RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] reprap build started

But it does have a Z axis, which determines the height of the nozzle above the table (just as it controls the spindle height in a mill).
The "layer step size" is a parameter of the code that creates the GCode, just as depth-of-cut is a parameter in generating GCode for pocketing on a mill.

Yes, it does generate a lot of lines of GCode, as there is (currently at the hobby level) no equivalent to roughing cuts in milling. Imagine how big the GCode would be for milling a part entirely using a 1/16" ball-end mill. Well, building a part with a 1/16" diameter plastic bead would have similar sized GCode (but proportional to the volume of the part rather than the volume of the waste). And these printers are using beads a lot smaller than 1/16".

-Kevin Martin
the Papertrail Handmade Paper & Book Arts
New Dundee, Ontario
518-884-7123
www.papertrail.ca

-----Original Message-----
From: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jon Elson

Since the filament fabricator has no Z axis, just a layer step size[...]

So, this could ALL be done in G-code, although it might end up being a LOT of lines.