Skills
skills/santiagomoneta/3d-printing-skills/orca-slicer

orca-slicer

SKILL.md

Skill: orca-slicer

OrcaSlicer Manager — Profile Creation, Calibration & Settings Expert

Expert assistant for OrcaSlicer: creates and edits printer/filament/process profiles, guides calibration workflows, explains every setting, generates custom G-code with placeholders, and diagnoses common print quality issues.

Credits: The compliance rules, pipeline checklist, model analysis checklist, and agent self-check table in this skill were adapted from bambu-studio-ai by @heyixuan2, rewritten for OrcaSlicer and non-Bambu printers.

Source: https://github.com/OrcaSlicer/OrcaSlicer
Docs: https://www.orcaslicer.com/wiki/

⛔ Compliance Rules — Follow Strictly

Before every action, verify you are not violating these rules:

Rule Meaning
MUST Non-negotiable. Skip = failure.
NEVER Forbidden. Doing it = failure.
WAIT Do not proceed until user responds.

NEVER Do These

  • ❌ NEVER give profile settings without knowing the printer setup — Always complete Phase 1 first (printer, nozzle, filament, firmware, goal)
  • ❌ NEVER skip model analysis when a file is provided — Run the 11-point checklist before recommending any settings
  • ❌ NEVER recommend calibration values without knowing the current symptom — Use the decision tree, don't guess
  • ❌ NEVER write G-code without knowing the firmware — Klipper, Marlin, and RepRapFirmware have incompatible syntax
  • ❌ NEVER skip reporting printability issues — If a model has problems, tell the user before suggesting settings

MUST Do These

  1. Collect setup info → Printer, nozzle, filament, firmware, goal (Phase 1)
  2. Analyze model → Run 11-point checklist if a file or description is provided
  3. Report issues → Printability score + warnings before recommending settings
  4. Match settings to intent → Use the correct Quick Values block (functional / visual / speed / miniature)
  5. Validate profiles → Remind user to run the profile validator after creating/editing profiles

Pipeline Checklist (verify before claiming done)

[ ] Printer setup collected (Phase 1 complete)
[ ] Model analyzed (11-point checklist run, if applicable)
[ ] Printability score + issues reported to user
[ ] Settings matched to intent (functional / visual / speed / miniature)
[ ] Calibration order followed (if calibrating from scratch)
[ ] G-code syntax matched to firmware
[ ] Profile validator reminder given (if profiles were created/edited)

Activation

Use this skill when the user asks about:

  • Creating or editing OrcaSlicer profiles (printer, filament, process)
  • Understanding any OrcaSlicer setting or what value to use
  • Running a calibration (temperature, flow, pressure advance, retraction, etc.)
  • Writing or debugging custom start/end G-code with placeholder variables
  • Diagnosing print quality issues (stringing, under-extrusion, ringing, layer adhesion, etc.)
  • Connecting OrcaSlicer to Klipper, OctoPrint, or PrusaLink
  • Generating optimized profiles for specific use cases (functional parts, miniatures, speed, visual quality)

Platform Notes

OrcaSlicer runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Profile files are JSON and work identically across platforms. All paths below use the notation:

Placeholder Windows macOS Linux
<config> %APPDATA%\OrcaSlicer ~/Library/Application Support/OrcaSlicer ~/.config/OrcaSlicer
<install> C:\Program Files\OrcaSlicer /Applications/OrcaSlicer.app/Contents AppImage mount or install dir

Profile cache lives at <config>/system/ — delete it to force OrcaSlicer to reload profiles after manual edits to <install>/resources/profiles/.

User-created profiles live at <config>/user/.

Phase 1: Understand the User's Setup

Before giving advice, establish:

  1. Printer — make/model, kinematics (Cartesian, CoreXY, Delta), build volume
  2. Nozzle — diameter (0.2 / 0.4 / 0.6 / 0.8mm), material (brass, hardened, ruby)
  3. Filament type — PLA / PETG / ABS / ASA / TPU / PA / PC / etc.
  4. Firmware — Klipper, Marlin, RepRapFirmware, PrusaFirmware, Bambu
  5. Goal — speed, visual quality, functional strength, miniatures, multicolor

If the user has a Klipper printer, recommend adding to printer.cfg:

[exclude_object]
[gcode_arcs]
resolution: 0.1

Phase 1b: Model Analysis (when a file or model description is provided)

Before recommending any settings, run this 11-point printability check and report results to the user.

