A stacker script

openGrid/Stacker/README.md

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+# OpenGrid Stacking Tutorial (OrcaSlicer)
+
+This guide explains how to use the provided Python CLI tool to generate and print stacked OpenGrids efficiently. Printing stacks allows you to produce many grids in a single print session without manually removing parts from the build plate. Using a chemically incompatible material (like PCTG or PLA Support) for the interface layer yields perfectly smooth undersides.
+
+## Generating the Stack
+
+We have provided a convenient Python CLI tool using `uv` and `rich-click`.
+
+### Prerequisites
+- Install [uv](https://github.com/astral-sh/uv) (e.g., `curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh`).
+- *(Optional)* Install OpenSCAD and ensure it is in your system `PATH` to enable direct `.3mf` export.
+
+### Usage
+Navigate to the `openGrid/Stacker` directory and run the script with `uv run`:
+
+```bash
+cd openGrid/Stacker
+uv run openGridStacker.py --width 8 --height 7 --stack-count 7 --interface-material pctg --type Lite
+```
+
+#### Command Line Options
+- `--width`: The width of the grid in tiles (default: 8).
+- `--height`: The height of the grid in tiles (default: 7).
+- `--stack-count`: The number of grids to stack (default: 7).
+- `--type`: Grid version to generate: Full, Lite, or Heavy (default: Lite).
+- `--interface-material`: The material strategy to use for the interface layers between grids.
+- `--no-screws`: Disable screw holes. By default, M4 screw holes are generated in the corners.
+- `--output`: Output filename base (without extension). If not provided, it's auto-generated.
+- `--no-3mf`: Disable automatic export to 3MF.
+- `--no-instructions`: Disable generation of print instructions markdown.
+
+### Interface Material Options
+1. **`pctg` or `pla_support`**: Generates a solid 0.4mm interface layer with **0.0mm gap**. Since PLA and PCTG (or PLA Support) do not bond, they peel apart perfectly, leaving flawless surfaces.
+2. **`pla`**: Generates an interface layer with a **0.15mm gap** (0.3mm total gap per layer). Use this if you only have one material. It breaks away but the surface will be slightly rougher.
+3. **`nothing`**: Omits the interface layer entirely and leaves a **0.2mm gap** between stacked models. You must configure your slicer's standard supports between layers.
+
+---
+
+## Slicing in OrcaSlicer (Multi-Material: PLA + PCTG)
+
+If you chose `pctg` or `pla_support` as your interface material, follow these best practices for optimal strength and clean separation.
+
+### 1. Import the Model as a Multi-Part Object
+- The script automatically merges the grids and interfaces into a single `.3mf` file (e.g., `opengrid_lite_8x7_s7_pctg.3mf`).
+- Drag and drop this `.3mf` file into your OrcaSlicer window. It will automatically import as a single object containing multiple parts.
+- In the "Process" tab (Object view), assign your PLA filament to the main grid parts (usually named `Grids`) and your PCTG / PLA Support filament to the interface layer parts (usually named `Interfaces`).
+
+### 2. Multi-Material Best Practices (Crucial for PCTG/PLA)
+Because PLA and PCTG are chemically incompatible, any cross-contamination will cause severe layer adhesion failure in your main prints.
+
+*   **Interface Shells (CRITICAL):** Under the **Multimaterial** tab, you MUST check **"Interface shells"**. Without this, OrcaSlicer will see the 0.0mm gap and treat the parts as one block, skipping the essential solid Top/Bottom layers between the PLA and PCTG.
+*   **High Purge Volumes:** Click the "Flushing volumes" button located right above your filament list. Set the transition from PLA to PCTG to **800**, and from PCTG back to PLA to **800**. This higher value (rather than 600) is the safest way to guarantee absolutely zero brittle cross-contamination.
+*   **Disable Flush into Infill / Support:** Under the **Multimaterial** tab -> **Flush options**, ensure **"Flush into object's infill"** and **"Flush into support"** are **DISABLED**. You do not want incompatible materials mixed inside your print, as it will cause it to snap under minimal stress.
+*   **Temperature Management:** Ensure the slicer purges at the **higher** of the two temperatures (the PCTG temp) to melt out all the PLA completely before printing the PCTG layer.
+
+### 3. Official openGrid Print Settings
+For the best strength and dimensional accuracy, openGrid models should be printed with the following general settings:
+
+*   **Wall Loops (Perimeters):** 3
+*   **Infill:** 15% (Grid or Gyroid)
+*   **Layer Height:** 0.2mm
+*   **Bottom Shell Layers:** 3
+*   **Top Shell Layers:** 4
+
+### 4. PCTG Specific Warnings
+*   **Dry the PCTG:** PCTG is highly hygroscopic. Dry it at 65°C for 6 hours before printing. Wet PCTG will pop during printing, which ruins the smooth interface surface and causes pockmarks on your PLA.
+*   **Bed Adhesion:** If your first layer happens to be PCTG, use a glue stick. PCTG bonds incredibly well to PEI plates and can damage them if removed while hot.
+*   **Cooling:** While PCTG usually needs less cooling than PLA, you can crank the fan to 100% for the **interface layers** to ensure the material solidifies instantly and doesn't "bleed" into the PLA model below it.
+
+Happy printing!

openGrid/Stacker/TEMPLATE.md

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+# Print Instructions: OpenGrid {{TYPE}} {{WIDTH}}x{{HEIGHT}} (Stack of {{STACK_COUNT}})
+
+This file contains specific slicing instructions for the generated OpenGrid stack.
+
+## Configuration
+- **Version:** {{TYPE}}
+- **Grid Size:** {{WIDTH}}x{{HEIGHT}} tiles
+- **Stack Count:** {{STACK_COUNT}}
+- **Screw Holes:** {{SCREWS}}
+- **Interface Material:** {{MATERIAL}}
+- **Gap Strategy:** {{STRATEGY}}
+
+---
+
+## OrcaSlicer Slicing Instructions
+
+### 1. Loading the Model
+- Drag {{FILENAME_3MF}} into OrcaSlicer.
+- It will automatically import as a single object containing multiple parts.
+
+### 2. Filament Assignment
+- **Grids:** Assign your primary PLA filament.
+- **Interfaces:** Assign your {{MATERIAL}} filament.
+
+### 3. Critical Multi-Material Settings
+{{MATERIAL_SPECIFIC_INSTRUCTIONS}}
+
+### 4. Official openGrid Recommendations
+For the best strength and dimensional accuracy, openGrid models (like the ones in this stack) should be printed with the following general settings:
+- **Wall Loops (Perimeters):** 3
+- **Infill:** 15% (Grid or Gyroid)
+- **Layer Height:** 0.2mm
+- **Bottom Shell Layers:** 3
+- **Top Shell Layers:** 4
+
+---
+*Generated by OpenGrid Stacker*