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GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
I'm only recently in this forum and this is my first post. But in this time I've seen already a lot of lathe users looking for a free CAM program.
So I would like to inform you about my free program GrblGru. It provides CAM functionality and 3D simulation for milling machines and lathes. In command mode (G-code sender) it can communicate with GRBL as well as TinyG.
I use the program for my little DIY milling machine and my old lathe, that I've updated to CNC. Now I'm looking for good ideas to improve it.
If you like to give GrblGru a try, you can download it from my dropbox at https://goo.gl/quFpdZ
It's running under windows operating systems since XP.
On my youtube channel you can follow the history of GrblGru from the beginning in 2014 until now.
For lathe users maybe
https://youtu.be/GXnGWg4jOtY
gives you a good imagination about how GrblGru is working. Also my latest video, attached below, shows a large wood lathe in simulation mode.
For milling machine owner maybe my DIY 4th axis is interesting
https://youtu.be/HBvy4BS_Q7s
https://youtu.be/_H3ZKvBRc8Q
Any suggestions for improvements and also critique are welcome
Have fun with GrblGru :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq0z...ature=youtu.be
@Admin
I'm not sure if this is the right category for my post. Please move if not. Thanks
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
As is well known GRBL and TinyG supports no macro programming such as e.g. LinuxCNC.
But in my new program version V3.2 I've added a library (https://github.com/NRSoft/GSharp), which allows the using of G-code with variables, conditions, loops and subroutines.
See in the attached video how to use GrblGru as development environment to create and debug G-code.
Please note, that the real possibilities of the g# maro language are much more powerful.
For details see e.g. http://linuxcnc.org/docs/html/gcode/overview.html
Free download GrblGru V3.2 from my dropbox: https://goo.gl/quFpdZ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UIVro7R7AU&feature=youtu.be
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
There is a way to support Repetier/Marlin firmware on RAMPS shield? I'm looking for this toolchain [cnc 4 axis - xyza axis->repetier->ramps1.4->mega2560] a way to verify and send gocde
Inviato dal mio MX5 utilizzando Tapatalk
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Sorry, I've only experience with GRBL/Arduino Uno and TinyG. I've never try to send GCode to Repetier/Marlin at mega2560.
But you can use GrblGru to verify your GCode. It's also possible to add a 3D-model from your machine or axes construction.
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2 Attachment(s)
Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
I only would like to inform you about my new GrblGru Version 3.3
Now it's possible to add also your own lathe fixtures like face drivers and mandrels.
Just add the STL file from your fixture into the GrblGru fixtures folder and it will be shown in the 3D simulation.
So, before you go to your dark, cold workshop you can check the complete clamping situation and the turning process in your warm, nice armchair. :)
Please inform me in case you get problems or have questions about adding 3D models of your fixture or machine. I'll give you any assistance.
Free download GrblGru v3.3 from my dropbox -> https://goo.gl/quFpdZ
Have fun with GrblGru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQF72xg-EVQ&feature=youtu.be
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
I would like to inform you about a new GrblGru version V3.4. Free Download: https://goo.gl/quFpdZ
Proud to present the 3D model from, in this forum well known, user 'Yohudi'. He has created the 3D model with 'gmax' and has added it to GrblGru.
Danny, thanks again for your support !
Have fun with GrblGru
https://www.cnczone.com/forums/attac...6&d=1475005863
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Again I would like to inform you about a new GrblGru version V3.5.
I've improved the slicer function. With the new 'Multi Cut' mode now it's also possible to slice STL objects into many layers.
If you are still looking for some Halloween stuff, maybe it's interesting for you to see in the attached video, how you can build a 'pumpkin mask' for your kids with the slicer.
GrblGru free download from my dropbox: https://goo.gl/quFpdZ
Have fun with GrblGru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy01OeNlPiU&feature=youtu.be
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
In my new GrblGru version I've reworked the DXF templates, especially the gear template.
So the main topic of version V3.6. is the involute profile and the way to build a planetary gear set.
Planetary gears are very interesting. Because it's not possible to show all details in a short video,
I recommend to build the gear set by your self. I've attached a normal dxf file with all parts. Please note that all is in metric units.
So, you can use your favorite CAM program to carve the gears. I promise that you'll be excited when you turn the sun gear and see how it works.