11-Point Checklist

# Check Pass Criteria
1 Wall thickness ≥ 1× nozzle diameter (min 0.4mm for 0.4mm nozzle)
2 Overhangs ≤ 45° without support; flag anything steeper
3 Print orientation Maximize flat base area; minimize unsupported overhangs
4 Floating / disconnected parts No islands; all geometry connected
5 Watertight / manifold No open edges, holes, or non-manifold geometry
6 Build volume fit Model fits within printer's printable area + height
7 Layer height compatibility Feature detail ≥ 2× chosen layer height
8 Infill rate for load direction Structural parts: ≥ 40% with gyroid/cubic
9 Top/bottom shell layers ≥ 5 layers for watertight top surfaces
10 Material compatibility Geometry tolerances match material shrinkage (ABS/ASA warp risk)
11 Unit detection Confirm mm vs meters (common in CAD exports)

Reporting Format (MANDATORY)

Always report in this format before giving settings:

Printability Score: X/10
Issues found: [list or "none"]
Repairs needed: [list or "none"]
Recommended settings: layer height X mm, infill Y%, walls Z, temp T°C

Example: "Score 7/10. Overhang at 62° on left arm — recommend support or reorientation. Wall thickness 0.38mm at tip — borderline for 0.4mm nozzle. Recommended: 0.20mm layers, 40% gyroid infill, 4 walls, PLA 215°C."

Phase 2: Profile Architecture

OrcaSlicer uses a 4-level JSON profile hierarchy. See references/profiles.md for full details.

Vendor meta (.json)
└── Printer model (machine_model)
    └── Printer variant (machine)   ← nozzle-specific
        ├── Process profile          ← layer height, speeds, quality
        └── Filament profile         ← temps, flow, cooling, PA

Profile Locations (installed)

<install>/resources/profiles/
├── VendorName.json               ← vendor meta
└── VendorName/
    ├── machine/
    │   ├── PrinterModel.json     ← machine_model
    │   └── PrinterModel 0.4 nozzle.json  ← machine
    ├── process/
    │   └── 0.20mm Standard @PrinterModel 0.4.json
    └── filament/
        └── Generic PLA @PrinterModel@.json

Profile Naming Convention

Type Pattern
Vendor meta VendorName.json
Machine model VendorName PrinterName.json
Machine variant VendorName PrinterName 0.4 nozzle.json
Process 0.20mm Standard @VendorName PrinterName 0.4.json
Filament Generic PLA @VendorName PrinterName@.json

Phase 3: Calibration Workflows

Always follow this order when calibrating from scratch. See references/calibration.md for step-by-step detail on each test.

Recommended Calibration Order

  1. Temperature — find optimal nozzle temp for layer adhesion vs. stringing
  2. Max Volumetric Speed — find the flow ceiling before under-extrusion
  3. Pressure Advance — reduce corner bulging and improve dimensional accuracy
  4. Flow Rate — fine-tune extrusion multiplier for accurate dimensions
  5. Retraction — eliminate stringing
  6. Cornering (Jerk / Junction Deviation) — reduce corner artifacts
  7. Input Shaping — eliminate ringing/ghosting (accelerometer required)
  8. VFA — find resonance-free speed ranges
  9. Tolerance (optional) — tune for tight-fitting parts

All calibrations are under Calibration tab in OrcaSlicer. After each calibration, create a new project to exit calibration mode before printing normally.

Quick Calibration Decision Tree

Symptom Run This
Stringing Temp ↓, then Retraction
Under-extrusion Temp ↑, then Max Volumetric Speed, then Flow Rate
Corner bulging Pressure Advance
Ringing / ghosting Input Shaping
Wrong dimensions Flow Rate, then Tolerance
VFA bands / zebra stripes VFA speed test
Rough top surface Flow Rate, Ironing

Phase 4: Key Settings Reference

See references/settings.md for the full annotated settings reference.

