The 6 Best Software Tools to View and Simulate G-Code Files
A G-code file is the code that 3D printers and CNC machines use to create physical objects from digital models. It is responsible for controlling the different aspects of the machine and provides it with instructions on the steps to follow to generate the intended 3D printed part.
After preparing your G-code, it is essential to preview and simulate it running to ensure that the printer or CNC machine will handle it correctly. You can use a 3D slicer or a G-code simulator to do the job, and below are examples of the best programs of each type.
Cura is commonly used for3D slicingandconverting STL files to G-code. In addition to that, you may use it to view and simulate the running of your G-code files. It is free and supports macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems. After downloading and installing, launch the software. Go toFile > Open File(s),then browse to where you have saved your G-code file and import it.
When you import the file, you should be able to see your 3D model in the workspace.
To access the Cura simulator, go to thePreviewsection and find a slider on the right-hand side. You can move it up and down and see how your design will be 3D printed.
On the bottom of the interface, there is a play button and slider; when you click it, you will see a simulation of the 3D printing process.
If you don’t like the color of the model while in the preview process, you can change it by going toColor schemeand choosing the most appropriate shade for you.
After the simulation and if everything is fine, you can save it to your computer, ready to send to your3D printer.
2.gCodeViewer
gCodeViewer runs online, and you can use it to view, visualize, and analyze your G-code files. To import your files, you can simply drag them into the “Drop file here” field on the webpage; or click theChoose Fileoption and browse to where your file is stored and import it.
After importing, your design should appear in the workspace, as shown below.
You can move the sliders on the X and Y axes of the workspace to see how each section will be 3D printed. On the left-hand side, there is aModel infosection where you can see details like size, filament size that it will use, the time it will take to print, layer height, count, and filament cost.
2D Render optionsallow you to customize how to visualize your G-code layer by layer in 2D, and there is an option to show different colors at different speeds. In addition to the 2D viewer, there is a 3D option that makes it easier to view your file in three dimensions by moving the mouse around.
You can also check and edit your G-code by clicking theGCodeoption.
3.G-Code Q’n’Dirty
Unlike other G-code viewers that allow you to upload your files, in G-code Q’n’Dirty, you copy and paste your G-code into the left-hand window. So, you first need to open it in a text editor like Notepad to copy from there.
After copying and pasting, clickSimulateand wait a few minutes, and you will see the design appearing on the right-hand side of the simulator, as shown below.
it’s possible to also see the amount of time it will take for your 3D model to be 3D printed.
4.NC Viewer
NC Viewer provides an easy-to-use interface for viewing, editing, and simulating G-codes in a web browser. It also automatically caches in your browser to allow you to load it even when offline. It runs on desktops, mobile devices, and tablets.
Select theOpen Fileoption to load the G-code.
Alternatively, you can open the G-code file in a text editor, copy the code, and then selectNew Fileicon on the NC Viewer toolbar. You should be able to see your design appearing on the right-hand side. You can click the play and pause buttons in the interface to see how your 3D model will be 3D printed.
The software allows you to edit and customize your file based on your requirements. After editing, you can save it by clicking theSaveoption on the toolbar.
Using theDigital Read Out, you can visualize your G-code line by line and see how each section works. This will help you learn how G-code files function, even if you don’t have any experience with them.
5.PrusaSlicer
PrusaSlicer is a free and open-source3D printer slicercreated by Prusa Research, and you can use it on macOS, Windows, and Linux. After downloading and installing, launch the software and then import your G-code files by going toFile > G-code Preview.
View the details of your design by selectingFeature typein theViewsection found on the button section of the workspace.
you may check details like the time it will take to print your file and the material size you will use. There is also an option to check and uncheck the sections like perimeter, infill, and brim and see how the design appears. There are also X and Y axis sliders that you can move up and down or sideways to preview the file and see how it will be 3D printed.
6.CAMotics
CAMotics is another free and open-source G-code simulator you can use on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is easy to use, and there is auser’s manualthat you can follow to learn how to utilize the software.
Import your G-code file by going toFile > Add File. A window will open; chooseG-Code File.
After importing, there is an option to edit and save it. To simulate and preview the design, go toSimulate > Runand wait a few minutes.
You will see a progress bar at the bottom section of the simulation view tab indicating how far along the simulation is.
When the simulation is complete, you will see your 3D model.
Preview G-Code Before Sending to Your 3D Printer or CNC Machine
If you have prepared or received a G-code file and want to view or simulate the 3D printing or CNC machining process for it, you must choose an appropriate program, as not all CAD software allows the import of G-code files.
The software tools listed above will help you see exactly how each section of your files will be 3D printed. As you view and simulate the file, you can check for errors and fix them before sending it to the machine. This may well save you a lot of time and material that you would have used if you’d sent it for 3D printing or CNC machining without checking.
Get a better understanding of what G-code is and how to create files to use with your 3D printer or CNC machine.
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