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Inspecting layers with the Slicer tool in PreForm

To ensure a FORM file’s printability, check your model for unsupported minima and possible suction cups, then inspect individual layers with the Slicer tool in PreForm.

Use the Slicer tool to see inside your model from any orthogonal direction, ensuring a perfect print every time. This is perfect for verifying internal support placement while you work, as the slice view is active while you move, rotate, or edit supports.

Controlling theSlicertool

Starting with PreForm version 3.52.0, you can use the Slicer tool to section your models from any orthogonal direction. In previous versions of PreForm, you could only view your models in layers along the Z-axis, from the bottom up. To configure the Slicer tool, click the buttons underneath the slider on the right side of the 3D scene:

Click the X button to slice along the X-axis. The slider turns red when slicing along the X-axis. The default behavior is to slice from left to right.
Click the Y button to slice along the Y-axis. The slider turns green when slicing along the Y-axis. The default behavior is to slice from front to back.
Click the Z button to slice along the Z-axis. The slider turns blue when slicing along the Z-axis. The default behavior is to slice from bottom to top.
Click the eye icon to toggle the section view on or off. Toggle the section view off to temporarily view the entire model without losing your position within the model.
Click the Flip Section View Axis button to flip the direction of the Slicer tool along the currently-selected axis. When the view axis is flipped, drag the slider from the top rather than the bottom.
- X-axis: When the view is flipped, the slider slices from right to left.
- Y-axis: When the view is flipped, the slider slices from back to front.
- Z-axis: When the view is flipped, the slider slices from top to bottom.

Tip:

Slider position and whether the view axis is flipped is controlled separately for each axis.

Inspecting individual slices

To inspect sections of your models with the Slicer tool:

Drag the slider on the right side of the window to view each slice one at a time. Supports are shown in orange and the model is shown in blue.
Drag the slider all the way to the bottom to view the entire model and support structure.

Jumping to a specific point within your models

To view a particular layer or spot within your models with the Slicer tool:

Drag the slider upward. A number appears next to the slider.

If you are slicing your models along the Z-axis, a number appears.
If you are slicing your models along the X-axis or Y-axis, a measurement in millimeters appears.

Click the number next to the slider.
Replace the current layer number or measurement with the position you wish to inspect.

If you are slicing your models along the Z-axis, enter a layer number.
If you are slicing your models along the X-axis or Y-axis, enter a position along that axis, measured in 0.1 mm increments.

Press the ENTER key. The slider moves to the new position.