Quick Values by Intent

Functional / Engineering Parts

layer_height:          0.20–0.30mm
wall_loops:            4–6
top/bottom_shell_layers: 5–7
infill_density:        40–60%
infill_pattern:        gyroid / cubic / grid
print_speed:           60–120 mm/s (match MVS)
enable_support:        true (tree support for overhangs > 50°)

Visual / Display Quality

layer_height:          0.08–0.15mm
wall_loops:            3–4
wall_sequence:         inner/outer/inner (sandwich)
seam_position:         back or aligned
ironing_type:          top surfaces
print_speed:           40–80 mm/s

Speed / Draft

layer_height:          0.25–0.35mm
wall_loops:            2
infill_density:        10–15%
print_speed:           150–300 mm/s (limited by MVS)
acceleration:          limited by printer capability / input shaper result

Miniatures / Fine Detail

layer_height:          0.04–0.10mm (requires 0.2mm nozzle)
line_width:            0.10–0.15mm
wall_loops:            3
support:               tree support, small interface spacing

Phase 5: Custom G-Code

OrcaSlicer exposes rich placeholder variables in machine start/end G-code, filament start/end G-code, layer change G-code, and toolchange G-code.

See references/placeholders.md for the complete variable reference.

Common Start G-Code Patterns (Klipper)

; --- Machine Start G-code for Klipper ---
M104 S0                          ; cancel any temp from preview
M140 S0
PRINT_START BED={first_layer_bed_temperature[0]} EXTRUDER={first_layer_temperature[0]}

; --- Machine Start G-code (inline heating) ---
G28                              ; home
M190 S{first_layer_bed_temperature[0]}   ; wait for bed
M109 S{first_layer_temperature[0]}       ; wait for nozzle
G29                              ; bed leveling (if not in PRINT_START)

Layer Change G-Code

; pause at layer 3 for color change
{if layer_num == 3}M600{endif}

Conditional G-Code Syntax

{if condition}...{endif}
{if condition}...{else}...{endif}
{value|default(fallback)}

Temperature Placeholders

M104 S{first_layer_temperature[0]}         ; initial layer nozzle
M190 S{first_layer_bed_temperature[0]}     ; initial layer bed
M104 S{nozzle_temperature[0]}              ; normal printing temp
M140 S{bed_temperature[0]}                 ; normal bed temp

Phase 6: Filament Profiles — Key Parameters

Parameter PLA PETG ABS/ASA TPU PA/Nylon
Nozzle temp 190–220°C 230–250°C 235–260°C 210–240°C 240–280°C
Bed temp 55–65°C 70–85°C 100–115°C 30–60°C 70–90°C
Chamber — — 40–50°C — 50–60°C
Fan speed 80–100% 20–50% 0–20% 50–80% 0–30%
Flow ratio 0.95–1.0 0.95–1.0 0.95–1.0 0.9–1.0 0.95–1.0
Max vol. speed 12–20 mm³/s 8–15 mm³/s 8–12 mm³/s 3–8 mm³/s 6–12 mm³/s
Pressure advance 0.02–0.06 0.04–0.10 0.02–0.06 0.05–0.15 0.03–0.08
Retraction (DD) 0.4–1.0mm 0.5–1.5mm 0.5–1.0mm 1.0–3.0mm 0.5–1.5mm
Retraction (Bowden) 3–6mm 4–7mm 4–7mm 2–4mm 4–8mm

Phase 7: Diagnosing Print Quality Issues

Issue Likely Cause Setting to Adjust
Stringing Temp too high, retraction too low Lower temp, increase retraction, check PA
Under-extrusion Temp too low, flow too fast, clogged Raise temp, reduce speed, check flow ratio
Over-extrusion Flow ratio too high Reduce filament_flow_ratio
Corner bulging PA too low Increase pressure_advance
Ringing/ghosting Mechanical resonance Run Input Shaping calibration
Layer adhesion failure Temp too low Raise nozzle temp
Warping Bed temp too low, no enclosure Raise bed temp, add brim, enclose printer
Elephant foot First layer too squished Raise z-offset, or enable "elephant foot compensation"
Gaps in top surface Flow too low, or top speed too high Increase flow ratio, reduce top surface speed
Pillowing on top Cooling too aggressive, too few top layers Reduce fan, add top layers
Support not removable Interface too tight Increase support/object gap, use PETG interface for PLA
Seam visible Seam position not ideal Use "aligned" or "rear" seam, or scarf seam
VFA / zebra bands Resonance at specific speed VFA test to find and avoid resonant speeds

Phase 8: Network Printer Integration

Klipper (via Moonraker)

In OrcaSlicer: Printer Settings → Connection

  • Protocol: Moonraker
  • Hostname/IP: <printer_ip>
  • Port: 7125
  • API key: (leave blank if not configured)

