In starting this 3D hobby I have to learn a slicing program to convert stl files into Gcode.
Gcode contains commands to move parts within the printer. Gcode consists of G- and M-commands that have an assigned movement or action. The slicing program I chose to use is called Cura version 4 (current newest). This open sourced software is developed by Ultimaker.
Once Cura is installed and running, I went to Settings- printer- add printer. I went into the other section and chose creality cr-10 since there was no ender 3 option and just changed printer name to ender3.
Once added I went to settings-printer- managed printers. Selected my printer and then clicked on machine settings. Theres two tabs printer settings and extruder 1 settings. I didn’t touch the extruder settings.
For the printer settings I changed the print column to x=220 y=220 z=250
I then played around with multiple G-codes going off of recommend settings I’ve found on Reddit. and ended up with this
Start G Code:
G28 ; home all axes M117 Purge extruder G92 E0 ; reset extruder G1 Z1.0 F3000 ; move z up little to prevent scratching of surface G1 X0.1 Y20 Z0.3 F5000.0 ; move to start-line position G1 X0.1 Y200.0 Z0.3 F1500.0 E15 ; draw 1st line G1 X0.4 Y200.0 Z0.3 F5000.0 ; move to side a little G1 X0.4 Y20 Z0.3 F1500.0 E30 ; draw 2nd line G92 E0 ; reset extruder G1 Z1.0 F3000 ; move z up little to prevent scratching of surface M117 Printing! ;displays msg while printing
End G Code:
G91; set coordinates to relative G1 F1800 E-3; retract G1 F3000 Z10; lift nozzle off the print 10mm G90; change to absolute G1 X0 Y220 F1000 ; prepare for part removal M106 S0 ; turn off cooling fan M104 S0 ; turn off extruder M140 S0 ; turn off bed M84 ; disable motors
The following picture shows what happens when printing is done. The line of filament to the left is what it prints before doing the print job. I use this to make sure bed still leveled. If it doesn’t print successfully I stop the print immediately. Once print is done bed pulls forward for for me to grab
In time I’m sure ill make more modifications as i learn more about all the G and m commands aswell as Cura. Until then This is what im rocking.
