Really Basic question HELP

[CMAN 0]

Hi

 

I am new to this as I am helping print stuff for health workers.  When I tried to print something else I download here I don't get the gcode file.  How do I actually print the files I download here?

 

Thank you ,

 

C

[gr5 2,173]

9 minutes ago, CMAN said:

How do I actually print the files I download here?

I don't know what "here" is.  Where are you downloading files from?  Maybe include a link to the page where you downloaded something from.

 

In general there are 2 important file types: STL and gcode.  STL files describe the thing you want to print - basically the output of CAD software.  Usually if you want to print something - you need the STL file.

 

But before you print it you then have to slice it using Cura or another slicer.  Every printer manufacturer should have a recommended slicer and recommended settings.  The slicer converts the STL file into a gcode file.  The slicer asks you questions like what material are you printing (usually PLA), how thick do you want the layers.  How much infill do you want (usually 20% is good), how thick should the shell be before you get into the infill (usually 1.2mm), how big your nozzle hole is (usually around 0.4 to 0.6mm).   And so on.

[CMAN 0]

Thank you that was a great help!!