Manufacturing, G-code and machine setup

Manufacturing, G-code and machine setup

This page covers the newer machine workflows in ART 3D CAD / PEER 3D CAD: 3D printer G-code export, CNC 3-axis export, EDM export, laser cutting/engraving export, G-code preview, layer preview, and USB streaming.

Use this page before sending anything to real hardware. Preview the generated G-code first, confirm scale and axes, then send only when the toolpath looks correct.

Export modes

Open File > Export > GCode file. The export window has two tabs:

Device tab

Set Bed temp, Extruder temp, Tool diameter / extrusion width, Filament width, Layer height, and Feed rate. For CNC, EDM, and laser jobs, Tool diameter is still important because it controls the generated path spacing/tool width.

Settings tab

Choose the export mode:

3D PRINT

Use this for normal printer G-code. Choose Legacy Convex Slicer for simple convex/older workflows, or New Mesh Slicer for arbitrary triangle mesh slicing. Set Work dim X/Y/Z to your printer bed/build volume in millimeters. Use Dynamic retraction for cleaner travel moves. Print outline adds extra wall passes; Outline only exports walls without infill.

CNC

Use this for 3-axis subtractive jobs. The scene must include the part to cut, an initial material object, and a spindle tip object. Clamp objects can also be added so the path avoids/represents the setup. Set Spindle speed and Spindle clockwise in the export settings. Use CNC instruction set when you want CNC-style movement output.

EDM

Use this for single-layer EDM cutting/engraving style output. Mark the objects that should be processed with the cut_engrave material. The exporter ignores unmarked models in EDM mode. Add a spindle/tool point so the app knows the working tool reference.

LASER

Use this for single-layer laser cutting or laser engraving style output. Like EDM, mark geometry with cut_engrave material. Use the preview before running the job, because the generated path is intended to drive a real machine.

Shared export options

Do not center keeps the scene coordinates instead of moving the job to the bed/work center.

Absolute positions writes absolute movement coordinates instead of relative movements.

Z points up swaps the internal axis mapping so exported G-code uses the expected printer/CNC Z-up convention.

No extrusion / cnc laser disables extrusion values and is useful for dry runs, laser-style paths, and CNC-like movement.

3D printing setup

1. Build or import the model.

Check that the model is the correct real-world size. The default print dimensions are 200 x 200 x 200 mm, but you should set them to match your machine.

2. Open File > Export > GCode file.

On the Device tab, enter realistic values for your printer: bed temperature, extruder temperature, extrusion/tool width, filament width, layer height, and feed rate.

3. Open Settings.

Select 3D PRINT. For ordinary simple objects, Legacy Convex Slicer can be used. For imported or complex triangle meshes, select New Mesh Slicer. Enter bed/work dimensions X, Y, and Z.

4. Export the file.

Press Export, choose a .gcode filename, and wait for the export progress to complete.

5. Open the exported G-code before printing.

Load the .gcode file back into the app and inspect it in the 3D view. Do this before USB sending or copying it to a printer.

G-code preview and layer preview

The app can open .gcode and .nc files. When a G-code file is loaded, the 3D view draws the toolpath so you can inspect movement before running it.

The preview separates extrusion/cutting moves from travel moves and also detects layer ranges. In the 3D view, use the LYR button to toggle layer preview. Move the layer slider to inspect one Z layer at a time.

Use layer preview to check:

- whether the part is at the expected scale;

- whether Z-up / axis mapping is correct;

- whether travel moves are safe;

- whether the first layer starts where you expect;

- whether CNC/laser/EDM paths stay inside the intended material.

USB sending and progress

After opening a G-code file, use File > Export > Send gcode to printer/cnc > Send to stream it over USB OTG.

The sender waits for firmware acknowledgement before sending the next line. This is slower but safer for small controller buffers used by Marlin, Anycubic Mega/RAMPS, GRBL 3018, CH340, FTDI, and similar USB serial controllers.

Use File > Export > Send gcode to printer/cnc > Set baud rate if your controller needs a custom baud rate. Common values are 115200 for GRBL-style boards and 250000 for many Marlin/Anycubic Mega setups.

The progress window shows queued/sending status, percent sent, errors, completion, and Abort. Abort requests an emergency stop of the stream. If Android reports a USB detach/reset, the stopped job is not resumed automatically for safety.

EDM and laser engraving workflow

1. Create or import the shape that should be cut or engraved.

2. Apply the cut_engrave material to the faces/objects that should become the machine path.

3. Add the spindle/tool point object used as the machine reference.

4. Open File > Export > GCode file > Settings.

5. Choose EDM or LASER.

6. Keep Do not center enabled if your scene coordinates already match the real fixture/work origin.

7. Export .gcode and open it in preview.

8. Use LYR/preview or normal 3D inspection to confirm the path before running hardware.

CNC setup reminder

The older CNC 3-axis setup page still applies: use an initial material object, a spindle tip object, and your actual work coordinates. The newer export dialog now exposes the same manufacturing family together with 3D PRINT, CNC, EDM, and LASER modes, so use this page as the current overview and the CNC page for a more detailed 3-axis setup example.

Safety checklist before running a machine

- Preview the G-code path inside the app.

- Confirm units are millimeters.

- Confirm Z-up / axis mapping.

- Confirm work origin and whether Do not center should be enabled.

- Confirm tool diameter / extrusion width.

- Confirm feed rate and spindle/laser behavior.

- Confirm the correct USB baud rate before streaming.

- Keep your hand near the real machine emergency stop.