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References: Slicing, G-code, and Toolpaths

  1. Slicer (3D printing) - Wikipedia - Overview of slicing software, how it converts 3D mesh models into layered G-code, and a comparison of major slicer platforms including PrusaSlicer, Cura, and OrcaSlicer.

  2. G-code - Wikipedia - Technical specification of the G-code language used to control 3D printers, covering move commands, temperature control, fan speed, retraction, and firmware flavor differences.

  3. Fused deposition modeling - Wikipedia - Covers how FDM toolpaths are generated from sliced layers including infill patterns, perimeter ordering, support structure generation, and seam placement strategies.

  4. Make: 3D Printing — Anna Kaziunas France — Maker Media, 2014 — Practical guide to slicer setup and toolpath optimization for desktop FDM printers, with hands-on exercises for tuning each major parameter group.

  5. 3D Printing Failures: 2023 Edition — Sean Aranda — Independently published — Systematically links slicer settings to print outcomes, explaining why each parameter exists, what it controls physically, and how to tune it for a given material and geometry.

  6. Print quality troubleshooting - Simplify3D - Industry-standard visual guide to 27 print quality issues caused by incorrect slicer settings, with root-cause analysis and parameter-level corrections for each failure mode.

  7. Print quality category - Prusa Knowledge Base - Extensive slicer documentation covering PrusaSlicer settings, material profiles, support generation, and troubleshooting for both FDM and resin processes.

  8. 3D printer calibration guide - Teaching Tech - Step-by-step calibration resource covering all major slicer parameters: flow rate, retraction, temperature, speed, and linear advance — with built-in G-code generators.

  9. RepRap - RepRap Project - Community documentation of the G-code flavor used in Marlin and Klipper firmware, including the command reference foundational to understanding what slicers actually generate.

  10. What is FDM 3D printing? - Hubs (Protolabs Network) - Explains how sliced toolpaths translate into measurable part properties including surface quality, anisotropic strength, and print time trade-offs.