User`s manual

ZPrint™ Software Manual Advanced Settings
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11/30/09
8.5.3 Import/Export Tab
Preferences – Import/Export Tab
Orient imported parts for the fastest print
times: Checked by default. Orients a part with
the smallest dimension printing in the Z-axis for
the fastest print times. Uncheck this option if
you do not want ZPrint to automatically orient
the part.
Invert imported part vertically if the top half
is heavier than the bottom one: Checked by
default. Orients a part so that the heavier half is
at the bottom of the build bed. Printing the part
with the lighter side towards the top prevents
the weight of the heavier half from damaging
the part during powder removal.
Mesh resolution for VRML primitives: The
default setting is 20. Set the number higher to
increase the number of facets and make your
file larger. Set a lower number to reduce the
facets.
Save slice data in .zbd files: Unchecked by default.
When checked, saves the slice data of a part. Normally,
when you save a build file (.zbd), the slice information is
discarded and the part is resliced when the file is opened.
This is generally the best strategy for saving files as file
size is significantly smaller and will take less time to open.
However, once the file is opened, you will have to wait
while the file slices the data.
Compress Textures in .zbd files (slows down save/
load): Checked by default. Saves texture maps with com-
pression. Compress texture maps if you have limited
computer resources. The trade-off is compressed files
take longer to open and save.
Refine texture when export to .PLY: Unchecked by
default. Applies to .wrl texture map files and increases the
number of facets by four times in texture mapped parts,
which significantly increases the fidelity of the rendering.
The export option is for exporting a .PLY file into third-
party software for manipulation, if needed.
Thickness of base in “Make Solid” operation: Creates
a solid base for surfaces that are rectangular. The height
of the base is determined by the value entered in this
field.
Rotate Elevation Grid: Checked by default. Orients the
part in the XY plane. Most GIS VRML files contain an Ele-
vation Grid where the main landscape plane is oriented
parallel to the XZ plane (not the XY plane), meaning you
have to manually rotate the model.
Compress textures in .zpr files: Check to save texture
maps with compression. Compression saves computer
resources, but compressed files take longer to open and
save.
Save .zpr textures externally: Check if you want to save
texture maps separately from a .zpr file. In most cases,
the texture maps are saved as .png files.
Save .zpr Textures as .png files: Unchecked by default.
When checked, saves .zpr texture maps as .png files,
which do not loose detail when compressed and then
uncompressed.
Saving .jpg Quality Factor (1-10): Relates to exporting
.zpr files. On a scale of 1-10, 1 means no loss of quality,
10 is the greatest loss of quality.