From SpeakCAD to your slicer: PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, Cura, OrcaSlicer
SpeakCAD exports are already in millimetres, resting flat, and watertight. Getting them printed is mostly drag and drop, with a few things worth knowing. If you would rather skip the slicer entirely, SpeakCAD also downloads G-code already sliced for your printer with its official OrcaSlicer profile (at the price of the STL); this guide covers the STL and 3MF route.PrusaSlicer and OrcaSlicer
Drag the 3MF onto the plater. When the file has several parts, PrusaSlicer asks whether to load them as a single object with multiple parts or as separate objects: choose separate objects so you can arrange them. The model name from SpeakCAD appears in the object list.
Bambu Studio
File → Import → Import 3MF/STL. Bambu Studio treats 3MF as a project format; a SpeakCAD 3MF contains only geometry, so it imports as a plain object and keeps your printer and filament presets.
Cura
Drag and drop. Cura merges multi-object files into one; if you need parts separate, download the parts individually from SpeakCAD or use "Ungroup" after import.
Units and scale
SpeakCAD always writes millimetres. If a slicer offers to convert from inches because the model "looks small", say no; check the dimensions readout in SpeakCAD's viewer instead.
Recommended starting settings
- Layer height 0.2 mm (0.12 for fine details, gears and threads)
- 3 perimeters, 15 to 20% gyroid infill
- 4 to 5 perimeters for brackets, hooks and anything with screws
- Brim for tall thin parts, no supports for SpeakCAD models unless you asked for overhangs
- PETG for outdoor or loaded parts, PLA for everything else
Multi-part models
When you asked for several parts (an enclosure and its lid), they are laid out on the bed with gaps. Slice them together or split them in the slicer; both orientations were chosen to print without supports.
- 1Download STL or 3MFClick Download, then STL or 3MF (included in every plan, 4 credits without one; G-code sliced for your printer skips the rest of this guide). Prefer 3MF for modern slicers; every format of the same design is covered by one download.
- 2Open the file in the slicerDrag it onto PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer or Cura. If asked whether the file contains multiple objects, answer yes to keep parts separate.
- 3Check units and orientationThe model should already be in mm and flat on the bed. If a slicer asks about inches, decline the conversion.
- 4Set perimeters and infill3 perimeters, 15% infill for general parts; 4 to 5 perimeters for brackets.
- 5Slice and printPreview the first layer, then print. If the fit is off, fix it in SpeakCAD (type the new number in the viewer, or ask the AI in one request) and re-download for free.