andersonsjanis/gcodebending4axis

Phython Script to bend GCode

GCodeBending

This is a quick and dirty Python code to deform GCode so that it follows a defined spline.

Requirements

• GCode needs to be sliced with relative extrusions activated, preferably in PrusaSlicer
• You need enough clearance around your nozzle to print significant angles
• The model can't be too large in the X dimension, otherwise you'll get self intersections
• To make use of 4-axis functionality you need an at least 4-axis printer with B-axis (rotates around Y).

Usage

• Place your part preferably in the middle of your print plate with known center X coordinates
• Place the sliced GCode in the same directory as the Python script
• Set INPUT_FILE_NAME to your GCode file name
• Set LAYER_HEIGHT to your slicing layer height. Important, because you don't set it correctly you'll get under- or over extrusions
• Set WARNING_ANGLE to the maximum angle your system can print at due to clearances
• Define your spline with SPLINE_X and SPLINE_Z. This array can contain an arbitrary number of points. Make sure the first X-coordinate is in the center of your part. Make sure the last z coordinate is higher or equal the highest z-coordiante in your GCode.
• SPLINE = CubicSpline(SPLINE_Z, SPLINE_X, bc_type=((1, 0), (1, -np.pi/6))) defines the spline. You can alter the last pair of of bc_type (here 1,-np.pi/6). This defines the final angle of your spline in RAD.

4-axis support

• The original code has been augmented to also output the current layer angle as the B coordinate in the generated G-code.
• This enables printing G-code with extreme bends, using a multi-axis printer.