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3D printing technology has gained mainstream attention. Now it is found in many industries from fashion to construction. The reason for this is the newfound popularity of the technology is similar to how shopping online made getting the best deal easier, In the case of 3D printing it is allowing manufacturers to produce products with a higher degree of detail and reliability than before. This blog will give an introduction to how the technology’s application, the brain behind the commands given, works. We will discuss how the instrument communicates with each other, how it communicates with the human element, and how they communicate with malicious technology and hackers. In short, this blog will discuss the software behind 3D printing.
Before we get very technical, the most important question must be answered, who do humans tell the robots to 3D print. The language that humans communicate with these machines is a coding language called G-code, there is also M-code however G-code is becoming the industry standard, so we will focus there. G uses numerical computer control, it is used to tell the instruments how fast to move, what to do, what order to complete tasks (such as a section in a big project, and what axis to work in. Currently, the 3D printers are able to work up to the nine-axis ( highest of the time this blog was published). Some examples of commands the machine mechanics might order are photo spotting, cutting, milling, and brushing.
Another question is how does this code work or is there an editor like VS Code or ATOM. The short answer to these question is no, The numerical coding software is fundamentally different but with slight similarities. This is not just with regards to mainstream code editors like VS Code, but G-code editors can vary from each other. For example, the first image show a screen grab from the editor called G-code Q’n’Dirty which focus on milling and line by line visual plotting; works on Window and MacOS.
While editors such as Cimco Edit, shown below, is a type where it can only be accessed with specialized printer and servers( can do nine axis). This one can only work on window and specialized in development of Mico and Macro parts of various shapes, rotations, and sizes.
In addition, the different 3D printer also have items in common. All editors have a manager section which is used like a folder to organize code and see project progression.
Like with any machine the 3D printing equipment needs maintenance. Not only with updates, extensions, and overall keeping up the latest every changing software( for better cyber security), but also the physical aspects as well. Unlike just a computer server, 3D printers have many parts that need regular quality assurance. Some of the items include the lasers ( measure axis), the milling needles, the wires of the arms, the tubes which feed the instrument materials to use, and of course ensuring you have plenty of material to start and complete the project all in one execution; prevents the arms and lasers being stuck in an awkward position and to minimize unexpected errors.
Similar to software engineering, problems with the code arise. However, the turn around time of discovering the error is much slower. The error is typically discovered after the robot arm has run; either during production or after production is completed. The most common errors which arise are la too light-outer filament, a messy filament, cracks at the base of taller pieces, and over extrusion. These errors occur due to a combination of both imperfect commands and physical mistakes. However, most physical mistakes such as a jammed probe can be eliminated with diligent quality assurance. In addition, the code, the command being told to the robot arm, can be properly monitored throughout production; this allows for spot errors in live time and stops production to fix and resume. This is similar to the console.log to ensure what is being asked of the robots is what the client is asking for and should occur based on the code put into the editor.
Now that you know how the system works and how to keep it working, The final question to ask is can a 3D printer be hacked? The simple answer is yes. It is true, having the ability to construct anything with a few finger presses is frightening if it falls into malicious hands, but there are new technologies and techniques such as round-the-clock monitoring of the machines to ensure everything is being made properly.
These instruments use software and anything which uses software can be hacked, this also goes for bank accounts, self-driving cars, and commercial drones. It is important it keeps in mind how 3 D printing (3DP) is revolutionizing construction, fashion, and every industry it is being used in. 3DP is a tool and a very powerful one, which can be used to truly help people, Some example is creating better medical devices such as bionic limbs, beautiful and affordable homes, and more efficient and inexpensive new cars.
Smid, Peter (2010), CNC Control Setup for Milling and Turning, New York: Industrial Press, ISBN 978-0831133504, LCCN 2010007023.
All3DP(2021) 10 BEST G-Code Editors of 2021(Online & Offline)
Alkaios Bournias(2020) Understand and fix common STL files eros
Dobot (2021) 10 Common 3D Printing troubleshooting Problems you may have.
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