MAC: unfortunately this classic OpenGL mode isn't work well, so have to solve the gcode viewer lag with an other method. Options form is redesigned into 3 tabbed views, added a few new options. Win: Options/Gfx/Windowed: This can be enabled if the rendering mode is OpenGL. Personal computer talk to Arduino board via USB in a language called G-Code. G0 X10 Y10 (Fast move to position X10, Y10) M3 (Turn on Laser) G1 X20 Y10 (Linear move to X20, Y10) G-Code is the common name for the most widely used numerical control (NC) programming language. Basic command set include G0 (rapid positioning) G1 (linear movement) G2.

I’m a hobby machinist, why do I need a g code simulator? I asked the same question for a long time. However, as I learned more about CNC machining, I found myself using a g code simulator to save time. Say you have a g code program that you just created or downloaded. How do you know if it will work? You could take it to your machine and set your x, y & z origin (0,0,0) location safely away from the work table and then run the program. What if something doesn’t work they way you expect and you need to modify the g code. Or worse, you damage your machine. This is where a g code simulator can really help.

Introduction

I started using a g code simulator when I was experimenting with engraving programs. That is, programs the generate g code to engrave text. I didn’t trust the g code the programs were generating. I wanted a way to test the g code. This was a perfect case for a g code simulator. I could test the g code without risking my machine or walking downstairs into the garage.

What is a G Code Simulator

A g code simulator or g code viewer is a software tool that lets you test g code you created. The software reads the .nc file just as your CNC machine would and creates a graphical representation of the tool paths and movements of the machine.

NC Viewer – The G Code Simulator I Use

Ok, so I want to use a g code simulator, where do I get one? My favorite is called NC Viewer a free browser based tool. This runs directly in your browser window. No need to download or install a program. It’s also mobile friendly.

Click the link below to check it out…

https://ncviewer.com/

How to Use a G Code Simulator

The following is specific to NC Viewer but the process will be similar for other simulators. The main screen of NC Viewer is annotated in the image below with the key functions of the tool.

Step 1 – Click the link to navigate to NC Viewer.

Step 2 – Load you G Code into the program.

You can either use the file menu in the top left portion of the window or copy and past your g code into the g code window on the left.

Step 3 – Click the “Plot” button in the G Code window

Step 4 – Click the “Play” button in the plot area to see a simulation of your g code.

You can also step through the code line by line. To step through the G Code line by line, click a line of G Code in the G Code window and us the up and down arrow keys.

User Tip – If you do not see a tool path, try zooming out or panning around the screen.

Tips for Using a G Code Simulator

The following list of tips will help you get the most out of looking at your g code in NC Viewer.

1 – The origin

The X, Y, Z = 0 location is represented by the intersection of the red green and blue lines. This is very helpful if you are not exactly sure where to set the origin when setting up your part on the machine.

2 – Zoom, Pan & Rotate

The plot area image can be manipulated by using the view cube in the top right section of the plot area. For example, this is helpful if you want to confirm the Z = 0 location relative to the tool paths.

3 – Reset the View

If you want to restore the original view, simply click the “Home” button in the top right section of the plot window. This is helpful if the rotating gets away from you. It’s a quick way to reset the plot view.

4 –Find G Code

If you want to find a line of G code from the plot window, you simply click on the section of the tool path and the line of G code is highlighted in the G code window.

Conclusion

A G Code Simulator is a great tool for hobbyists and professionals alike. I don’t use an external simulator every time. If I am making my G Code in Fusion360 then I use the build in simulator feature. However, if I am using another program, I run a simulation in NC Viewer before taking the code to my machine.

Special thanks to Xander Luciano the creator of NC Viewer. I appreciate the tool you created and your willingness to share it with the machining community. Check him out on Instagram @XanderLuciano

Thanks for reading. Until next time… Tim

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Online Gcode Viewer For Mac Os

The Slic3r project has been under active and massive development. Make sure you get 1.3.0 now or try the development builds!

Online Gcode Viewer

Online Gcode Viewer For Mac Download

Compatible with your printer too. RepRap (Prusa Mendel, MendelMax, Huxley, Tantillus...), Ultimaker, Makerbot, Lulzbot AO-100, TAZ, MakerGear M2, Rostock, Mach3, Bukobot and lots more. And even DLP printers.

Fast G-code generation is fast. Don't wait hours for slicing that detailed model. Slic3r is about 100x faster than Skeinforge. It also uses multithreading for parallel computation.

Lots of input/output formats. Slic3r reads STL, AMF and OBJ files while it can output G-code and SVG files.

Do you like the graphical interface or command line? All the features of the user-friendly interface are also available from command line. This allows to integrate Slic3r in your custom toolchain and batch operations as you like.

Open source, open development. Slic3r is open source software, licenced under the AGPLv3 license. The development is centered on GitHub and the #slic3r IRC channel on FreeNode, where the community is highly involved in testing and providing ideas and feedback.

Dependencies? Nah. Slic3r is super-easy to run: download, double click and enjoy. No dependencies needed. Hassle-free. For MacOS X, Windows, Linux.

Print with dual multiple extruders. Print beautiful colored objects, or use your secondary extruder to build support material. Or put a larger nozzle on it and print a faster infill.

Gcode Viewer Mac

Use brim for the best adhesion. This unique feature improves built plate adhesion by generating a base flange around your objects that you can easily remove after printing.

Microlayering: save time, increase accuracy. You can choose to print a thicker infill to benefit from low layer heights on perimeters and still keep your print time within a reasonable amount.

Compose a plate but print one object at time. Use the built-in plating interface that allows to place objects with drag-and-drop, rotate and scale them, arrange everything as you like. The sequential printing feature allows to print one complete object at time in a single print job.

Cool cooling strategies. A very smart cooling logic will regulate your fan speed and print speed to ensure each layer has enough time to cool down before next one is laid on it.

Manage multiple printers, filaments and build styles. The configuration handling system was designed for people working with multiple machines and filaments: you can save configurations as presets for each category avoiding to multiply your saved configurations.

Enjoy support material. Automatic generation of support material for overhangs.

Gcode Viewer Online

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• Distinct print settings can be set for individual parts
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• by blddk (Slic3r 0.9.8)
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• Wood + ABS: dual material print by jebba (LulzBot)
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• Printed with 0.9.8 by starno (model by Yvo Waldmeier, CC-NC-SA)
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• Dual-color print
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