OctoPrint

  • Protocol: OctoPrint
  • Hostname/IP: <printer_ip>
  • Port: 5000 (default)
  • API key: from OctoPrint → Settings → Application Keys

PrusaLink (Prusa MK4 / XL)

  • Protocol: PrusaLink
  • Hostname/IP: <printer_ip>
  • Password: found on printer screen

Bambu Lab

  • Uses the proprietary Bambu networking plugin (optional install)
  • Cloud mode requires Bambu account
  • LAN mode: enable on printer, set access code in OrcaSlicer

Phase 9: Profile JSON Structure

Minimal Printer Variant (machine) Profile

{
  "type": "machine",
  "name": "MyPrinter 0.4 nozzle",
  "inherits": "fdm_machine_common",
  "from": "system",
  "instantiation": "true",
  "nozzle_diameter": ["0.4"],
  "printer_model": "MyPrinter",
  "printer_variant": "0.4",
  "printable_area": ["0x0", "235x0", "235x235", "0x235"],
  "printable_height": 250,
  "default_filament_profile": ["Generic PLA @System"],
  "default_print_profile": "0.20mm Standard @MyPrinter 0.4",
  "machine_start_gcode": "PRINT_START BED={first_layer_bed_temperature[0]} EXTRUDER={first_layer_temperature[0]}",
  "machine_end_gcode": "PRINT_END"
}

Minimal Filament Profile

{
  "type": "filament",
  "name": "Generic PLA @MyPrinter@",
  "inherits": "Generic PLA @System",
  "from": "system",
  "instantiation": "true",
  "nozzle_temperature": ["215"],
  "bed_temperature": ["60"],
  "filament_flow_ratio": ["0.98"],
  "compatible_printers": ["MyPrinter 0.4 nozzle"]
}

Minimal Process Profile

{
  "type": "process",
  "name": "0.20mm Standard @MyPrinter 0.4",
  "inherits": "fdm_process_common",
  "from": "system",
  "instantiation": "true",
  "layer_height": 0.2,
  "print_speed": 150,
  "compatible_printers": ["MyPrinter 0.4 nozzle"]
}

Phase 10: Profile Validation

After creating or editing profiles, validate them:

Method 1 — OrcaSlicer Profile Validator

# Linux / macOS
./OrcaSlicer_profile_validator -p /path/to/resources/profiles -l 2 -v VendorName

# Windows
OrcaSlicer_profile_validator.exe --path C:\path\to\resources\profiles -l 2 -v VendorName

Method 2 — Python Script

python orca_extra_profile_check.py --vendor="VendorName" --check-filaments --check-materials

Force Profile Reload (after editing installed profiles)

Delete the system cache:

  • Windows: %APPDATA%\OrcaSlicer\system\
  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/OrcaSlicer/system/
  • Linux: ~/.config/OrcaSlicer/system/

Then restart OrcaSlicer.

Common Agent Mistakes (self-check)

Mistake Correct Behavior
Giving settings without knowing the printer MUST complete Phase 1 first — ask printer, nozzle, filament, firmware, goal
Skipping model analysis because "it's a simple shape" ALL models need the 11-point check — simple shapes can still have bad walls or wrong units
Recommending calibration order out of sequence Always follow: Temp → MVS → PA → Flow → Retraction → Cornering → Input Shaping
Writing Klipper G-code for a Marlin printer MUST confirm firmware before writing any G-code
Giving a single "best" setting without knowing the goal Always ask: functional / visual / speed / miniature — settings differ significantly
Skipping the printability score report MUST report score + issues before recommending settings, even if score is 10/10
Suggesting retraction values without knowing direct drive vs Bowden MUST ask extruder type — values differ by 3–5×
Editing installed profiles without mentioning cache deletion MUST remind user to delete <config>/system/ cache and restart OrcaSlicer

References

  • references/profiles.md — Full profile JSON schema, inheritance rules, field reference
  • references/calibration.md — Step-by-step calibration procedures for every test
  • references/placeholders.md — Complete built-in placeholder variable reference
  • references/settings.md — Annotated settings reference for all three profile types

Wiki: https://www.orcaslicer.com/wiki/
GitHub: https://github.com/OrcaSlicer/OrcaSlicer
Releases: https://github.com/OrcaSlicer/OrcaSlicer/releases/latest

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