If you like to know how to design a gear with a beer can (without any help from a program), have a look to the attached video.
Free Download V3.6 from my dropbox: https://goo.gl/quFpdZ
Have fun with GrblGru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9u2lKB3kMs&feature=youtu.be
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
GrblGru,
I never seen such a dedicated hardworking programmer making such a nice application all alone... My salute to you and your such a nice work. Thanks for sharing with us man...
I wish you be my friend.. love your dedication and hardwork.
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Thanks for your kind words. But for me this is no hard work. I have fun to continue developing and improving my little program.
Also I'm happy if somebody can use it. :)
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Hi GrblGru! Your software is amazing! Great job and thanks for share! I'm trying to create g-codes and use them in my lathe CNC. I'm such a beginner and I'm probably making some simple mistakes. :p I tried to follow the manual and the video tutorials, but the version I downloaded is 3.6 and I can't not translate the commands of the manual (older version) to my version. Is it possible to download the older versions? My main problem is that I can import DXF files, but I could not generate the G-code properly. The g-code I get are only the headers. As I said, I'm probably making some simple mistakes, I don't find where I should define the Start Diameter value, for example. (When I click "NC" button, this value is not asked).
(English isn't my first language, please excuse any mistakes :) )
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Hi _Aline_,
sorry, I know that my documentation is not up to date. But the program is still in development and all things are changing.
I've created a little movie and uploaded it to my dropbox. https://goo.gl/jS0Ndxhttps://goo.gl/jS0Ndx
It shows the using of the lathe mode. Hope this helps a little bit.
Please inform me if somethings goes wrong. Sure we will find a solution.
Thanks for giving GrblGru a try. :)
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Hi GrblGru :)
Please sorry if it seemed that I were regreting about the documentation that already exists, this were not my intention. I am thankful you are developing and had shared your software with us. I was looking for a software like yours for a long time. So, thank you again by your great job and thanks by the video. :)
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
[ATTACH=CONFIG]342932[/ATTACH
Thank you very much .it is a great software .
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GrblGru
In my new GrblGru version I've reworked the DXF templates, especially the gear template.
So the main topic of version V3.6. is the involute profile and the way to build a planetary gear set.
Planetary gears are very interesting. Because it's not possible to show all details in a short video,
I recommend to build the gear set by your self. I've attached a normal dxf file with all parts. Please note that all is in metric units.
So, you can use your favorite CAM program to carve the gears. I promise that you'll be excited when you turn the sun gear and see how it works.
If you like to know how to design a gear with a beer can (without any help from a program), have a look to the attached video.
Free Download V3.6 from my dropbox:
https://goo.gl/quFpdZ
Have fun with GrblGru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9u2...ature=youtu.be
Excellent work, what did the Gear ratio work out to be, on this model
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
@cncjack01
Thanks for your feedback. Please note that it's also possible to scale DXF and SVG imports. :)
@Mactec54
Thanks a lot. Of course it's only a model to show the functional principle.
The ratio is depend from how you are using the gear set, especial which part is fix, which part is driver and which is driven.
So, for example you get following ratio:
Zring = number of teeth ring gear = 34
Zsun = number of teeth sun gear = 14
If the ring gear is fix, the sun gear is the driver and the planets carrier is driven
i = 1 + (Zring / Zsun)
If the sun gear is fix, the ring gear is the driver and the planets carrier is driven
i = 1 + (Zsun / Zring)
If the carrier is fix, the sun gear is the driver and the ring gear is driven
i = -(Zring / Zsun)
If you are interested in more details I recommend the old (1953) but very educational video at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrkzaQRDtuM
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
A new GrblGru version V3.7.0 is available at my dropbox. https://goo.gl/quFpdZ
I've changed a lot of small things in the milling mode.
So for example, now it's possible to choose one of the new tab (bridges) style (SQUARE, TRIANGLE or ROUND)
Hope that especially the ROUND style will bring smoothly movements during milling the tabs.
Also the starting position of each path is freely selectable now.
Last not least I've completed the box generating template.
If you like to watch the video, you can see the special features.
I wish you all a peaceful Xmas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsIUlqhMK1c&feature=youtu.be
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This looks fantastic,thank you
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Just like to inform your about a little extension for the 'Box Generator'.
