G codes for 3d printer

Currently, more and more different new devices are appearing, each of which brings undoubted benefits to humanity. One such invention is the 3D printer, which is not yet very widespread, but nevertheless attracts the attention of a huge number of users. Due to the novelty of the device, it can be quite difficult for a beginner to understand the control process and operating principle. For example, what is G-code and what is it for? What are these codes? You will learn about all this in this article.

What is G-code for a 3D printer

First, let's look at the operating principle of the printer itself, which remains a mystery to many. The 3D model, which is inside each device, is divided into several horizontal layers, and each layer, in turn, diverges into a variety of lines, which differ in thickness and some other parameters.

In order to get the required result, you definitely need G-code. What is it? Any 3D printer is a device that operates using computer numerical control, and G-code is the programming language used in such machines. It was originally intended to operate machines with a similar control system, and was created back in the 1960s. Simply put, this is a special set of commands, the so-called scheme with the help of which printing will take place. It can be generated automatically using service programs specially designed for this. It contains not only information about the model of the future product itself, but also the speed of movement and extrusion of plastic, the heating level and a variety of parameters, as well as preparatory operations that must be performed before any printing.

Like any code, G-code consists of several lines. They are called frames. There are several basic commands that are used most often. Let's look at them in more detail in order to more fully understand what happens while the printer is running and how this can be achieved using code.

G-code commands for 3D printer

In order to understand such code, you will need a kind of command reference. Each of them, even if they are similar to each other, has its own purpose.

The diversity of teams is divided into three large groups:

• G - from the English “general”, which means basic. They are also called preparatory. With their help, the movement of the internal parts of the printer from one point to another is regulated, and so on.
• M are auxiliary commands, of which there can be a huge number. They are designed to recognize a variety of parameters and implement them during operation. This includes the level of heating, cooling and other characteristics that are of great importance in order for the result to be as close as possible to the given model.
• T - such commands are responsible for changing the tool.

Thus, knowing what these letters mean, you can begin to understand the provided code, which, at first glance, seems to be a set of letters and numbers that do not make sense.Nevertheless, it is with its help that such an amazing device as a 3D printer is activated.

The parameters also have their specific meaning for the best result. For example, S is temperature, time in seconds, R is arc radius, and so on.

IMPORTANT! There are quite a lot of teams and they continue to be constantly replenished. That is why it is necessary to find a current list on the Internet if you need it, and not be content with the old one.

Now you know what G-code is in a 3D printer and what it is intended for. Progress does not stand still, so new technical capabilities are constantly appearing, which previously could only be dreamed of. Using a few lines, the entire printer is set to work, which is capable of printing any plastic product if its special model is first loaded. The operating principle, based on digital program control, is not as complex as it may seem at first, and learning G-code is the first step to understanding it.