G-Code 3D Printer instructions

Simplify3D knows how to convert the 3D geometry generated by Fusion 360 into G-Code (shown in the black text window lower right). I have just told Fusion 360 to print this and it automatically launched this and passed the 3D geometry to it. Simplify3D is a "slicer" because it knows how to convert a 3D object into slices that a 3D printer can lay down (one on top of the other). Simplify3D is fairly expensive and competes with a number of free products (like Slic3r, Cura). It gives me a 3D view of the object and enables positioning and rotating it on the bed and configuring dozens of parameters. It is about to deliver the G-Code (via a USB connection) to my RepRap 3D printer (although it is often preferable to use the "Save Toothpaths to Disk" button to generate G-Code and write it to an SDCard which the printer can accept). The black text-edit window shows what the G-Code looks like. It is just text. With hundreds of thousands of commands that mostly move the head to successive X-Y positions and a defined filament feed-rate.

Related Pictures

What is the best 3D mechanical design software for ceramics in 2025?

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CAD software and 3D printing are a potential revolution in vessel mold-making for ceramics (3D modelling is another topic). But there are two big problems: There is no way a potter, hobbyist or even small manufacturer can afford the typical software cost. While it is true most have free or low-cost trial or hobby versions, the strings attached are deal breakers. The second problem is the complexity of learning - that can be a bigger obstacle than cost. Fusion 360 seems to be exactly what is needed. It is the way to on-board the CAD world, using the free version and its great learning resources and best-in-class user interface. It is new and modern, a YouTube star. It is fully parametric supporting constraints and a timeline. True, it can choke on more complex drawings on consumer computers, but we don’t need to do those. But, for commercial use, it costs $680/yr. But that is cheap compared to some others! Upon discovery of the capability, the cost might be doable for you. If not, there is a second option: Move to Shapr 3D after learning. It costs $299/yr, also works on iPad (which Fusion 360 does not) and it is similar enough to make the transition easier. It is less powerful and lacks the training support, but the things it does do well are what is needed for mold making in ceramics. It uses the Parasolid engine like OnShape and SolidWorks (that royalty is probably what raises the cost). Here are the ones you cannot afford (and maybe don't want): -OnShape runs in your browser. It focuses on collaboration for teams. Free-version drawings are public but going private costs $1500/yr! -Rhino is usable for CAD but targeted at modelling. It is not fully parametric and does not have a traditional timeline (however Rhino+Grasshopper is life-changing for geeks, both for CAD and modelling). $1000 to buy but upgrading is $500+. -Solidworks is fully parametric with editable history. But it is old, the interface shows it. It is low cost for hobby use but for commercial use it is far out of reach for individuals ($2600/yr in 2025). -FreeCAD is becoming more viable. It is parametric, has constraints and exports and imports popular formats (but with lots of issues). Its model tree is equivalent to the Fusion 360 timeline, but more clunky and depends on careful setting of constraints. The learning curve right now puts it out of practical reach of most. But a capital injection, like Blender got, is coming.

The Prusa Slicer generates G-Code for 3D-printing

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This slicer ships with, and is recommended for, the Prusa line of 3D printers (when you click to print something in your 3D design software (e.g. Fusion 360) it sends the 3D geometry to your chosen slicer software, that software drives the actual printer). Simplicity and the exact visual reproduction of the printed bed make this a good choice for slicing (slicing is the mathematical process of cutting a 3D object into layers that can be printed successively). Another advantage is that online help for this printer will generally assume the use of this slicer. There are a myriad of settlings and parameters that printing software must respect to adapt to each type of 3D printer and the pairing of the Prusa printers with this slicer will be the best.

The controller on a common 3D printer

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An SD-Card or USB stick inserts into the side of the front controller and display unit (typically G-Code files produced by the slicer software are copied to the memory stick on a computer).

#2 The main menu displays on startup. Move the selector by turning the dial and select a choice by pressing it again.
#1 When a file is selected for print it is previewed and awaits confirmation. That initiates the head and bed heat-up sequence and a levelling calibration and then printing begins.
#3 An info screen displays during print, showing the temperature of the nozzle and the bed and percentage completion.
#4 Pressing the dial during a print offers some tuning options that can be adjusted while printing (e.g. print speed, nozzle and bed temperature).

Links

Glossary	3D Printing Clay Clay for 3D printing. People are getting carried away with the technology and forgetting the common sense things relating to the clay.
Glossary	3D Slicer 3D printing is very important in ceramics, hobby and industry. A slicer is software that slices up an STL file 3D model and runs the printer to lay down each layer.

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