FDM Printer ArcWeld Plugin

This is a really neat plugin, and I think this image below says it all!

It's such a clever idea. It shrinks the heck out of your g-code file too which results in better performance. My big print this weekend is a truncated cone with small details on the exterior face. It's part of a blast furnace. My first test print had a lot of ringing but still looked ok. It's a situation where the low quality part looks better than my best hand-made attempt. I'm hoping to really get something special after converting the g-code to arcs instead of typical moves because I'm interested in selling kits in the long run.

I have high hopes. But I'll post some results once it completes.

Ugh! Earlier this week I figured out how to do automatic supports and thought I was the king of 3D printing! Then I read this post and I am not even sure I understand it! When I get too cocky someone always humbles me.

Eh, I have 7 years of experience at this point haha but I actually found out about the plugin on Youtube and had to try it out.

In short, your 3D printer (assuming it's not resin) makes circles by moving in very short straight lines unless you're using the arc commands in the g-code to create arcs. The arcs use less points. This creates a smaller g-code file and smoother motion. Both of those things combine to produce a better looking print. I don't have the means to take pictures and whatnot at the moment to show you but hopefully this makes a little bit more sense.

What printer do you have?

I have maybe 7 weeks! Just bought a Creality Ender 3 S Pro. The slicer it came with is very clunky, I just added CURA this week. I find it is much smoother. I also bought the 5 watt laser head for. But I am stuck in making viable files to engrave... so that has gone to the back burner for now.

Oh, and thank you for the explanation, that actually makes sense.

You picked a great printer to learn on in my opinion. There are so many great upgrades for that machine. It's extremely capable.

The Cura and Slic3r are my favorite slicers but I use Slic3r almost every time.

Be careful with the laser head. I don't know much about them but I have heard they can be dangerous to the eyes and the fumes can be very dangerous.

Glad to help. I'm not sure what you're printing but there is an Arc Welder add on for Cura.

Yeah, the laser engraver seems a little sketchy. Not surprised for $99. I was going to try to engrave some balsa, so was too worried about fumes and it comes with a pair of "dark" glasses that appears to be made of cheap plastic. I figured a little ZZ Top in the back ground, what could go wrong?

I believe it's PVC that is the dangerous one to mess with. Also certain leathers.

Either way, balsa should be fine! Especially with ZZ Top!