From cbae8d797dcd55e8bbdf3b373a42abd903c9aea2 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Steffen Moeller Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2022 17:09:43 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 1/2] List of alternatives approaches to CNC --- community/index.md | 99 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++- 1 file changed, 98 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/community/index.md b/community/index.md index 3010d27..6a24da5 100644 --- a/community/index.md +++ b/community/index.md @@ -64,4 +64,101 @@ LinuxCNC](/docs/html/code/contributing-to-linuxcnc.html). * Our primary real-time chat is in the *#linuxcnc-devel* channel on [irc.libera.chat](https://libera.chat). You can use [web chat](https://web.libera.chat/) or [connect with your own client](https://libera.chat/guides/connect). - The chat is [logged](http://tom-itx.no-ip.biz:81/~tom-itx/irc/logs/%23linuxcnc-devel/index.html) by community member Tom L. + The chat is [logged](http://tom-itx.no-ip.biz:81/~tom-itx/irc/libera/logs/%23linuxcnc-devel/index.html) by community member Tom L., and historical logs from freenode are [also available](http://tom-itx.no-ip.biz:81/~tom-itx/irc/logs/%23linuxcnc-devel/index.html). + +## Related products + +LinuxCNC or its derivatives are not the only CNC motion controllers. +There are many alternatives - coming in all shades from very Open Source to stricly commercial. +Also, all these CNC controllers will likely be embedded in larger workflows for which these are post-processors of data from CAD/CAM software. +And every piece of software has its very own community. + +### Simulators + + * [CAMotics](https://camotics.org/) shows how G-code is executed + +### CNC controllers + +Controlling the motors themselves, access steppers/servos (or their drivers) directly or via non-intelligent cards like EtherCat or parallel ports. + + * [GRBL](https://github.com/gnea/grbl) OpenSource, for use on Arduino + * [LinuxCNC](https://www.linuxcnc.org) OpenSource, for Linux, low-latency with real-time kernel + * [Mach3](https://www.machsupport.com/software/mach3/) non-free, low-cost, for Windows + * [Mach4](https://www.machsupport.com/software/mach4/) non-free, low-cost, for Windows + * [Marlin](https://marlinfw.org/) Open Source, for use on Arduino or the [BigTreeTech GRC](https://www.biqu.equipment/de/products/bigtreetech-gtr-v1-0-bigtreetech-m5-v1-0-11-axis-3d-printer-motherboard) + * [KMotion](https://www.dynomotion.com/software.html) + * [OpenBuilds CONTROL](https://software.openbuilds.com/#) OpenSource + * [RoboticSys](https://roboticsys.com/rmp-ethercat-motion-controller/) + * [TurboCNC](http://www.dakeng.com/turbo.html) OpenSource, for DOS + +In need of specialized hardware + + * [Acorn CNC](https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/acorn_cnc_controller.html) non-free, low-cost, for Windows + * [Duet](https://www.duet3d.com/) Open Source, connects via SPI to an RPi or also features its own web interface. + Board includes drivers for steppers, under control of a modern TMC5160 chip. + Provides its own G-code interface, with changes for adapting [from a 3D Printing background to CNC](https://duet3d.dozuki.com/Wiki/Configuring_RepRapFirmware_for_a_CNC_machine). + * [Drufel](https://drufelcnc.com) + * [Estlcam](https://estlcam.de/) hardware is Open Source, software not, for Windows + * [EdingCNC](https://edingcnc.com) + * [KineticNC](https://www.cnc-step.de/cnc-software/kinetic-nc-netzwerk-steuerungssoftware/) from CNC-STEP needs ZERO-3 interface + * [nccad](http://www.max-computer.de/x5e/index.html) non-free, for Windows + * [ShopBot](https://www.shopbottools.com/support/control-software) needs a Control-Box + +High-end + + * [Fanuc](https://www.fanuc.eu/de/de/cnc/cnc-system) + * [Heidenhein](https://www.heidenhain.de/) + * [Isel](https://www.isel.com) [Remote-NC](https://www.isel.com/de/remote-nc.html) and [Pal-PC](https://www.isel.com/de/pal-pc.html) + * [Sinumerik](https://new.siemens.com/de/de/produkte/automatisierung/systeme/cnc-sinumerik/cnc-steuerungen.html) + + +### CAM + +Contol an interface that interprets its output, likely G-code, with no direct contact to the machine performing the milling + + * [Alibre](https://www.alibre.com/) + * [Aspire](https://www.cnc-step.de/cnc-software/aspire/) + * [BlenderCAM](https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam/wiki) OpenSource + * [BobCAD-CAM](https://bobcad.com/) non-free CAM modules for SolidWorks + * [CamBam](http://www.cambam.co.uk/) non-free + * [DeskCNC](http://www.deskcnc.com/Features.html) non-free + * [Dolphin](https://www.dolphincadcam.com/) non-free + * [EdgeCAM](https://www.edgecam.com/) + * [Estlcam](https://estlcam.de/) + * [Fusion360](https://www.autodesk.com) non-free + * [FreeMill](https://mecsoft.com/freemill/) free + * [GibbsCAM](https://www.gibbscam.com/) + * [MasterCAM](https://www.mastercam.com/) + * [MeshCAM](http://www.grzsoftware.com/) + * [nccad](http://www.max-computer.de/x5e/index.html) + * [OpenBuilds CAM](https://software.openbuilds.com/#) + * [OpenCAMLib](https://github.com/aewallin/opencamlib) OpenSource Python library to generate toolpaths, compatible with BlenderCAM + * [OneCNC](https://onecnc.net/) non-free + * [SprutCAM](https://sprutcam.com/) non-free + * [VisualCADCAM](https://mecsoft.com/visualcadcam/) non-free + * [WinPC-NC](https://www.lewetz.de/de/sample-sites-2/winpc-nc/uebersicht) + +### CAD + +Software that crafts something from which then CAM can generate G-code + + * [AutoCAD](https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview) non-free + * [Blender](https://www.blender.org/) OpenSource, known for the nice movies + * [BobCAD-CAM](https://bobcad.com/products/cad-design-software) non-free CAM modules for SolidWorks + * [CorelCAD](https://www.coreldraw.com/en/product/corel-cad/) for Windows and Mac + * [DesKAM](http://www.deskam.com/) non-free Windows for engraving + * [Dolphin](https://www.dolphincadcam.com/) non-free + * [FreeCAD](https://www.freecad.org) OpenSource + * [Fusion360](https://www.autodesk.com) non-free + * [Moi](http://moi3d.com/) non-free + * [nccad](http://www.max-computer.de/x5e/index.html) + * [OneCNC](https://onecnc.net/) non-free + * [Rhino](https://www.rhino3d.com/) non-free for Windows and Mac + * [SketchUp](http://sketchup.google.com/) non-free + * [SolidEdge](https://solidedge.siemens.com/) non-free + * [SolidWorks](https://www.solidworks.com/) non-free, low-cost entry price, physics simulations + * [TinkerCAD](https://www.tinkercad.com/) free as in beer, web-only + * [TrueSpace](https://download.cnet.com/TrueSpace/3000-6677_4-10187286.html) free as in beer + * [TurboCAD](https://www.turbocad.com/) non-free + * [VisualCADCAM](https://mecsoft.com/visualcadcam/) non-free + * [Wings 3D](http://www.wings3d.com/) Open Source From 6bb1e47375cdca2acc012bfdde7ecb2f25cf13e8 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Steffen Moeller Date: Sun, 11 Dec 2022 02:23:49 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 2/2] docs: tabular representation of alternative systems --- community/index.md | 124 +++++++++++++++++++++++---------------------- 1 file changed, 64 insertions(+), 60 deletions(-) diff --git a/community/index.md b/community/index.md index 6a24da5..fcfc48a 100644 --- a/community/index.md +++ b/community/index.md @@ -81,28 +81,30 @@ And every piece of software has its very own community. Controlling the motors themselves, access steppers/servos (or their drivers) directly or via non-intelligent cards like EtherCat or parallel ports. - * [GRBL](https://github.com/gnea/grbl) OpenSource, for use on Arduino - * [LinuxCNC](https://www.linuxcnc.org) OpenSource, for Linux, low-latency with real-time kernel - * [Mach3](https://www.machsupport.com/software/mach3/) non-free, low-cost, for Windows - * [Mach4](https://www.machsupport.com/software/mach4/) non-free, low-cost, for Windows - * [Marlin](https://marlinfw.org/) Open Source, for use on Arduino or the [BigTreeTech GRC](https://www.biqu.equipment/de/products/bigtreetech-gtr-v1-0-bigtreetech-m5-v1-0-11-axis-3d-printer-motherboard) - * [KMotion](https://www.dynomotion.com/software.html) - * [OpenBuilds CONTROL](https://software.openbuilds.com/#) OpenSource - * [RoboticSys](https://roboticsys.com/rmp-ethercat-motion-controller/) - * [TurboCNC](http://www.dakeng.com/turbo.html) OpenSource, for DOS +| Name | OpenSource | Platform | Comment | +|------|------------|----------|–––––––––| +|[GRBL](https://github.com/gnea/grbl) | yes | Arduino | | +|[LinuxCNC](https://www.linuxcnc.org) | yes | Linux | low-latency with real-time kernel | +|[Mach3](https://www.machsupport.com/software/mach3/) | no | Windows | low-cost | +|[Mach4](https://www.machsupport.com/software/mach4/) | no | Windows | low-cost | +|[Marlin](https://marlinfw.org/) | Open Source, Arduino or the [BigTreeTech GRC](https://www.biqu.equipment/de/products/bigtreetech-gtr-v1-0-bigtreetech-m5-v1-0-11-axis-3d-printer-motherboard) | | +|[KMotion](https://www.dynomotion.com/software.html) | | | +|[OpenBuilds CONTROL](https://software.openbuilds.com/#) | yes | | | +|[RoboticSys](https://roboticsys.com/rmp-ethercat-motion-controller/) | | | | +|[TurboCNC](http://www.dakeng.com/turbo.html) | yes | DOS | | In need of specialized hardware - * [Acorn CNC](https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/acorn_cnc_controller.html) non-free, low-cost, for Windows - * [Duet](https://www.duet3d.com/) Open Source, connects via SPI to an RPi or also features its own web interface. - Board includes drivers for steppers, under control of a modern TMC5160 chip. - Provides its own G-code interface, with changes for adapting [from a 3D Printing background to CNC](https://duet3d.dozuki.com/Wiki/Configuring_RepRapFirmware_for_a_CNC_machine). - * [Drufel](https://drufelcnc.com) - * [Estlcam](https://estlcam.de/) hardware is Open Source, software not, for Windows - * [EdingCNC](https://edingcnc.com) - * [KineticNC](https://www.cnc-step.de/cnc-software/kinetic-nc-netzwerk-steuerungssoftware/) from CNC-STEP needs ZERO-3 interface - * [nccad](http://www.max-computer.de/x5e/index.html) non-free, for Windows - * [ShopBot](https://www.shopbottools.com/support/control-software) needs a Control-Box +| Name | OpenSource | Platform | Comment | +|------|------------|----------|–––––––––| +| [Acorn CNC](https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/acorn_cnc_controller.html) no | Windows| low-cost | +| [Duet](https://www.duet3d.com/) | yes | RPi | connects via SPI to an RPi or also features its own web interface. Board includes drivers for steppers, under control of a modern TMC5160 chip. Provides its own G-code interface, with changes for adapting [from a 3D Printing background to CNC](https://duet3d.dozuki.com/Wiki/Configuring_RepRapFirmware_for_a_CNC_machine). | +| [Drufel](https://drufelcnc.com) | | | | +| [Estlcam](https://estlcam.de/) | hardware:yes, software:no | Windows | | +| [EdingCNC](https://edingcnc.com) | | | | +| [KineticNC](https://www.cnc-step.de/cnc-software/kinetic-nc-netzwerk-steuerungssoftware/) | | | from CNC-STEP needs ZERO-3 interface | +| [nccad](http://www.max-computer.de/x5e/index.html) | no | Windows | | +| [ShopBot](https://www.shopbottools.com/support/control-software) | | | needs a Control-Box | High-end @@ -116,49 +118,51 @@ High-end Contol an interface that interprets its output, likely G-code, with no direct contact to the machine performing the milling - * [Alibre](https://www.alibre.com/) - * [Aspire](https://www.cnc-step.de/cnc-software/aspire/) - * [BlenderCAM](https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam/wiki) OpenSource - * [BobCAD-CAM](https://bobcad.com/) non-free CAM modules for SolidWorks - * [CamBam](http://www.cambam.co.uk/) non-free - * [DeskCNC](http://www.deskcnc.com/Features.html) non-free - * [Dolphin](https://www.dolphincadcam.com/) non-free - * [EdgeCAM](https://www.edgecam.com/) - * [Estlcam](https://estlcam.de/) - * [Fusion360](https://www.autodesk.com) non-free - * [FreeMill](https://mecsoft.com/freemill/) free - * [GibbsCAM](https://www.gibbscam.com/) - * [MasterCAM](https://www.mastercam.com/) - * [MeshCAM](http://www.grzsoftware.com/) - * [nccad](http://www.max-computer.de/x5e/index.html) - * [OpenBuilds CAM](https://software.openbuilds.com/#) - * [OpenCAMLib](https://github.com/aewallin/opencamlib) OpenSource Python library to generate toolpaths, compatible with BlenderCAM - * [OneCNC](https://onecnc.net/) non-free - * [SprutCAM](https://sprutcam.com/) non-free - * [VisualCADCAM](https://mecsoft.com/visualcadcam/) non-free - * [WinPC-NC](https://www.lewetz.de/de/sample-sites-2/winpc-nc/uebersicht) +| Name | OpenSource | Platform | Comment | +|------|------------|----------|–––––––––| +| [Alibre](https://www.alibre.com/) | | | | +| [Aspire](https://www.cnc-step.de/cnc-software/aspire/) | | | | +| [BlenderCAM](https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam/wiki) | yes | | | +| [BobCAD-CAM](https://bobcad.com/) | non-free | Windows | CAM modules for SolidWorks | +| [CamBam](http://www.cambam.co.uk/) | no | | | +| [DeskCNC](http://www.deskcnc.com/Features.html) | no | | | +| [Dolphin](https://www.dolphincadcam.com/) | no | | | +| [EdgeCAM](https://www.edgecam.com/) | | | | +| [Estlcam](https://estlcam.de/) | | | | +| [Fusion360](https://www.autodesk.com) | no | Windows+Mac | | +| [FreeMill](https://mecsoft.com/freemill/) | no, but free | Windows | module that is included in each of these products: VisualCAD/CAM and RhinoCAM | +| [GibbsCAM](https://www.gibbscam.com/) | | | | +| [MasterCAM](https://www.mastercam.com/) | | | | +| [MeshCAM](http://www.grzsoftware.com/) | | | | +| [nccad](http://www.max-computer.de/x5e/index.html) | | | | +| [OpenBuilds CAM](https://software.openbuilds.com/#) | | | | +| [OpenCAMLib](https://github.com/aewallin/opencamlib) | yes | all | Python library to generate toolpaths, compatible with BlenderCAM | +| [OneCNC](https://onecnc.net/) | no | | | +| [SprutCAM](https://sprutcam.com/) | no | | | +| [VisualCADCAM](https://mecsoft.com/visualcadcam/) | no | | | +| [WinPC-NC](https://www.lewetz.de/de/sample-sites-2/winpc-nc/uebersicht) | | | | ### CAD Software that crafts something from which then CAM can generate G-code - * [AutoCAD](https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview) non-free - * [Blender](https://www.blender.org/) OpenSource, known for the nice movies - * [BobCAD-CAM](https://bobcad.com/products/cad-design-software) non-free CAM modules for SolidWorks - * [CorelCAD](https://www.coreldraw.com/en/product/corel-cad/) for Windows and Mac - * [DesKAM](http://www.deskam.com/) non-free Windows for engraving - * [Dolphin](https://www.dolphincadcam.com/) non-free - * [FreeCAD](https://www.freecad.org) OpenSource - * [Fusion360](https://www.autodesk.com) non-free - * [Moi](http://moi3d.com/) non-free - * [nccad](http://www.max-computer.de/x5e/index.html) - * [OneCNC](https://onecnc.net/) non-free - * [Rhino](https://www.rhino3d.com/) non-free for Windows and Mac - * [SketchUp](http://sketchup.google.com/) non-free - * [SolidEdge](https://solidedge.siemens.com/) non-free - * [SolidWorks](https://www.solidworks.com/) non-free, low-cost entry price, physics simulations - * [TinkerCAD](https://www.tinkercad.com/) free as in beer, web-only - * [TrueSpace](https://download.cnet.com/TrueSpace/3000-6677_4-10187286.html) free as in beer - * [TurboCAD](https://www.turbocad.com/) non-free - * [VisualCADCAM](https://mecsoft.com/visualcadcam/) non-free - * [Wings 3D](http://www.wings3d.com/) Open Source + | [AutoCAD](https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview) | no | | | + | [Blender](https://www.blender.org/) | yes | all | | + | [BobCAD-CAM](https://bobcad.com/products/cad-design-software) | no | | CAM modules for SolidWorks | + | [CorelCAD](https://www.coreldraw.com/en/product/corel-cad/) | no | Windows+Mac | | + | [DesKAM](http://www.deskam.com/) | non-free | Windows | for engraving | + | [Dolphin](https://www.dolphincadcam.com/) | no | | | + | [FreeCAD](https://www.freecad.org) | yes | | | + | [Fusion360](https://www.autodesk.com) | no | | | + | [Moi](http://moi3d.com/) | no | | | + | [nccad](http://www.max-computer.de/x5e/index.html) + | [OneCNC](https://onecnc.net/) | no | | | + | [Rhino](https://www.rhino3d.com/) | non-free | Windows and Mac | | + | [SketchUp](http://sketchup.google.com/) | no | | | + | [SolidEdge](https://solidedge.siemens.com/) | no | | | + | [SolidWorks](https://www.solidworks.com/) non-free | Windows| low-cost entry price, physics simulations | + | [TinkerCAD](https://www.tinkercad.com/) | no, but free | | web only | + | [TrueSpace](https://download.cnet.com/TrueSpace/3000-6677_4-10187286.html) | no, but free | | | + | [TurboCAD](https://www.turbocad.com/) | no | | | + | [VisualCADCAM](https://mecsoft.com/visualcadcam/) | no | | | + | [Wings 3D](http://www.wings3d.com/) | yes | | |