TFT display for GCode visualization

[ezrec]

For my powder bed printer, I find it useful to have an on-board visualization system of the model that has been rendered under the powder.

(duplicate thread is on RepRap forums – check there for the FDM perspective on this: http://forums.reprap.org/read.php?2,453570 )

I think this might be generally useful. I used the Adafruit ST7735 for my project, but the codebase should be readily adaptable to any full color TFT.

Time lapse video of the visualization system running:

And before you ask, yes, that is a 3D projection with Z shading on an Arduino Mega 2560.

GitHub link to primary code checking: (GPLv2)

https://github.com/ezrec/BrundleFab/commit/5f9a47781d7fd19b29255a87579575b9769c8bd4

[dragonator]

Is the video you showed a timelapse or is it real time. How long does it take per unit to render. It looks interesting and useful.

[ezrec]

Yes, that is a time-lapse. Serial communication is the biggest overhead, actually rendering the command takes less time than receiving it over 115200n81.

That said, this was with a ‘null axis’ firmware – all the axes ‘instantly’ go to their target positions.

[Author]

Posts