follow the prompts to complete the initial setup as follows:

<figure><img src="/files/mIPPLDa3dMt0KgJpa7a0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/8g1HKDG27fovVciYUKdE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Once installation is complete you should see the Bambu Studio home screen:

<figure><img src="/files/RXfJVYrjZGfarem5yTCG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you are prompted to select or download a network adapter, please select **NO**. This is not required.
{% endhint %}

</details>

***

## Setting up an FDM print project.

## <mark style="color:orange;">Open</mark>

1. [Download the Fab Lab template for Bambu Studio](/the-fablab/job-submission/useful-submission-links-and-files.md)
2. In Bambu Studio, select 'Open Project', and open the Fab Lab Bambu Studio Template.
3. Delete the example geometry in the file.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## <mark style="color:orange;">Import</mark>

1. Import .stl or .3mf files you wish to print by dragging and dropping it onto the slicer screen, or selecting **file > import > 'import 3mf/stl/step....'**
2. If a group of objects have been exported as an .stl (or other mesh format) they will be bound together. **Select the object  and right click -> split -> to objects. You should now be able to select each geometry individually.**
3. You may need to add multiple build plates to your project depending on the number of parts and their dimensions.&#x20;
   1. To do this select the 'Add Plate' button. Additional plates will be added and made active. Note: Inactive plates will always appear faded.
   2. Select your objects and arrange them on the plates as required.

<figure><img src="/files/HFl9DFiold1anjBjm7un" alt=""><figcaption><p>Use the Add Plate button to create multiple build plates.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## <mark style="color:orange;">Orient</mark>

Carefully orienting your parts will improve efficiency and quality of your print while helping to avoid print failures and delay.&#x20;

{% hint style="danger" %} <mark style="color:$danger;">**Ensure all parts are independent!**</mark> \
**If your objects are grouped, they will not orient correctly and your prints may fail.** \
Please see instructions above for 'splitting to object.'&#x20;
{% endhint %}

**If you are new to 3D printing we recommend using Lay on Face.**&#x20;

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Lay on Face" %}
If you require more control, use the 'Lay on Face' feature to manually select which face is on the build plate.

<div><figure><img src="/files/oC4Ne3FzcqBQzNnuSXU0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/lwEK5bVPfzPXppIfXUrr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/slpa058EsQiPu4CvxzcH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Auto Orientation" %}
Select all your objects on a plate and press the auto orient button from the top menu.

<figure><img src="/files/gP2Eon3lwUmTDIo4VAD4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Gumball Orientation" %}
You can also use the basic transform functions to orient your prints. Note that Bambu Studio will automatically snap your objects so that they are on the build plate.

<figure><img src="/files/JqDDSYsOGODLYd1wE9sJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## <mark style="color:orange;">Arrange</mark>

Carefully arranging your print plates will improve efficiency of your print and help to avoid print failures and delay.&#x20;

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Arrange" %}

<figure><img src="/files/YWgCyUgkYUQp7ppu19HG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Gumball" %}
You can also use the basic transform functions to orient your prints. Note that Bambu Studio will automatically snap your objects so that they are on the build plate.

<figure><img src="/files/JqDDSYsOGODLYd1wE9sJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## <mark style="color:orange;">Select Plate Type</mark>

There are 2 types of print plates available for printing with the Fab Lab.&#x20;

<table><thead><tr><th width="136">Plate Type</th><th width="613.666748046875">Application</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Textured PEI</td><td>Template default; Most geometries; best choice for large objects.</td></tr><tr><td>Smooth PEI</td><td>Use for small, fragile geometries.</td></tr></tbody></table>

To change the plate, select your desired plate type from the plate selection menu.

<figure><img src="/files/XKrZEVvSXlb72R7MiSpe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
The plate type cannot be changed after export, it can only be set in Bambu Studio. If you need to change plate type after submitting your prints, you will need to re-slice and re-export/upload the files.&#x20;
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## <mark style="color:orange;">Support</mark>

Carefully selecting your supports will reduce the risk of print failure and help to improve the quality of your prints overall. There are 2 types of support available;

<details>

<summary>Tree(Auto) Supports</summary>

Use tree supports for tall objects and objects where support is required for hard to access surfaces.

<div><figure><img src="/files/8lbMxIkMHBeQzjKbFgHw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/s6MvY646cLGkdXJJUbU9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

</details>

<details>

<summary>Normal(Auto) Supports</summary>

Use normal supports for low, flat and rectilinear parts, especially parts with small overhangs between an object and the build plate.

