App: Stl2Gcode 5x
Developer: Aleksandr Varaksa
Genres: Graphics & Design, Productivity

Stl2Gcode 5x opens .stl files, scales, rotates, slices layers and generates GCODE for laser or mill cutters. It can be used for make DIY models or prototypes of anything from soft materials (plastic, wood, styrofoam, foam plastic).

Supported type of cutters: laser or mill (in cutting mode): 3 (XYZ) or 5 axes (XYZAB, XYZAC, XYZBC). At this time, only laser with XYZAB has been tested.

Available modes:
- 3x — generate GCODE for all detected faces for a 3 axes cutter.
- 5x — cut only faces detected from top of layer to bottom (taking max angles for rotation and min_z limit into account).
- 5x & 3x — cut all possible detected faces in 5 axes; faces rejected by 5x mode limits will be cut in 3x mode.

Release notes:
• Improved G-code generation (3 spindle/laser switching modes):
1. Using the spindle speed M3/M4 for laser control. Instead of controlling spindle speed via M4, you control laser power (commonly used in GRBL).
2. Using spindle speeds integrated into the G1 move commands. The “S” parameter of the G1 move command can be used to control laser power during that move (commonly used in RepRapFirmware).
3. Using the fan control to instead control the laser via M106 and M107 fan speed commands, often re-assigning the high voltage fan pin to a logic voltage pin (commonly used in Marlin).

• Limit of tool rotation is now separated into MIN and MAX values.