PrintFlow

Stop fiddling with the slicer, stay focused on design.

From FreeCAD to Slicing in One Click

A FreeCAD macro that transforms your 3D printing workflow by bringing advanced multi-object export capabilities and intelligent build plate management directly into FreeCAD.

Why PrintFlow?

• One-click export from FreeCAD to your slicer
• Smart object detection - exports what you actually want to print
• Build Plate Layout - use FreeCAD Assemblies to arrange your parts perfectly
• Embedded Print Settings - no more reconfiguring every iteration
• Multi-Material Support - set extruder and properties per-object
• Designed Support Integration - multi-shape objects make designed supports effortless

Three Ways to Use PrintFlow

Method 1: Select and Go!

Perfect for rapid prototyping:

1. Select objects in FreeCAD Tree View
2. Run PrintFlow (F12 hotkey)
3. Done! Slicer opens with perfect positioning

Method 2: Smart Labels

For regular production parts:

1. Add "Export" to object names ("MyExportWheel", "Print_Bracket_Export")
2. Run PrintFlow - all Export objects automatically included
3. Perfect for marking final parts while excluding work-in-progress

Method 3: Property Control

For complex multi-material projects:

1. Add Export properties to objects (Boolean, Export group)
2. Set Export=True/False for precise control
3. Add slicer properties (extruder, layer_height, etc.) directly in FreeCAD

Quick Start

1. Copy PrintFlow.FCMacro to your FreeCAD Macro directory
2. Open your FreeCAD document
3. Run the macro via Macro → Execute or F12 hotkey
4. Objects matching .*Export.* pattern export automatically, or set Export=True on specific objects

Documentation

• User Manual - Complete usage guide with examples
• Design Logic - Technical architecture and property system

Requirements

• FreeCAD 1.0+ (not tested with <1.0)

License

MIT License - see macro header for details