Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to 3D Printing
This section gives an overview of what 3D Printing is and is origins.
0/4
What is 3D Printing?
00:05
3D Printing’s origin…History and Evolution of Additive Manufacturing
Types of 3D Printing Technologies (FDM, SLA, SLS, etc.)
Part 1 Quiz
00:10:00
Module 2: 3D Printers & Materials
This section gives an overview of the various 3D Printer components, 3D Printer types and materials.
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Components of a 3D Printer
Filament Types and Resin Basics
Choosing the Right Printer and Materials!
Module 2 Quiz: Materials and Printer Components
00:05:00
Module 3: 3D Printing File Types
This lesson provides a comprehensive understanding of the myriads of file extensions in the 3D Printing.
0/6
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
SLA (Stereolithography)
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
FAM (Fluid Additive Manufacturing)
00:00
Other Technologies.
Module 3: 3D Printing File Types
00:05:00
Module 4: Introduction to 3D Modeling
Start designing your own printable objects with easy-to-use modeling tools. This module introduces you to beginner-friendly 3D modeling software and teaches you how to create objects that are optimized for the printing process.
0/4
Basic Design Concepts
Beginner-Friendly Software (Tinkercad, Fusion 360, FreeCAD)
Getting Started with FreeCAD!
Designing for Printability
Module 5: Slicing and G-Code
Before printing, models need to be sliced into printable layers. Learn how slicing software works, how to adjust print settings like layer height and infill, and how the slicer generates the G-code that your printer uses to build the object.
0/3
Introduction to Slicer Software (Cura, OrcaSlicer and more)!
03:52
Layer Height, Supports, Infill, and Print Settings
Generating and Reading G-code
Module 6: The Print Process
Now it’s time to bring your models to life. Learn how to set up your printer, load materials, calibrate settings, and start your first print. This module also covers how to identify and fix common printing issues like warping or layer shifting.
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Printer Setup and Calibration
Starting Your First Print
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Module 7: Post-Processing
After printing, your model might need some finishing work. Discover how to remove supports, sand rough edges, paint your models, and combine printed parts into assemblies. These techniques can take your prints from good to great.
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Removing Supports
Sanding and Surface Finishing
Painting and Assembly
Module 8: Introduction to 3D Scanning
Learn how physical objects can be digitized using 3D scanning technology. This module introduces different scanning methods, software for cleaning and editing scan data, and how scanning is used in design, repair, and reverse engineering.
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Types of 3D Scanners
Mesh Cleanup
Retopology Applications in Reverse Engineering
Module 9: Real-World Applications
Explore how 3D printing is transforming industries like healthcare, automotive, education, and aerospace. See case studies and examples of how professionals use 3D printing to solve real problems and prototype new ideas.
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3D Printing in Industry, Medicine, and Education
3D Printing in Construction & Housing
3D Printing in Fashion and Art
3D Printing in Defense and Military Applications
Module 10: The Business of 3D Printing
In this module, students explore how 3D printing extends beyond the workshop and into the world of business, sustainability, and emerging markets. From eco-conscious manufacturing to digital entrepreneurship, learners discover how additive manufacturing is reshaping supply chains, product development, and global commerce. The module begins by examining sustainability trends, showing how 3D printing reduces waste, supports local production, and enables environmentally friendly materials. Students then move into the future of additive technologies, including bioprinting, AI-driven design, and off-planet construction. The module also highlights how 3D printing enables new business models—from custom product startups and digital part libraries to contract printing services and hybrid manufacturing workflows. Students gain insight into market opportunities, value propositions, and the strategic use of 3D printing to create value across industries. Whether learners aim to start a business, join an innovative company, or simply understand the economics behind additive manufacturing, this module equips them with the tools and trends that define the future of 3D printing as a business.
0/5
Sustainability and Future Trends
Building a Portfolio or Business in 3D Printing
Complete a Print-to-Finish Project
Submit for Feedback and Certification
Receive Your Certificate and Bonus Gift
Private: 3D Printing Fundamentals.

🧩 Lesson: Generating and Reading G-code

🧠 Focus: Understanding how slicer software generates G-code and how to read or modify it for better control over your 3D prints.

✅ Lesson Summary

G-code is the language your 3D printer understands. It tells your machine exactly where to move, how fast, at what temperature, and more. This lesson explains how G-code is generated from slicers, what key commands mean, and how to read or troubleshoot simple G-code scripts.

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

  • Understand what G-code is and why it’s essential to 3D printing

  • Identify the steps slicer software takes to generate G-code

  • Open and read basic G-code files

  • Recognize and explain common G-code commands

  • Modify or troubleshoot G-code for specific print outcomes

📘 Lesson

🟪 1. What Is G-code?

Definition: G-code is a set of instructions that tells your printer how to build your object—including motion, temperature, fan control, and extrusion.

Each line in a G-code file is a command, often starting with G or M, followed by values for axes (X, Y, Z), feedrate (F), and extrusion (E).

📂 File Extension: .gcode for FDM printers, .g, .gx, .gcode for many others.
🧪 Resin printers (like Chitubox or PreForm) use proprietary sliced formats instead.

🟧 2. How Slicers Generate G-code

When you slice a 3D model, the software:

  1. Converts the STL or 3MF model into layer data

  2. Applies print settings: speeds, temperatures, retraction, infill, supports

  3. Converts these into machine instructions (G-code)

  4. Outputs a .gcode file readable by your specific printer firmware (Marlin, Klipper, etc.)

🟨 3. Common G-code Commands Explained

Command Function Example
G0/G1 Move to coordinates G1 X10 Y10 Z0.3 F1500
G28 Auto-home all axes G28
G92 Set current position G92 E0
M104 Set hotend temperature M104 S200
M109 Wait for hotend temp to reach value M109 S200
M140 Set bed temperature M140 S60
M190 Wait for bed to reach temp M190 S60
M106 Turn on part cooling fan M106 S255
M107 Turn off part cooling fan M107
G-code Comments Notes, ignored by printer ; Start of print

💡 ; is used to insert comments. These are ignored by the printer but helpful for humans.

🟩 4. Reading a Simple G-code File (Example)

gcode
; Start G-code
G28 ; Home all axes
G1 Z0.2 F6000 ; Move to 0.2mm above bed
M104 S200 ; Set hotend temp to 200°C
M109 S200 ; Wait for hotend to reach 200°C
M140 S60 ; Set bed temp to 60°C
M190 S60 ; Wait for bed to reach 60°C
G92 E0 ; Reset extruder
G1 F200 E3 ; Prime the extruder

🛠️ These commands are usually part of your slicer’s Start G-code script, and can be customized per printer.

🟥 5. Modifying or Customizing G-code

Customizations are often needed for:

  • Changing nozzle or bed temps

  • Inserting filament change (e.g., M600)

  • Pausing at a layer (e.g., G1 Z10nM0)

  • Retraction tuning or purge lines

Use a text editor (like Notepad++, Sublime Text) to edit .gcode files.

⚠️ Always back up the original G-code file before editing manually.

🧠 Summary

G-code is the command language of your 3D printer. While slicers handle most of the heavy lifting, understanding G-code helps you:

  • Troubleshoot printing issues

  • Customize printer behavior

  • Add special functionality like color changes or pauses

  • Learn how your printer actually interprets models

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