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

[junior2016]

Just had my first born 2 weeks ago. Hobby time is pretty limited.

@Junior2016
Until now I have no separate input for stepover. A constant stepover of 0.5 mm is used.
But a new input with a percentage of the tool diameter would be a good idea for the next version.

This would be great addition! Also a setting to mill pockets from the center out would be useful.

The main issue with runing GrblGru on linux with Wine is the simulation rendering is always garbled. I'm not sure if this is a wine setting that's not configured correctly or some other issue.

[GrblGru]

@Junior2016
Congratulations. I remember that time. No time for nothing and always tired.
I'll let you know when I have something new to show.
For the graphics I only use the normal OpenGL. Everything else is handmade.
Maybe we find a way to fix the problem. But there's time for that.

First, enjoy your time.


@sacramento
carbide inserts are still not available.
Sorry, but I can't tell you when they are available. I do all this only as a hobby and at the moment I am working at the milling mode.
Please try again to understand the actions from the video.

[GrblGru]

Release notes V3.28.0

Lately I've been approached on 5-axis machines.
Although I know that there are still a few construction sites open in my 2D program, I was tempted to take my first steps in the direction of 5 axes.
For this purpose, I have added a rotary and a swivel axis to the 3D model of my machine on a trial basis.
Of course, the functionality is still very limited. Corresponding CAM functionality will also be a long time in coming.
But, you can already move all 5 axes of the model manually and simple G-code is already processed by the interpreter.
The whole thing is suitable for thinking about 5-axis technology and its complexity.
For all those who are interested in this topic, I have put a small guide for importing own 3D-models on my dropbox.
http://bit.ly/2suKAJe_Import3D_gb
Suggestions and ideas for design a practical and cost-effective 5-axis machine for the hobby area are most welcome.

As a suitable controller I have chosen an Arduino Due (approx. 50 Euro) with the operating system g2core.
My controller and motors are not yet connected, but the data exchange with g2core looks very promising.


In the attached video I once recorded my current status on this topic.

Please note the NEW address for download: http://bit.ly/2xF1KJ8_GrblGru_Release
I've changed a lot. Therefore you have to answer the question about deleting the folder with 'YES' during the installation, so that a complete reinstallation takes place.


Have fun with GrblGru

[gryzel]

I have a question. Is it possible to change the coordinate system of the lathe from "X-Y" to "X-Z" in GrblGru? My lathe understands only two coordinates "X-Z". And the coordinate "Z" is the axis of rotation of the spindle while "X" is the feed of the tool.

[swisscheese]

Can anyone advise why I can't run the simulator on following file:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ArQ...ew?usp=sharing
Using GrblGru V3.28.1
I'm getting a lot of unhandled exceptions.

[GrblGru]

@gryzel
Right now, I'm in the process of changing the lathe coordinate system.
Give me a little more time, please. I hope to finish it this week.

@swisscheese
I read your file and for me everything looks very good. The simulation is running and I don't get any error messages either.
It would be very helpful for me if you would open the two controller windows and run the simulation in single step mode. (Toolbar button "Single")
Can you please send me screenshots of the error messages and the display in the controller window ? So I can see which command causes an error.

Please also take a screenshot of your self-defined tool "187 EM". What is the diameter of the cutter?
Do you only have this problems with this file, or do you have the errors with every file?

[swisscheese]

187 tool: Milling, Endmill, 6,35, 0, 10, 2, 2, Yes

I never got anything to work - just learning it.

As soon as I open the project file I get:

See the end of this message for details on invoking
just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box.


************** Exception Text **************
System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at GrblGru.Form1.GetZigZagPath(xPath xPath, xJobMilling xBaseJob, Double diameter)
at GrblGru.Form1.DoJobPocket(xJobMilling xJob, ToolMilling xTool)
at GrblGru.Form1.CreateGCodeForMilling()
at GrblGru.Form1.CreateGcode()
at GrblGru.Form1.LoadProject(String FileName)
at GrblGru.Form1.loadProjectToolStripMenuItem_Click(O bject sender, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.RaiseEvent(Obje ct key, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem.OnClick(Eve ntArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.HandleClick(Eve ntArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.HandleMouseUp(M ouseEventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip.OnMouseUp(MouseEven tArgs mea)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripDropDown.OnMouseUp(M ouseEventArgs mea)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMouseUp(Message& m, MouseButtons button, Int32 clicks)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripDropDown.WndProc(Mes sage& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)




************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.7.3110.0 built by: NET472REL1LAST_C
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework64/v4.0.30319/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
GrblGru
Assembly Version: 3.28.1.0
Win32 Version: 3.28.1.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files%20(x86)/toe/GrblGru/GrblGru.exe
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.7.3056.0 built by: NET472REL1
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.7.3056.0 built by: NET472REL1
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.7.3056.0 built by: NET472REL1
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll
----------------------------------------
toe.Lib
Assembly Version: 1.3.0.0
Win32 Version: 1.3.0.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files%20(x86)/toe/GrblGru/toe.Lib.DLL
----------------------------------------
toe.Cad
Assembly Version: 11.3.0.0
Win32 Version: 11.3.0.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files%20(x86)/toe/GrblGru/toe.Cad.DLL
----------------------------------------
toe.Props
Assembly Version: 1.0.6732.37059
Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files%20(x86)/toe/GrblGru/toe.Props.DLL
----------------------------------------
toe.Tree
Assembly Version: 1.9.0.0
Win32 Version: 1.9.0.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files%20(x86)/toe/GrblGru/toe.Tree.DLL
----------------------------------------
System.Configuration
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.7.3056.0 built by: NET472REL1
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Configuration/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Configuration.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Core
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.7.3110.0 built by: NET472REL1LAST_C
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Core/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Core.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Xml
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.7.3056.0 built by: NET472REL1
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll
----------------------------------------
Accessibility
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.7.3056.0 built by: NET472REL1
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Accessibility/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Accessibility.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Design
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.7.3056.0 built by: NET472REL1
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Design/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Design.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing.Design
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.7.3056.0 built by: NET472REL1
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing.Design/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.Design.dll
----------------------------------------
toe.Clip
Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files%20(x86)/toe/GrblGru/toe.Clip.DLL
----------------------------------------


************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this
application or computer (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.


