Hi everyone, I’ve had my FlashForge Creator Pro a little more than a month now and have done quite a few prints. Although I’m a little disappointed with the ReplicatorG slicing software. It doesn’t seem to have many options for customizing how parts are printed My question is if it is worth it to dig in to the code and try to learn the language? Is it possible to change things such as the speed of the extruder or temperature at certain points during the print? Or modify any supports that are needed so they are more efficient in supporting the model and reducing build time?
Or do I skip all this and start using a different slicing software that is more user friendly? If so, what programs are compatible with the FFCP and what software would you recommend? I’d like to keeps costs low if possible.
I recently graduated with a mechanical engineering degree, so I’m familiar with coding. However I excelled at the design and materials side of things and struggled more with coding and software. Which is why I ask if it is worth it for me to dig into the ReplicatorG gcode or if I should switch software altogether?
Thanks for any and all advice!
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cobnut
2
Hi @awiker15 since GCode is the language used to instruct the printer, anything slicing software can do can be written in GCode - with enough time and effort. The question is whether it’s worthwhile. Make a mistake coding in JavaScript and you get an error message or it doesn’t do what you want, no big deal. Make a mistake in your GCode and you could waste hours of printing and filament.
Personally I’d buy Simplify3D. It’s a very popular slicer that gives a lot of control over printing, almost certainly enough for most requirements. You can set up multiple processes to run in sequence on a print so, for example, the first 2mm of a print could be set at 100microns at one speed with the rest at 200microns and another. Even just using one process, there’s a ton of settings and lots of other tools for positioning, sizing, duplicating, etc. Simplify also has advanced support configuration options.
Having said that, knowing how GCode works can be interesting and if you ever find a problem with a print it could be useful to at least understand what’s going on, but personally I wouldn’t be that concerned about trying to learn it with an aim to editing actual output.
Check out Flashprint for the FFCP, it comes with it. It is starting to look pretty good. And it is free. As far as a pay for slicer, Simplify3D is the way to go.
Enza3D
4
Definitely get Simplify3D if you can, it is worth the investment. I use it with my FlashForge Dreamer, and it works beautifully, especially for support generation.
GCode is not especially difficult to learn, but it is a machine control language as @cobnut said. It will not alert you if things are wrong, the machine will just do whatever it is told to. Which could range from failed prints to overloaded circuitry and a broken printer. If you do really want to learn it, I’d suggest using online simulators for awhile before touching anything physical. In the meantime, try using other slicer software packages. Cura is another free one you can try.
I’ll have to take a look at it. Back when I was researching printers it had some poor reviews, but I’m assuming there has been some updates! Thanks for the help!
Thanks! I will have to check out simplify3D. I have heard a lot of people talking about it and recommending it. Gcode does not seem that hard to use, plus I am actually starting to learn some similar code for CNC machines for my work. Thanks for the hint about online simulators, I was actually going to ask if there was a way to run gcode and debug it without crashing the machine.
Thanks for the help!
Thanks for the help! I really appreciate everyone giving me their thoughts. I initially stayed away from Simplify 3D because of the cost, but I keep hearing people say that is is worth it. I probably still will attempt to learn some gcode and maybe it will come in handy some time in the future!
They just released another new version.
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