What is GCode

Gcode is a programming language used to control and direct 3D printers in the creation of 3D objects. It is a series of commands that tell the printer where to move, how much filament to extrude, and other important details for the construction of a 3D object.

Gcode is like a set of instructions for the printer, guiding it through the process of building an object layer by layer. It is typically generated by 3D modeling software and then loaded onto the printer for execution.

Here are a few examples of gcode commands that you might encounter in a 3D printing project:

• G0 X10 Y20 Z30: This command tells the printer to move to the specified X, Y, and Z coordinates at maximum speed. G0 means at max speed while X10 and Y20 and Z30 say to go in a straight line to that point in space. So the machine will move all 3 axis at once to arrive there.
• G1 X10 Y20 Z30 F100: This command tells the printer to move to the specified X, Y, and Z coordinates at a specified feed rate (in this case, 100 mm/minute).
• G92 E0: This command sets the current position of the extruder (E) to zero. This is useful at the start of a print you could tell it to purge out some filament to make sure everything is primed and then set G92 E0 and it will tell the machine this is the new zero point for extrusion otherwise after priming the filament it would retract back however much you told it to extrude.
• M104 S200: This command sets the temperature of the extruder to 200 degrees Celsius.

Gcode is a crucial element in the 3D printing process, allowing us to bring our digital creations to life. It is the link between the virtual world of 3D modeling and the physical realm of 3D printing, allowing us to bridge the gap between imagination and reality.