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IndustryArena Forum > CAM Software > Uncategorised CAM Discussion > GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    329

    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 :)










    @Admin
    I'm not sure if this is the right category for my post. Please move if not. Thanks




  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    329

    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


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Posts
    1

    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

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    329

    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.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    329

    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



  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    329

    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

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    329

    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


  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    329

    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


  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    3498

    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.
    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
    http://my-diysolarwind.blogspot.com/

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    329

    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.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Posts
    2

    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. 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 )

  12. #12
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    329

    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.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Posts
    2

    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.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Posts
    52

    Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes

    [ATTACH=CONFIG]342932[/ATTACH
    Thank you very much .it is a great software .
    To be first brand CNC Router Manufacturer & Wholesaler Platform

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    15362

    Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes

    Quote Originally Posted by GrblGru View Post
    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
    Mactec54

  16. #16
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    329

    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

  17. #17
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    329

    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


  18. #18
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Posts
    210
    This looks fantastic,thank you
    In the words of the Toolman--If you didn't make it yourself, it's not really yours!
    Remember- done beats perfect every time!!

  19. #19
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    329

    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

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    3498

    Re: GrblGru: Free CAM and 3D-Simulation for mills and lathes

    You are doing great work ...
    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
    http://my-diysolarwind.blogspot.com/

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