I like to design logos and stuff in Inkscape and then print them (on paper) or use them on websites.
But it seems to be difficult to print the resulting *.SVG file on my U1. I can import it in SO, but all I get is the outline of all the shapes combined. as a flat block. Colors are gone (OK), but also the different shapes are welded together. So I can’t even re-color them.
My current workflow is like that:
design my logo in Inkscape
convert all objects in polygons (text!)
remove all infill and make all outlines visible with the same solid, thin line type
export the file
import the resulting *.SVG in FreeCad and convert it with “draft to sketch” - every polygon becomes a single sketch
create a block from each sketch, all with a VERY slightly different height
chamfer some edges of the blocks to allow better coloring in OS
export body to *.3MF
import *.3MF in OS
color the faces of the blocks
color the sides of the blocks (that’s why I had to chamfer the edges a few steps ago)
slice and print
Sounds like a lot of work? It is. But is there a better way?
I appreciate your post which is relevant for me as I want to use my U1 to create custom drink coasters as gifts for friends. I’ve been experimenting with the same tools (inkscape and freecad) as you, but on a complex military patch instead of a logo. Unfortunately the complexity of this design makes freecad run slow, but I am making progress. No printable design as yet.
A suggestion for your post: I have been experimenting with OpenSCAD for complex workflows which seems like a natural way to script the workflow you described. People have had success with generating kumiko patterns and other complex workflows. An example is in the froqstar/kumikoPatterns github (newbie so I only have a two link limit). FYI: I made some early attempts using an AI to create the OpenSCAD code. YMMV
I’m still early on the learning curve with my U1 project as my U1 was delivered today (and successfully printed the dragon a short time ago). I like my new toy where things spin around, other things move, and colored objects come out! Waay cool! BTW: long time Prusa MK3 user here, so not a 3d printing newbie.
Moving from one to four colors is a huge step forward. Still, I need at least one more color, maybe two.
To get around that, I’m hoping I can add a pause and change the spool(s). Is that possible? I believe I can work around that so it won’t be too painful so long as it works.
Alternatively, I was thinking of using full spectrum or hueforge to create the design for a surface set of layers which I can somehow fuse (concatenate gcode, stl, …) on top of a lower part. It seems in theory to be possible. Anyone have experience with this?
The idea is to then print the base in a light color that will reflect light back through the top. If possible and it works, I expect that could look great in sunlight.
Hi SouthOfSeattle, thanks a lot for your answer. The MangoJelly tutorial is a great find. Sadly it shows that it is even more work to prepare the logo his way. But I like the general idea to create several objects instead of just different surfaces. This would solve my problem with coloring. Fun fact: when I experimented with my workflow I used the logo of FreeCad as well - except I used one from the original website that had no text and was already made without overlapping areas.
I tried OpenSCAD as well, but the import() function does not separate the different paths in the *.SVG, so I have the same problem again. So I think my FreeCad approach will be the way to go.
About your multi-color problems: you never have enough colors! At work I can use a Prusa XL with 5 heads, I loved that machine! But the U1 is on another level. It lacks a color, but the user interface is much more advanced. For example on the XL you have to change every filament separately. For all 5 colors/materials that an consume quite some time.
The “pause” is pretty easy to achieve: In SO, just switch to the Preview tab and move the “+” slider on the right side of the screen to the layer where you want to pause (the lower one!). Then right-click on the slider. You get a short menu where you can add a pause (or another custom G-Code). A marker will appear at that layer, so you can remove it if necessary.
I experimented with HueForge for a while. It seems like a more artistic than scientific approach. But the idea behind that is pretty well explained by WombleyWonders in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE1Su-FUvls&t=126s .
For your idea there is not only a solution, that is the foundation how HueForge works. There is also a unit that can help you to estimate the resulting color(s): TD (travel distance) can tell the “opacity” or “translucency” of a given filament. That is also explained by WombleyWonders in the video.
Just to comment that in FreeCAD 1.1 it is reportedly possible to select individual elements within a sketch for operations like extrusion (padding). It might not be necessary to switch between workbenches, just use Sketch and Part Design.
Lots of good info! Thanks for helping me (and others) along the color/multimaterial learning curve.
The challenge comes with complexity. The functionality is there in freecad but performance becomes an issue.
In my project, its the text that creates the complexity for freecad due to the many nodes in the polylines of each character. You can import them as geometry in the Draft workbench (sort of) quickly. Also, you can extrude the geometries reasonably (with caveats) quickly. To make changes, I find creating a sketch can make freecad a snoozer due to the need to engage the solver.
Hence my interest in TinkerCAD and OpenSCAD, which might be more efficient. I’ve tried Blender, which is fast at scale but I’m not familiar enough with it yet to see if it will work for my project. Your new workflow might help make freecad more viable. BTW: kudos to the freecad team! V1.1 is a big step forward.
Keeping the text in the original form is necessary to maintaining the original look. Perhaps Hueforge can help, along with getting flesh tone right. That’s also the hope with full spectrum.
Next project afterward: PLA + TPU or just TPU to replace a lost ear piece for an expensive pair of mountain bike sunglasses. This project involves close skin contact for hours while I’m also sweaty.
Love how the U1 enables my ability to repair and make things better. I’m a big right to repair advocate. The U1 is both tool and toy at the same time for me. A beautiful mix!
I’m off on a journey to RepRap in Loveland, CO and many points in-between, so will try your new recipe when I get back.
I think the problem is when the SVG contains a lot of Bezier curves rather than simply straight line segments. An SVG derived from (eg) TrueType fonts will be vector representations of the TrueType definition, which are Beziers/Cubic.
If you were to convert the outlines to straight-line approximations, I think FreeCAD wouldn’t struggle so much.
At work I can use a Prusa XL with 5 heads, I loved that machine! But the U1 is on another level. It lacks a color, but the user interface is much more advanced. For example on the XL you have to change every filament separately. For all 5 colors/materials that an consume quite some time.