In GrblGru V3.8 (download: https://goo.gl/quFpdZ) now it's also possible to create sloping boxes. :)
Attachment 345394
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
You are doing great work :) ...
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
It's time again for some news in the lathe mode of GrblGru.
The new version V3.9.0 provides a solution for copying pieces without any expensive 'Lathe Copy Attachments'.
The piece, you like to duplicate, will be scanned by a simple DIY touch probe. After that the scan points will be used to create an DXF.
The DXF can be loaded into GrblGru to create a milling job.
The little video shows how to duplicate a screwdriver tool knob, from scanning until milling.
Have fun with GrblGru
https://youtu.be/gtfTbD0Dyks
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
This looks very interesting so I have just downloaded a copy..... Thank you!
Robert
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Release note GrblGru V3.10
Recently Grbl has released the great new version V1.1. It provides a lot of new features.
In GrblGru V3.10. I've made the needed adaptations now.
In the attached video I've tried to document step by step the way to use GrblGru as free G-Code-Sender for grbl v1.1
This includes all necessary steps from upload the Grbl-hex-file to the Arduino board until activating the new single step mode in GrblGru.
I hope this will give especially folks, who start working with CNC, a quick overview about this interesting topic.
Have fun with GrblGru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9fIIRBER1w&feature=youtu.be
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Release note GrblGru V3.11
I'm loving the new override feature in Grbl V1.1.
Now it's possible to change the feed rate 'on the fly' while a job is running.
So you are able to optimize the feed rate by hearing the noise and feeling the vibration of your machine.
For GUIs, like GrblGru, also the jogging mode is much easier to realize.
The attached video shows how to use the new features in the GrblGru G-Code-Mode.
Have fun with GrblGru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsoK04Nhz7M&feature=youtu.be
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Release notes V3.12
Last week I tried to drill some holes manually. The result was really disappointing.
So I've added a new drilling mode into GrblGru. I hope this is useful, also if you need it only to create centerings.
The short video shows also how to use it in case of drilling 'deep holes'.
As well as I've added a new 3D model from the little cnc engraving machine 'Link Sprite'. Please note that the dimensions are not correct.
It's only an example for machines, that have this special axes arrangement.
Last not least I've fixed zum bugs in the TinyG modul.
Free download as usual from my dropbox at https://goo.gl/quFpdZ
Have fun with GrblGru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx3-70qkLVc&feature=youtu.be
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Release notes V3.13
In the version V3.13 you will find two new templates for drilling.
1. The first template, called 'Bolt Hole Circle Calculator' evenly distributes a given number of holes on the bolt circle diameter. The position of every hole can be saved in DXF file.
2. If you like to create a greater passage (e.g. a hole for a motor), which is too deep for milling,
the template 'Multi Drill Circle' can help you to calculate how many drill holes are necessary to machine the hole.
In the attached video you can see in which way you can use this both templates.
Free program download as usual from my dropbox at https://goo.gl/quFpdZ
Have fun with GrblGru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLcHG82Mdvs&feature=youtu.be
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Re: GrblGru download
When I go to: https://goo.gl/quFpdZ
the file it wants me to download is named GrblGru.7z
What do I do with a ".7Z" extension file?
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Re: GrblGru download
GrblGru.7z is a compressed archive like *.zip files.
Just download the program '7-Zip' for unzipping. It's free.
After unzipping you will find the file GrblGru-installerVx.x.x.exe.
Start this file and follow the instructions. See also https://youtu.be/d9fIIRBER1w for details
Have fun :)
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Release notes V3.14
In one of the last versions I've already shown how to cut styrofoam in the XZ-plane with the milling machine.
Now I've also added a new mode and a special template for doing that.
Furthermore the GrblGru machine park has a new member. It's the 3D model from the huge wooden CNC machine of my friend 'Wodin'.
He needs to cut styrofoam in the YZ-plane for building his pool !
If you are interested to know how your milling machine can help building a pool, just watch the little video. :)
Have fun with GrblGru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8rfA3GJITo&feature=youtu.be
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
I am very impressed with GrblGru. I am a computer programmer with 35 years of experience, and a CNC Mill user with 15 years of experience. I am considering replacing my Mach3 + Taig Mill setup with GrblGru + TinyG.
