GCode Composer Prototype

This program plans paths for bioprinting experiments using our converted RepRap MK2 bioprinter utilizing our NOSE modification (https://osf.io/ewvx9/). In addition, it fixes the shortcomings of the current design, as we cannot detect the initial fill of the syringe (and other parameters), when an experiment starts. !Please carefully read the NOSE manual and/or our HardwareX publication before conducting any experiments, as manual intervention is necessary!

Installation

1. Install NodeJS (e.g. via https://nodejs.org/en/download/)

2. Download this repository and extract it somewhere or clone the repository with git

3. Run "launch-windows.bat" on Windows or "launch.sh" on OSX and Linux If this step fails for some reason on linux or osx, then open a command line and type the following

   1. cd path/to/your/composer/installation
   2. chmod +x launch.sh
   3. ./launch.sh

The first command navigates you to the folder in which the composer resides, the second one make the launcher executable and the third one launches the software. Also, the second step, making the launcher executable, needs just to be done once.

How to use the composer

1. Download or generate a valid target container (e.g. six-well plate). Note: In target containers all printable volumes must be marked individually by constructing volumes with some CAD software, Blender or alike, to which a material named "PrintArea" must be assigned. Once all printable volumes has been marked as described just export the target container into an AMF formatted file.

2. Design or reconstruct the biostructures you want to print. You can also use our published biostructures, which can be found in the corresponding repository. Keep in mind they must fit into the printable volumes of the target container!

3. Slice the biostructure model. Make sure that the produced gcode does not contain a prologue or epilogue, which may interfere with combined prints. The coordinate system's origin must be set according to the stuff.

4. Load the target container in the composer and fill the printable volumes with your biostructures at will. You can only put one biostructure per printable volume! If you want to add multiple small biostructures into a printable volume, then you can simply add multiple biostructures in the slicing program and slice them into a "single" structure.

5. Fill the configuration parameters (e.g. nozzle length/syringe diameter).

6. Generate and save the enhanced gcode. This generates an additional path preview for the syringe's needle tip. Make sure it is plausible and does not collide with something.

7. Send the gcode to the device. There will be two stops, where you need to intervene manually. At the first checkpoint remove syringe and target container from the device. After you press the continue the device checks its calibration status. When the device finished the checking routing it waits again to mount the syringe and the target container appropriately.

Note

The composer does NOT check whenever the initial amount of bioink in the syringe is sufficient for an experiment and does not check for any collisions!