Manufacturing, G-code and machine setup

This page covers the newer machine workflows in PEER 3D CAD: 3D printer G-code export, CNC 3-axis export, EDM export, continuous cut output, laser 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.

Choose the machine/export mode before saving the G-code file.

Device Tab

Set:

• Bed temp

• Extruder temp

• Tool diameter / extrusion width

• Filament width

• Layer height

• Feed rate

For CNC, EDM, continuous cut, and laser engraving jobs, Tool diameter is still important because it controls the generated path spacing or tool width.

Settings Tab

Choose the export mode.

3D Print

Use this mode for normal printer G-code.

This mode slices the selected models into layers and prepares printer-style G-code for additive manufacturing.

Options and behavior:

• Legacy Convex Slicer: useful for simple convex or older workflows.

• New Mesh Slicer: useful for arbitrary triangle mesh slicing.

• Work dim X/Y/Z: printer bed/build volume in millimeters.

• Dynamic retraction: helps produce cleaner travel moves.

• Print outline: adds extra wall passes.

• Outline only: exports walls without infill.

Typical use:

• 3D printing models layer by layer.

• Exporting sliced geometry for a printer.

• Checking layer output before sending to hardware.

CNC

Use this mode for 3-axis subtractive jobs.

The scene should include the part to cut, an initial material object, and a spindle tip object. Clamp objects can also be added so the path avoids or represents the real setup.

Options and behavior:

• Set Spindle speed.

• Set Spindle clockwise as needed.

• Use CNC instruction set when you want CNC-style movement output.

• Tool diameter controls generated path spacing/tool width.

Typical use:

• Milling.

• Routing.

• Cutting or carving stock material.

• Exporting subtractive toolpaths.

EDM

Use this mode for EDM-style cutting or continuous cut-path machines.

This mode creates a single-layer cut path. It can be used for EDM-style workflows, and it also supports continuous cutting machines such as laser, water jet, or similar tools where the cutting tool can be switched on and off along the path.

Mark the objects or faces 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.

Typical use:

• EDM-style single-layer cutting.

• Wire EDM continuous cutting.

• Laser or water jet style continuous cutting.

• Tool on/off cutting paths.

• Conductive material removal when used with EDM hardware.

Continuous Cut

Continuous Cut is especially important for EDM wire cutting. In this mode, the tool follows a continuous path suitable for wire-style cutting behavior.

For machines such as laser or water jet cutters, the same continuous-path behavior can also be useful because the tool can be turned on and off while following the exported geometry.

Use EDM/continuous cut behavior when you need cutting output for machines that follow a single-layer path and switch the tool on/off.

Laser

Use this mode for laser engraving.

This mode creates engraving output for laser work. It is intended for marking or engraving geometry, not for laser cutting.

Like EDM, mark geometry with the cut_engrave material. Use the preview before running the job, because the generated path is intended to drive a real machine.

Typical use:

• Laser engraving.

• Marking geometry.

• Engraving outlines or selected paths.

• Exporting laser engrave paths.

Notes:

• Use Laser for engraving only.

• Use EDM with continuous cut behavior for laser-style cutting or water jet style cutting.

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, EDM, continuous cut, or laser engraving 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, Continuous Cut 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 for EDM, wire EDM, laser-style cutting, water jet style cutting, or other continuous cut output.

6. Choose LASER for laser engraving only.

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

8. Export .gcode and open it in preview.

9. 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, continuous cut behavior, and LASER engraving 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/tool behavior.

• Confirm whether the job is cutting, continuous cutting, or engraving.

• Confirm the correct USB baud rate before streaming.

• Keep your hand near the real machine emergency stop.

Manufacturing modes and tool_center

The tool_center definition is optional. Use it only when the machine needs an explicit physical reference point for the active tool, wire, beam, or nozzle.

Without tool_center:

- Use this when the selected geometry already represents the path the machine should follow.

- This is usually correct for 3D printing, laser engraving, and simple direct-path EDM jobs.

- Preview the G-code or layer preview before sending it to the machine.

With tool_center:

- Define tool_center when the controller path must be generated from a real tool tip, wire center, laser spot, electrode center, or nozzle center.

- Keep tool_center in the same coordinate system as the model and machine zero.

- Regenerate G-code after changing tool_center.

Mode choice:

- CNC 3 axis: tool_center is optional but usually recommended for milling because the tool tip/center matters.

- 3D printing: usually no tool_center; use layer preview.

- EDM setup: optional tool_center for electrode or wire reference.

- EDM continuous cut: choose this when the path must stay connected; tool_center is still optional.

- Laser engraving: usually no tool_center unless your beam/nozzle/focus point is offset from the drawn geometry.