# Slicing & Printing — FlashForge Adventurer 3

Your printer prints sliced **`.gx`** files, not STL. FlashPrint (the FlashForge
slicer) turns the STLs into `.gx`. One-time install, then a repeatable workflow.

## 1. Install FlashPrint (2 min)
Download **FlashPrint 5** for macOS from the official source:
**https://www.flashforge.com/download-center** → search "FlashPrint" → macOS `.dmg`.
Open the `.dmg`, drag FlashPrint to Applications. (First launch: right-click → Open
to clear Gatekeeper.) On first run, pick machine type **Adventurer 3**.

## 2. Print the FIT TESTS first (always)
From `PRINT/00_PRINT_FIRST_fit_tests/`:
- `tolerance_test.stl` — dial in the **dovetail** gap (0.20 / 0.30 / 0.40). Pick the one that clicks firm-but-removable.
- `gridfinity_test.stl` — confirm a bin foot seats in a baseplate cell.

If a gap is off, tell me the right number and I'll re-export with it baked in.

## 3. Workflow per plate
1. **Load** → drag in STLs from a folder (e.g. `01_WALL_dovetail/`).
2. **Auto-arrange** (the grid icon) → FlashPrint packs as many as fit the 150×150 bed. Anything that won't fit, move to the next plate.
3. **Slice** with the settings below.
4. **Save** the `.gx` to your USB stick.
5. Eject, insert in the Adventurer 3, select the file on its screen, print.

## 4. Recommended Adventurer 3 settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | PLA (or PETG for a hot garage) |
| Layer height | 0.18–0.20 mm |
| Shells / walls | 3 |
| Infill | 20–30% (these take real grip force) |
| Supports | **None** (everything prints flat; tilted posts are within overhang) |
| Raft | Off (Brim if a tall narrow rail lifts) |
| Nozzle / Bed (PLA) | 210 °C / 50 °C |
| Print speed | 50–60 mm/s |

## 5. Orientation
All parts are pre-oriented to print **base-down, flat** — keep them as imported.
Don't stand rails on end. The Gridfinity feet print downward (no supports needed).

## 6. Order of operations for the whole set
1. Fit tests → pick gaps.
2. (If gaps changed) re-export.
3. Wall set: `01_WALL_dovetail/` — arrange ~4–5 rails per plate.
4. Drawer set: `02_DRAWER_dewalt_gridfinity/` — baseplate tiles + bins (print enough baseplate tiles to fill the ToughSystem drawer, 10×6 cells).
5. Bit holder.

That's the full pipeline — STL → FlashPrint → `.gx` → USB → Adventurer 3.
