Add layer-by-layer option for Projector block

AmazingSlab shared this feedback 5 years ago
Declined

Add an option to enable layer-by-layer in the Projector block. It will only show one layer at a time when building blueprints, and if there is a block that takes up two or more blocks vertically, just make it show up on all layers where a part of it is. Also, add an option for automatically going to the next layer after all blocks on the previous layer have been built. You should also add a slider for changing between layers, and a "Next Layer" and "Previous Layer" button. Please consider implementing this feature in the next update. This would make building blueprints MUCH easier.

Replies (5)

photo
1

This would be extremely useful to use projectors by hand, however there are ways of doing this by putting a projector on a piston and having it project through a wall of welders then slowly pulling it back. But this would not work with all ship designs so a layer by layer mode would be nice.

photo
2

It's also useful for inspecting the insides of a blueprint. Right now you can walk through and peer inside but it's a little awkward.

photo
photo
5

+1

Not fussed about having extra "modes" for the projector like previous layer / next layer but would like to see a toggle setting to allow projection of buildable blocks only if the block before them is 100% welded. This would help prevent incomplete blocks from getting buried inside things as they're welded. Would also reduce the visual confusion of having to look through the projection to see incomplete blocks.

Especially useful for small-grid builds & when welding by hand.

photo
3

"100 % welded only" - Yes, please!

photo
photo
1

After working with this game for only a few days... I 120% agree. Many more people are familiar with how and why ANY printing system starts at 1 layer and moves to the next.

I was already looking @ the XML files that are blueprints thinking about writing a slicer, since it's a HUGE time saver, and it's so painful currently.

photo
1

It would be pretty nice if this would be implemented, but it's not that important I think.


To achieve something similar, what I usually do, is like place a Button Panel near to the building site, and use some trickery. Like I set the Projector so only the buildable blocks are shown, I use a hand welder to 'place' some of the blocks, usually like one layer of the build, then I turn off the Projector with the Button Panel.

This way I can clearly see what I'm welding(manually or with a welder ship), so I can use the build planner to queue up and transfer the right amount of components from the Cargo Containers to my inventory/ship. I always have some safety stock of the basic components, so if I always queue up what I'm building, I can make sure that I have enough components right away, almost every time.

With this method I'm enjoying building with a Projector, and I can build stuff relatively fast, at least if I have enough resources to do so.

photo
1

My goal isn't to build by hand, it's to have the machines do what machines do. Build for you.


Being able to build the printer that works is the goal... The printer that can take in any build, add a few scaffolding for printer support, and "print it".


I've used glass windows to block off areas, etc, done x/y move ment, just done z movement, etc.

It's better with 20 welders, but it gets bigger and bigger, that is why you see most ship build products with that many welders.


But that is because it's just too trickey to build a working build machine with 1 welder.


However CNC machines in the "normal" world of x/y/z build 1 layer at a time, do it ALLLL the time.


There is a reason we do a LOT of modern production by slice or layer.

I wouldn't even cry if I could hand code the part build order. That is 'okay' but much more complicated than just grabbing the model looking at the parts and only projecting those inside 1m of the start point, and moving the start point each time the layer is finished.

photo
photo
1

This feature is planned for the upcoming 0.5.0 release of the Multigrid Projector.

This release is planned to introduce block by block control over preview visibility. Each block can be set to shown or hidden by a mod or PB.

It is planned to allow explicit programmatic control over which block can actually be built by ship welders from those already buildable. It will allow for perfect control over "layered builds", even if the full projection is shown. I specifically need this to make robotic welding arms reliable with large block blueprints.

A UI for layers and block types may be added as part of a separate mod: Multigrid Projector Extra

Leave a Comment
 
Attach a file