G-code parsing and visualization in Blender

This repository contains scripts for Blender (checked with 3.4.1 version) that allow you to parse and visualize single-material .gcode files generated with PrusaSlicer.

• Background: Motivated by Heinz Loepmeier's "Blender G-Code Importer".
• For details, please refer to the wiki page.

Render	Viewport

*Model: "Cyberpunk Robots x6" by CharlieVet

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PrusaSlicer setup

The sample g-code was created with PrusaSlicer-2.6.1. Put the ;LAYER_Z_HEIGHT=[layer_z] line in the "Before layer change G-code" in PrusaSlicer.

G-code parsing

PrusaSlicer 2.6.1 supports G-Code parser supports 12 types of nozzle movements:

• (1) Perimeter
• (2) External perimeter
• (3) Overhang perimeter
• (4) Internal infill
• (5) Solid infill
• (6) Top solid infill
• (7) Bridge infill
• (8) Support material
• (9) Support material interface
• (10) Skirt/Brim
• (11) Wipe tower
• (12) Custom

The developed parser combines all perimeters as Shell, all infills - as Fill, and all supports - as Support.

Setup Blender environment

You can manually set light sources, camera settings, background images, HDRI maps, and materials. Alternatively, you can run certain scripts ("scene_setup_scripts" folder) to automate some parts of this process.

Blender scene

The script-based scene genetator picks the local "print_bed.jpg" file and scales it to real 210x210 mm Prusa Printer dimensions.

Run in Blender

To run it in Blender: (1) copy the code from the "blender_scripts" folder, (2) paste in a new script created in the "Scripting" tab, (3) update the "TODO" sections in the code, and (4) hit the "Run" button.

When you run a script, Blender becomes unresponsive. Therefore, switch the system console window to be able to “Ctrl+C” (break) processing in case of any errors.

Toggle system console	Console window

Add automatic animation

Uncomment the animate_layers() function in the script.