Simplify3D User Forum

Hello all,

When I was last using Simplify 3D and wanted to start printing to USB, I got the message "This machine does not suppert binary .x3g files".

I'm not a pro, I'm kinda new to the 3D printing world. I'll describe my workflow.
I made something in Thinkercad, exported it to .stl, imported it into Simplify3D, tinkered my printing settings, heated up the nozzles and bed and clicked prepare for printing. Once I clicked 'start printing to USB' I got this message.
I have this workflow for a while now and hadn't had any problems. This error message is new to me.

I found a thread from someone with the same issue but he has an other printer and doesn't print with .stl files (I think).
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3327

I hope someone can solve this.
Thanks in advance,
CS

That message means that you're trying to send the wrong file type to that printer. So here's the things I would check

1) You didn't say what printer you are using, but I would first verify that you are creating the correct files for your printer. Double-check that you have the correct profile selected in your process and then slice the parts and click "Save Toolpaths to Disk" to see what files the software is exporting. Note: it may export multiple files. If your machine uses gcode, it should only be exporting gcode. If it uses x3g, it should export both a gcode and x3g file. If it's creating the wrong files, you may want to try going back to the Configuration Assistant to re-download the original profile for you printer.

2) Once you have verified the software is creating the correct files, go to the Machine Control Panel and try to connect to your printer. If it's a printer that uses x3g files, you should see a lot of binary communication on the Communication tab of the MCP. If it uses gcode, it should look like a lot of G and M commands.

Verify those 2 things and then let us know if you're still having trouble

I'm using a Leapfrog Creatr HS and there are a lot of G's and M's in the communication tab.
When I click "save toolpaths to disk" it confirms it's gcode.

ComingSoon wrote:When I click "save toolpaths to disk" it confirms it's gcode.

That is not enough to answer question #2. It always prompts for a .gcode file, but it may also create an x3g file if your settings are wrong. So do this - click "Save Toolpaths to Disk" and save the files into a new folder that you create on your desktop. What files are in that new folder after the save is completed?

The error indicates that you are creating x3g files and thus trying to send those to your Leapfrog printer (which won't work)

CompoundCarl wrote:What files are in that new folder after the save is completed?

It exports to both .gcode and .x3g.
How do I tell it to only export to .gcode?

How do I tell it to only export to .gcode?

In the Scripts tab of your profile, uncheck the "Create .x3g file for....." option.

Just use the stock Leapfrog Creatr HS profile from the configuration assistant. It works correctly and does not have any of these problems.

Thanks dknightley, that resolved the issue. Idk why I had that checked...

Thanks dknightley

Who?

CompoundCarl wrote:If it's creating the wrong files, you may want to try going back to the Configuration Assistant to re-download the original profile for you printer.

This was my very first suggestion