How To Install PrusaSlicer Onto a Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi’s are a great option to connect with your 3D printer, but you might have noticed that downloading 3D design software such as PrusaSlicer isn’t as easy as you might have thought initially. Not to worry, though. If you follow these steps, you can download the software with ease. 

Here’s how to install PrusaSlicer onto a Raspberry Pi:

1. Ensure that your Raspberry Pi will work with PrusaSlicer. 
2. Download the PrusaSlicer Applmage software. 
3. Create the proper architectures using the correct code.
4. Install the PrusaSlicer dependencies using the code.
5. Make the Applmage an executable file.
6. Test out your new PrusaSlicer software. 

Downloading PrusaSlicer onto your Raspberry Pi doesn’t have to be inherently complex. On the contrary, the steps are relatively straightforward so long as you have a basic understanding of computer programming. So, let’s dive right in. 

1. Ensure That Your Raspberry Pi Will Work With PrusaSlicer

Before installing PrusaSlicer, it is essential to note that not all Raspberry Pi models will work for running slicing programs. 

You will need a Raspberry Pi with at least a 32-bit CPU and room for a storage card. If you want to make things easier on yourself, you’ll also want your Raspberry Pi to have a wifi card. 

For this guide, I recommend using a Raspberry Pi SC15184 Pi 4 (available on Amazon.com). This model is one of the best for running software, and you don’t need to manually upgrade the CPU or wifi to use it with PrusaSlicer or any other slicing program. It also has a 64-bit CPU so that you can do a lot of things with this one tiny computer!

2. Download the PrusaSlicer Applmage Software

To get started, you will need to download the latest version of the official PrusaSlicer Applmage software. These files are open-source downloads, and you can get a copy on Github. Here’s the newest version for Raspberry Pi 4’s:

https://github.com/prusa3d/PrusaSlicer/releases/tag/version_2.4.1-rc1

The downloads section is located toward the bottom of the site. 

It is free to download the PrusaSlicer Applmage software, and the download process should be pretty quick since the file is only 54.7 MB. Once you have successfully downloaded the Applmage software, it is time to proceed to the next step. 

3. Create the Proper Architecture Using the Correct Code

Now that you have PrusaSlicer, it’s time to run the correct architectures in the terminal. Setting up these architectures will help your Raspberry Pi Run PrusaSlicer.

You’ll need to use command prompts to create architectures. 

To open your terminal on your Raspberry Pi device, click on the terminal icon in the top menu bar (or choose Menu > Accessories > Terminal). A window with a black background with green text will open, and you should then see the command prompt. 

Then, enter the following command lines:

• pi@raspberry:~$ uname -m
• aarch64

Be sure to double-check that you have typed or pasted the codes correctly before entering the new architecture. 

If you find that the command doesn’t accept aarch64, you should acquire an armhf AppImage instead. An example of this would be to select the PrusaSlicer download option that looks more like this: 

PrusaSlicer-VERSION-armhf.AppImage

Once you have accomplished this step, it is time to move on to step 3, the installation of PrusaSlicer dependencies. 

4. Install the PrusaSlicer Dependencies Using the Code

Now it is time to install the PrusaSlicer dependencies. 

You can do this by inputting the following command line into your Raspberry Pi’s terminal:

• sudo apt-get install -y git cmake libboost-dev libboost-regex-dev libboost-filesystem-dev

libboost-thread-dev libboost-log-dev libboost-locale-dev libcurl4-openssl-dev build-essential

pkg-config libtbb-dev zlib1g-dev libcereal-dev libeigen3-dev libnlopt-cxx-dev

libudev-dev libopenvdb-dev libboost-iostreams-dev libgmpxx4ldbl libnlopt-dev

libdbus-1-dev imagemagick libgtk2.0-dev libgtk-3-dev libwxgtk3.0-gtk3-dev

Libwxgtk3.0-dev

Be sure to copy and paste the exact code before entering the information to install the dependencies quickly and correctly. This process should only take a short time before you can move on to step 4. 

It is important to note that for this download to function correctly, you should make sure that your Raspberry Pi is using Pi OS 11. 

5. Make the Applemage an Executable File

Now that you have installed the new Applmage software created the proper architecture, and successfully installed the PrusaSlicer dependencies, it is time to make the Applmage file Executable. 

You can make the AppleMage File Executable by following these steps:

1. Navigate to your Applmage file. First, you will need to locate the file on your Raspberry Pi and confirm that the file is currently not executable. 
2. Make your files script executable. To do this, you will need to use the chmod command: sudo chmod +x install.sh. 

It is still possible to run your PrusaSlicer software on your Raspberry Pi without making the file executable. However, by making this change to your file, you will be better able to access the code and make changes as needed in the future. 

Now that you have completed this step, it is time to test your new software. 

6. Test Out Your New PrusaSlicer Software

Whatever your reason for wanting to install PrusaSlicer onto your Raspberry Pi device, now you have it, and it should be ready to set up and slice your first 3D print. 

So now it is time to launch PrusaSlicer!

32-bit:

• $ chmod +x PrusaSlicer-2.4.1-armhf.AppImage
• $ ./PrusaSlicer-2.4.1-armhf.AppImage

64-bit: 

• $ chmod +x PrusaSlicer-2.4.1-aarch64.AppImage
• $ ./PrusaSlicer-2.4.1-aarch64.AppImage

After installing the Applmage software onto your tiny computer, you will want to ensure that everything is working correctly. A great way to do that is by uploading your first 3D print. 

I would recommend selecting something simple and getting straight to printing. If everything boots up correctly and the software seems to be functioning correctly, then you are all good to go and should be able to enjoy 3D printing via your Raspberry Pi! 

Frequently Asked Question

Why Should I Consider Using a Raspberry Pi With My 3D Printer? 

You should consider using a Raspberry Pi with your 3D printer because if you use the right software, such as Prusaslicer and Octoprint, you can control all of your prints remotely. Having the ability to instantly design, pause, or stop a job if you notice things going south is a huge benefit.

Raspberry Pis are handy tiny computers, and they can allow you to make all of your 3D printing projects more convenient. Many people use these devices to set up computers just for slicing their 3D models, and they are so small that they can fit into any workspace. That way, you can always have an extra computer on hand when monitoring your 3D printer. 

To use your Raspberry Pi for remote control, you’ll also need to use Octoprint (available for free). 

Conclusion 

The overall PrusaSlicer downloading process for your Raspberry Pi can feel like a big project. Still, if you carefully follow these steps, it’ll be a piece of cake– or should I say Pi? 

Now that you have installed PrusaSlicer software, you can create on the go with ease. Plus, who doesn’t love having the ability to work on their 3D print projects remotely? 

When installing your new PrusaSlicer software, remember to follow the instructions carefully and input all of the codes correctly into the terminal.