G-Code Export Questions
Hi Everyone! New to 3D printing here. Just got my Prusa Mini and I'm learning how to use PrusaSlicer, and learning about the file formats (g-code, 3mf, etc). I started reading that you can export and upload g-code to Printables.com, and can likewise download them to print. To my understanding, g-code includes all the information for the printer, including the filament, meaning you could download the g-code and bypass a slicer altogether and go straight to the printer. But of course there are many brands of filament out there even just for PLA, and PrusaSlicer has a lot of presets for them.
So if I'm working with Hatchbox PLA, for example, and I download a g-code for a model off Printables.com that is made for the Mini and uses PLA, does it matter which brand of PLA I'm using? How do you account for different types of PLA filament? If I upload a g-code to share with others, do I need to specify which brand I used? Does it matter?
As far as I can tell, the only major difference between Prusament PLA and Hatchbox PLA is the Density. Just wondering if that's important or if it's negligible.
Thanks for the help!
Each combination of printer model and filament type has it's own characteristic gcode.
In the early days (3 years ago) of what was the Prusa Printers repository Prusa strongly emphasised gcode uploads, I guess because they thought of it as an extension of the starter library that they provided on the free SD card. They forgot that they couldn't rely on everyone using the same filament as they could with new printer before the free reel ran out... I remember the hassle of uploading six different gcodes to cover the likely variants; so the gcode plan faded and everyone reverted to .stl
Cheerio,
RE: G-Code Export Questions
To add to Diem's point, I would suggest that the best practice on printables.com is to upload .3mf and .stl files.
The .3mf file has all the settings that you used for a successful print on your own setup and makes it easy for other PrusaSlicer users to see the specific print/filament/printer settings that you used, while also making it easy for them to modify it for a different printer/filament setup.
The .stl file provides the barebones model for those who use different slicer software altogether.
Cheers,
Tim
RE: G-Code Export Questions
Thanks for all the info guys! That clears it right up. Much appreciated.
RE: G-Code Export Questions
I agree, in general I'd suggest to stay away from using gcode files as it's usually better to reslice for your specific configuration. As a designer, if I feel there a need to provide specific settings such as modifiers, variable layer heights, filament swabs, etc, I will upload a 3mf file with those settings.