GCode: The G-Spot of 3D Printing

For most people, starting with a 3D printer begins with a CAD program or simply copying someone else's design and downloading an STL file.

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When they 'slice' that file, they are able to see each and every layer that the 3D printer will print in order to make the part that they saw it on the screen.

The slice process creates a visual representation of every move that the printer will make while it's printing your new plastic part. But the real magic is in the G code which is created when you press the slice button.

The G-code handles every move that the printer will make; when it starts up, including adjusting the bed temperature, nozzle temperature, turning on the injector or turning it off, as well as every millimeter that the print head moves up, down, side to side, or forward and backward.

If you know G code, you do not even need to have a slicer! Now that's what I'm talking about..