3D printing and G-code files....

[fog37]

TL;DR Summary

Sharing G-code files instead of stl.files

Hello,
I am aware that the workflow of 3D printing involves the following steps:

1) Design the part using CAD and saving it as a .stl file.
2) Import the stl file into a slicing software to be converted to a G-code file
3) Load and run the G-code file on the 3D printer

It is simple and safe to email and exchange stl files. But what about email g-code files directly? For example, my friends and I share one 3D printer. Would it be ok for us to email each other the G-code files after slicing our models so those G-code files can be directly imported in the 3D printer? Are there any risks? I know G-code contains information about the 3D printers, layer information, support information, and all the instructions the printer must follow to print the part.

I am assuming we are using the same slicing software selecting exactly the same 3D printer model...

Thanks!

 

[berkeman]

Does everybody in your trusted group use anti-virus software?

I don't know if there are extra security risks associated with those file extensions, but you can always consider zipping up the file(s) and adding password protection to the ZIP file. That way, only the folks in your trusted group can send you those files, so as long as they use anti-virus software and the password works, it seems like the files should be fairly secure.*

* I can't claim to be a software security expert, though. Hopefully you get other responses.