Quote Originally Posted by printbus View Post
All the things you mention can affect print quality.
That's the whole crux of learning how to 3D print. You can't just download a file from any of the numerous sites that offer them, nor use the file of an object you have created using your CAD or modeling software and shoot it to a printer expecting a perfect object to be printed. The big step between design and physical object is the generation of the code to create the object. This code is a standardized one that is used by computers to control the movement of machines.

In general, the code is called G-code because the movement commands consist of the letter "G" and a number which relates to a particular movement. If you consider the ANSI code for letters and numbers used elsewhere in computing, you'll get the idea. There is also a sub-set called M-code and its commands are used to control ancillary functions such as turning on fans and other things not directly related to movement.

The code is generated by special software called slicing software. This software is used to compute the number of layers required to create the object, based on the thickness of each layer which the operator sets. Then it interprets the operator's inputs regarding the type of infill required; speed of various movements, thickness of filament and a whole lot of other inputs until it produces a file of instructions which can be fed to the printer to create the object.

If you are starting off, building and setting up your printer is the simplest part of creating an object. It is getting the experience of selecting the correct slicing inputs that is the difference between a novice and an expert 3D printer.

I agree that the MakerFarm i3v is a solid foundation for learning about printer design and construction. It is not a plug'n'play printer, but is not difficult to assemble and there is scads of backup from both the manufacturer and the users.
Old Man Emu