<div><figure><img src="/files/FDGlbOc3HmIxkQUQmpOR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/lCUUArfMiqIGnJ572yEG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

</details>

To change supports

:

<figure><img src="/files/eNRct67zyQYTniJLoSe3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
Supports are set as Tree (Auto) by default.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## <mark style="color:orange;">Brim</mark>

## <mark style="color:orange;">Preview</mark>

Double check the preview to ensure that your print is coming out as expected.

This preview tells you exactly how the 3D printer is moving, how much plastic it is depositing, and how the object will turn out.&#x20;

If you need to make adjustments to the orientation or settings;\
Navigate back to the 'Prepare' work-space (top left), adjust and slice again.

**Example:** Objects that are too thin will not be processed properly and you will be able to tell from the preview; watch for anything that looks like the image below

<figure><img src="/files/wfRqJzKfa1yaN5blUEFm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Example:** Watch for parts that are not supported - these may not print properly or at all, adjust the Support Angle to compensate and ensure all critical angles are supported.

<figure><img src="/files/G4kqIZCSDvcXED7Lt1bh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## <mark style="color:orange;">Export</mark>

{% hint style="warning" %}
In order to process your job, we require two file types:

1. A single .stl with all your 3D geometry.&#x20;
2. .3mf.gcode files (1 for each plate).&#x20;
   {% endhint %}

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Single-Plate" %}
**For Single build plate projects, follow these instructions:**

1. **File -> Export -> Export All Objects as one .stl**

   *Save this file using the correct* [*naming convention*](/the-fablab/job-submission/file-naming-conventions.md) *for .stl files.*
2. **Select the 'Slice Plate' button on the top right-hand corner.**

   This will take a moment to compute the G-code and sliced preview.
3. **Once complete, select the 'Export Plate sliced file' button.** \
   \&#xNAN;*Save this file using the correct* [*naming convention*](/the-fablab/job-submission/file-naming-conventions.md) *for .gcode.3mf files.*
4. **Save your project in case Fab Lab requests changes to your sliced file.**\
   File -> Save Project As

<div><figure><img src="/files/YuW9ZlBTQuuDLwjepQqG" alt=""><figcaption><p>Click to enlarge</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/N89tUTikO1Xwmqn425Ea" alt=""><figcaption><p>Click to enlarge</p></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Multi-Plate" %}
**For Multi build plate projects, follow these instructions:**

1. **File -> Export -> Export All Objects as one .stl**
   1. *Save this file using the correct* [*naming convention*](/the-fablab/job-submission/file-naming-conventions.md) *for .stl files.*
   2. *Its a good idea to preview the exported .stl to ensure that the export matches the layout in the slicer.*\
      ![](/files/egpAFevlFE3FZVHtWKxW)
2. **Select the 'Slice All' button on the top right-hand corner.**
   1. This will take a moment to compute the G-code and sliced preview.
   2. The slicer will default to the "All Plate Stats" page.
   3. Review the preview to ensure the print is coming out as expected.
3. **Navigate to the build plate preview and select 'Export Plate sliced file'.**
   1. *Save this file using the correct* [*naming convention*](/the-fablab/job-submission/file-naming-conventions.md) *for .gcode.3mf files.*
   2. *Repeat this process for all your build plates.*
   3. *The files will automatically be written with a suffix of \_plate\_01, \_plate\_02, etc.*
4. **Save your project in case Fab Lab requests changes to your sliced file.**\
   File -> Save Project As
   {% endtab %}
   {% endtabs %}
   {% endstep %}
   {% endstepper %}

## Slicer Settings

Since you are using the Fab Lab Template, all other key settings have been set for you. For the majority of prints, there should be no need to alter these settings.

If you have a **complex print, lots of overhangs, or additional strength requirements** and wish to make some manual adjustments for your outcome or intentions, please review [General Slicing Settings.](/the-fablab/3d-printing/fdm/general-slicing-settings.md)

You can learn more about preparing your prints here: <https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/bambu-studio/parameter>

{% hint style="warning" %}
Please note: Fab Lab technician will perform basic checks of your file before sending to print, however, if you choose to adjust settings there is the possibility of print failure which may delay processing time.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

***

## Calculating Costs

Once your file has been sliced and [uploaded to 3DprinterOS for submission](/the-fablab/3d-printing/fdm/3dprinteros-quick-start.md), you will be able to see the exact cost of each plat&#x65;**.**


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