chemshapes

This macro is for PPT versions older than 2007.

When it comes to model slices, we start to realize that the number of slices could potentially number in the thousands for a single 3d object. If you choose to use PPT to display the slices that will be projected, you must add custom animation parameters to each slide. These animations are just simple fade-in and fade-out animations. The only reason for the macro is to apply this custom animation to all the slides at once. Without it, you would have to apply the custom animation to each slide manually, OUCH!

So…Why the need for custom animation? With this type of printer, you expose your resin for a number of seconds for each slice, (depending on the resin you are using), The screen needs to go black while your build tray/Z axis moves into the next position. Once the Z is set for the next layer, The next slide is displayed and so on.

Right now, this macro is set to display the slide 2 seconds after loading to give the machine time to move into position and allow time for the resin to flow completely between the gap that will become the next layer. There is a fade-out at the end which turns the screen black again to ensure the Z doesn’t start moving while the resin is still being exposed.

The parameters of the macro can be edited. The delay time before the fade-in, and the delay time before the fade-out. This second delay time minus the first is what would equal your final exposure time. (10-2=8) because both delay times are from zero. Right now, the delay before the fade-in, is 2 seconds and  delay before the fade-out  is 10 seconds. Again, the final exposure time might vary depending on resin recipe used. The fades are set to the fastest speed which is .1 sec. So, as it is, the entire time for each slide is 10.1 sec. Here is the macro and a link on how to use it: How to use

[sourcecode language=”vb”]

Sub albumAni()
Dim osld As Slide
Dim oshp As Shape
Dim oeff As Effect
‘This code is for pre 2007 only
For Each osld In ActivePresentation.Slides
For Each oshp In osld.Shapes
If oshp.Fill.Type = msoFillPicture Then
Set oeff = osld.TimeLine.MainSequence.AddEffect(oshp, msoAnimEffectFade, , msoAnimTriggerWithPrevious)
With oeff
.Timing.Duration = 0.1
.Timing.TriggerDelayTime = 2
End With
Set oeff = osld.TimeLine.MainSequence.AddEffect(oshp, msoAnimEffectFade, , msoAnimTriggerWithPrevious)
With oeff
.Exit = True
.Timing.TriggerDelayTime = 10
.Timing.Duration = 0.1
End With
End If
Next oshp
Next osld
End Sub

[/sourcecode]

Note: The parameters in green are really the only ones that need to be adjusted.

I will be posting the Mach 3 macro next and will explain how to use the two together to get proper sync between the slide timing and machine control timing.

Jon