I have one suggestion and one problem, with version 3.14.0
The suggestion is that the ESC key should activate the Stop function. When something is going wrong, you often do not have time to use the mouse.
The problem is that the "Show PreView" button is not active after a GCode file is loaded. One of your videos says that GrblGru can preview external GCode files, but I cannot see how to do that with V13.14.0. PreView works with DXF, but not with Gcode.
Thank you for any help you can offer.
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
A GrblGru model file for a Taig CNC Micro Mill is attached. It is fairly accurate as it is derived (simplified) from an extraordinarily-complete 3D model of the Taig mill that I found in a Taig forum.
Here are the machine.dat settings.
[Taig]
xplus=300.0000000000
yplus=140.0000000000
zminus=200.0000000000
vToolPosx=0.0000000000
vToolPosy=0.0000000000
vToolPosz=169.0000000000
bPortal=0
bLathe=0
bStyroCut_XZ=0
bStyroCut_YZ=0
bProbe=0
typ=1
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
I tried using GrblGru to stream GCode to a grbl1.1e laser engrave. It was unreliable. The grbl controller would report different errors (sometimes 24, sometimes 33) after a variable number of lines. I think that the sender is overflowing grbl's buffer causing grbl to misinterpret commands.Very infrequently it would work, getting to the end of a 752 line GCode program, but usually it would fail.
I tried several other grbl sender programs with that same GCode file and the same hardware, and they all worked correctly every time.
I used the "dummy" machine definition. I tried with both verbose and non-verbose output in the controller window, and with the controller windows hidden. I also tried turning off all the displays. Nothing helped.
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
@wmb
first of all, apologies for the delay in responding. I don't know why, but I did not receive a notification for your message. Saw just today your message on youtube
I'm also very impressed about your 3D model 'Taig'. Great work. If you allow I would like to add it to my program for common use.
I'll do my very best to fix the error, that you get with grbl V1.1e. Therefore I've sent you a PM with my email address.
Maybe you can send me some details (like screenshots from the error messages)
I'm working with Grbl V1.1f without any problems. So I'm sure, together we will found the reason for this problem.
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Release notes V3.15
Are you looking for a remote control for your milling machine ?
Again 'TennesseePIlot' has a good idea for this, and I've tried to realize it.
See in the 5 minutes video how to get a remote control keypad for less than 20 dollar.
Have fun with GrblGru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSsUbzgWuzo&feature=youtu.be
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Release notes V3.16
The new GrblGru Version is ready for downloading at https://goo.gl/quFpdZ
The main focus is set again on the 4th axis. From now this axis is part of the 3D model and can be designed by the user.
As example for this type of machines we have 2 new models in GrblGru.
The first one is used only for demonstration. It's a ShapeOko3 with a 4th axis, placed in a square cut-out of the wasteboard, which allows machining of bigger workpieces.
The second model I've got from a GrblGru-friend, who has designed a pretty cool engraving machine only with X, Z and A axis. It can be used for engraving a cylinder.
Have fun GrblGru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGNzcflGQcU&feature=youtu.be
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Release notes V3.17
in the new version at https://goo.gl/quFpdZ I've looked at the language selection.
Again I've created a short video that describes how to add a new language to GrblGru.
Maybe you can use it to correct my bad english. :)
It would be great if someone would create a text file with a language, that is not yet available in GG and would share it with all users.
I would include these from the next version with in the installation.
Have fun with GrblGru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0SPlINYLSg&feature=youtu.be
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Release notes V3.18
I'm very glad that I can now also provide GrblGru with Spanish language. See https://goo.gl/quFpdZ for free program download
Many thanks to 'VCB' and 'EL PATRON 809' for the translation and the permission to share it with all users. :)
Have fun with GrblGru
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Release notes V3.19
again I can proudly report a GrblGru version with another language.
From today I can provide also the Hungarian language. Many thanks to my friend Jozef for his great work.
Have fun with GrblGru
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Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
Release notes V3.20
the new GrbLGru version is ready for downloading at https://goo.gl/quFpdZ
Until now I've never concerned with drag knives. So I was very impressed to see what's possible with this kind of tool.
The great idea to provide a 'drag knife function' in GG comes from 'Tennessee Pilot', who has shared again his knowledge with us.
Have fun with GrblGru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jHS2uZpfJg&feature=youtu.be