Optimizing gcode to save time?
I am searching for some way to optimize the G-code to save time. Sometimes I wish to print as fast as possible but the infill causes many very short moves, may be less than a mm. Too small to be useful. Many times those very short print moves are connected with very long travel moves. This takes so much time, and I am looking for a way to eliminate those unnecessary very small infills. Can you recommend some post processing software or maybe the settings in the slicer should I change?
RE: Optimizing gcode to save time?
Look into removing Z lift and reducing retractions. Those add considerably to print times. If you're feeling really adventuresome, take a look at Print Settings->Advanced->Slicing->Resolution. This may only impact slicing times and make little print-time improvement, but it is worth a shot. (Please report back. Those who have tried in the past were never heard from again.)
In general, if you want prints to go faster, get a bigger nozzle. A nozzle opening twice the diameter will move 4 times the amount of filament at the same speeds. If you can eliminate one or more perimeter or infill lines, you'll get far greater improvements than incremental tweaks. Infill adds less strength than perimeters, so reduce infill if you can.
RE: Optimizing gcode to save time?
Also - some of the short moves may be arcs in your model. Make sure the model is square and without radius on corners.