Help with ChimeraX and dual extruder 3D printing
I have been using ChimeraX to generate STL files for 3D printing models of a variety of protein structures that I use in my biology classes. I recently acquired a dual extrusion printer which should allow me to print models in two different colors. For example, I am currently trying to print a nucleosome from RCSB model 7PFX such that the DNA is printed blue from one extruder and the histones white from the second extruder. I am exporting two different STL files from ChimeraX, one with the DNA and one with the histones, and I am attempting to slice with FlashPrint 5 software for a FlashForge Creator Pro 2 printer. However, when I import the two STL files into the slicing software, they are not aligned. Even if I position both at 0,0,0 coordinates, it is obvious that the DNA and histones are not lining up properly. Is there a way to export the two STL files from ChimeraX such that they have a common reference point or origin and will thus align with one another when both are placed into the slicing software? Many thanks for your consideration and advice, Billy Dye [PastedGraphic-2.png]
Apologies if you get this answer multiple times. The mailing list was rejecting my response for some unknown reason, and this is my second attempt at sending it: Hi Billy, Hopefully somebody with more knowledge in this area can say more, but my guess is that the issue is with the software that reads the STL files after they are written out rather than with ChimeraX writing them. How I tested: open 7pfx delete protein save dna.stl close open 7pfx delete nucleic-acid save protein.stl close open *.stl <https://rbvi.ucsf.edu/chimerax/docs/user/commands/save.html> <https://rbvi.ucsf.edu/chimerax/docs/user/commands/open.html#local> Regardless of whether I move the structure around between these commands, when I open the saved STL files back in ChimeraX it uses the same coordinates as in the original structure and the two are aligned properly with each other (as well as with the original atomic structure if I open that too). Maybe the printing software tries to center objects automatically, which causes a shift if the two objects are opened from two separate files. However, I really have no idea, or even if that were the case, how you could avoid it. Best, Elaine ----- Elaine C. Meng, Ph.D. UCSF Chimera(X) team Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry University of California, San Francisco
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Dye, Billy -
Elaine Meng