1 Topic by n2ri (edited by n2ri 2015-01-26 22:03:27)

  • n2ri
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Topic: saving Gcode vers stl files in folders

I am seeking advice from the more experienced long term 3D printing people here on what info/settings are imbedded in gcode/obj files versis stl as to how much settings are put into the gcode type files and how much if any is dependent on the slicer profile loaded into RH or any controller host at time of printing if say you simply load a gcode file to print that may have been sliced on a different printer with different settings than current printer. like maybe different size print area, different material and temp settings etc.

so I can know what info to tag in file name to let me know needed profiles used to print the file correctly, or maybe a folder named for proper settings used for some gcode/obj files like 'PLA or 'ABS, SD2 or SD3, 1.75mm or 3mm filament, slicer settings like .3mm with raft etc. or just save pre scaled stl files for desired prints and slice them when used and only keep gcode files for duration of reprinting job.

any thoughts on this? maybe Im the only one with many thousands of 3D printing files to sort and catalog for future use? but I have been considering future 3D printers to add to my tools and all are different due to some jobs needing different features more suited for models. also different types of materials and file types used in those printers like Resin type use different than the common extruding type or powder laser type. while similar style 3D printers have slight differences in profiles etc.

also i already know we must place/move stl file on print surface and scale to size wanted etc. b4 slicing as this can not be changed once made into gcode

Mitch

Solidoodle 2 with Deluxe kit cover & glass bed with heater. and 2nd board SD2 used not 3rd and alum platform not installed yet still wood. also need cooling fan installed to board. use Repetier Host couple vers. Slic3r also have all free ware STL programs

2 Reply by DePartedPrinter

  • DePartedPrinter
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Re: saving Gcode vers stl files in folders

A G-code file will hold everything required for the print. It is not dependent on any other slicer profile and will run completely on its own.

Sharing G-code files is not ideal as there are many variables between printers that are only accounted for when initially slicing that object.  For example, if I set up my slicer profile for a .35mm nozzle and then try to print with that g-code on a printer with a .5mm nozzle we are going to have some problems.

Personally, I save certain g-code files only when I know it will be used with the same printer with all the same settings as before. Otherwise I would just re-slice with updated settings. 

At my work our part library is maybe 1500 items.  Every part gets it own folder. Within that we include all the original CAD designs, any stl's that have been generated, and printer specific g-code files. Even though we have the saved g-code files we will generally re-slice an object before sending it for printing. Once an initial print is run we compare to earlier versions for QC before approving a multiple print run.

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3 Reply by n2ri

  • n2ri
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Re: saving Gcode vers stl files in folders

Cool! glad I got my question across. and thats exactly what I suspected from my experiences also. thanks!
just never saw anyone talk about this subject so had to ask to see if I was on the right track.

Mitch


DePartedPrinter wrote:

A G-code file will hold everything required for the print. It is not dependent on any other slicer profile and will run completely on its own.

Sharing G-code files is not ideal as there are many variables between printers that are only accounted for when initially slicing that object.  For example, if I set up my slicer profile for a .35mm nozzle and then try to print with that g-code on a printer with a .5mm nozzle we are going to have some problems.

Personally, I save certain g-code files only when I know it will be used with the same printer with all the same settings as before. Otherwise I would just re-slice with updated settings. 

At my work our part library is maybe 1500 items.  Every part gets it own folder. Within that we include all the original CAD designs, any stl's that have been generated, and printer specific g-code files. Even though we have the saved g-code files we will generally re-slice an object before sending it for printing. Once an initial print is run we compare to earlier versions for QC before approving a multiple print run.

Solidoodle 2 with Deluxe kit cover & glass bed with heater. and 2nd board SD2 used not 3rd and alum platform not installed yet still wood. also need cooling fan installed to board. use Repetier Host couple vers. Slic3r also have all free ware STL programs