CNC milling with open source software
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CNC milling with open source software
1–10 of 133 posts
Re: CNC milling with open source software
#2Even though I love 3d-printing, and designing/building machines, I would not build a small CNC like that from scratch. Since you get better machines for <200 USD that runs open source firmware (grbl) out of the box. Recently got one of them for PCB milling, a CNC 3018 Pro
Re: CNC milling with open source software
#3The Mostly Printed CNC is another great 3d printed CNC. https://www.v1engineering.com/specifications/ Almost done printing the parts for mine. Will run GRBL on it as well.
Re: CNC milling with open source software
#4I got into CNC milling about 9 months ago. SVG to 2.5D problems are easy, and get you to a lot of cute solutions, its about as close to the work flow of 3D printers as you can get.
But the really interesting stuff is when you get to CAM. Multiple tool paths, genuine 3D cutting. Moving the work between paths etc. Its like going from juggling 3 balls (2.5d) to 5 balls (3D).
I haven't seen any competitive opensource CAM products, and its the main reason I continue to use Fusion 360 instead of OpenSCAD or SVG for my designs.
Re: CNC milling with open source software
#5If you're interested in Open-Source CNC you should check out two of my Open-Source projects. https://camotics.org/ a CNC simulator and https://buildbotics.com/ a CNC controller. I'm somewhat surprised neither of these were mentioned.
Re: CNC milling with open source software
#6Even though I love 3d-printing, and designing/building machines, I would not build a small CNC like that from scratch. Since you get better machines for <200 USD that runs open source firmware (grbl) out of the box. Recently got one of them for PCB milling, a CNC 3018 Pro
I've been eyeballing the CNC 3018 Pro for a few weeks now. I would appropriate any input you have on the device. Pros/cons/alternatives I should look at. Anything!
Re: CNC milling with open source software
#7I've been looking for a home PCB machine and would appreciate any recommendations on what to look at or what to avoid.
I've been told multiple times that it's easier to just have a service print your board which is probably true, but that would take a lot of fun out of the entire process for me.
Re: CNC milling with open source software
#8I've been looking for a home PCB machine and would appreciate any recommendations on what to look at or what to avoid. I've been told multiple times that it's easier to just have a service print your board which is probably true, but that would take a lot of fun out of the entire process for me.
I've been using a 3018 CNC with pretty good results. They're fairly inexpensive machines (about $300 I believe) and are decently accurate.
I still order boards from China, but for a quick breakout board it's incredibly handy!
I also decided to get a 5W laser which is also pretty fun to engrave with.
I'm planning on writing a series of blog posts about it if you're interested!
As a last note, if you like tinkering, these little machines are money and time sinks.. So far, I've added limit switches, a pi, more bits, 3D printed a tool holder etc etc
Re: CNC milling with open source software
#9For controlling your machine there is LinuxCNC (formerly Enhanced Machine Controller, created at NIST) http://www.linuxcnc.org and the fork MachineKit http://www.machinekit.io/
Also, latest FreeCAD has a CAM module ("Path workbench") that has come a long way and really is useful.
Re: CNC milling with open source software
#10I got into CNC milling about 9 months ago. SVG to 2.5D problems are easy, and get you to a lot of cute solutions, its about as close to the work flow of 3D printers as you can get. But the really interesting stuff is when you get to CAM. Multiple tool paths, genuine 3D cutting. Moving the work between paths etc. Its like going from juggling 3 balls (2.5d) to 5 balls (3D). I haven't seen any competitive opensource CAM…
> I haven't seen any competitive opensource CAM products...
Solvespace is open source and claims to export tool paths as gcode with cutter radius compensation, though I have not used this feature. I found cutter radius and export 2D section but it's not cooperating right now!