For example:







When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer
rather than be handled by this dialog box.

[GrblGru]

@swisscheese

That's strange.
Can you please select another milling cutter in all 3 jobs for testing (e.g. "end mill 3.175")

If this doesn't work either, please load the DXF example "MotorPlate.dxf" and create a simple job (e.g. "Slot Plywood") for the layer "center milling".
Make sure that you have selected "Controller" = "Simulation". Press the "Origin" button.
Select "High speed simulation" and press the green start button.
Is the simulation now running without errors?

[swisscheese]

With your suggestion I found the problem. I had my tool setup wrong. I had number of flutes at 0 and width at 2 - should be 2 flutes and 0 width. Suggest to improve defensive code / error reporting.

[swisscheese]

Now I have another problem. Grbl Panel stops in the middle of the GrblGru program for no reason. I found that if I delete exclamation marks (!) in comments that GrblGru generates it resolves the problem but doing that is cumbersome. Please advise.

Also, please allow to toggle items on and off during multiple selection - this is standard UI. Otherwise it is very difficult.

[GrblGru]

@gryzel
I've uploaded a new beta version V3.28.6. bit.ly/2xCD7Nd_GrblGru_Beta
This contains the new standardized XZ coordinate system for the lathe.
If you want, you can try it now.
I'll try to make some documentation, but this will take a time.
Please note that you must first enter the diameter on which you start in the new entry "Start diameter".
Then after loading a DXF file you can add a job for the toolpath in you drawing.
Everything now works in exactly the same way as when milling.

@swisscheese
Thank you for your feedback. Even if it doesn't run 100% yet, I'm glad that the first error was found.
Sorry, can you please explain again what you mean by "toggle items on and off during multiple selection". I don't understand.
And can you send the file that causes the error with the "!". I'm sure we'll find that, too.

[Jay_Perez]

@gryzel
I've uploaded a new beta version V3.28.6. bit.ly/2xCD7Nd_GrblGru_Beta
This contains the new standardized XZ coordinate system for the lathe.
If you want, you can try it now.
I'll try to make some documentation, but this will take a time.
Please note that you must first enter the diameter on which you start in the new entry "Start diameter".
Then after loading a DXF file you can add a job for the toolpath in you drawing.
Everything now works in exactly the same way as when milling.

Hi GrblGru,

Saw your posts that you have been working on the X/Z lathe system and uploaded a beta version.

That's really cool news and I'll try to play with it in the next few days to run my son's Unimat Lathe.

Thanks for all your hard work and sharing your talents with all of us !

Jay Perez

[swisscheese]

@GrblGru
Go into Windows file manager; hold down the Ctrl key; click on various files - some more than once. That is how mutiple selection is supposed to work.

Also, why is the U notch in the upper right part not fully machined in this file:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FqD...ew?usp=sharing

[gryzel]

@GrblGru
Thank you for beta. Still buggy, but usable. Hope you polish your program. If you need bug reports I will provide you with some. Let me know.

[GrblGru]

@swisscheese

Thank you for your explanation on the subject of 'multiple selection'.
I assume you are talking about selecting a toolpath from the drawings list. You're right. It's a standard interface, but it's work, that has to be done.
I'll do my best. In the meantime I would like to point out the possibility to select the paths directly in the graphic window. I think this is more comfortable.
You can select one or more paths with a window (left mouse button) or one path with ALT + left mouse button.
A click with the right mouse button opens a context menu with which you can also hide or delete paths. Here you can also create a job directly.

I checked your file and can't find any errors.
Also the PreView looks good to me. See attached pics. Can you please describe once again what's not okay ?



@gryzel

Yes, of course. Bug reports are welcome.

[swisscheese]

Thanks - now I see multiple selection on the drawing works correctly - that will work for me.
I figured out the toolpath problem - I had my 3/16 EM with diam 6.35mm which is 1/4"! My bad.
My biggest remaining gripe is having to manually remove "!" characters after every g-code export.

[GrblGru]

That '!' is the stop command for Grbl, but it is written in a comment and "Grbl Panel" is not allowed to stop there.
However. I have uploaded to you a new beta version V3.28.9. I found one place in it and removed the '!'.
If you find a text with '!' at other places, you can find in the directory C:\ProgramData\GrblGru your language file
where you can change the text. (For English text = Language_English.txt)

Finally, the note that you can also use GrblGru to transfer the GCode.
All you have to do is select your controller and your Com port in the "Configuration" group box and press the Start button.
You can then check the transmission in the two controller windows. See attached pic.
Another advantage is that GrblGru then uses Grbl's feedback to animate the 3D model of your machine. So the 3D model moves synchronously to your 'real' machine.

If you use "Grbl Panel" because it has a function that GrblGru does not have, please let me know.

[swisscheese]

I found some "!" in the language file but mostly in comments - did not seem like removing them would help. Is there a particular line?
Where do I get V3.28.9 ?
As for using GrblGru intead of GrblPanel, the later has jog increment settings, GRBL settings, special goto positions, pause, resume, manual G commands (MDI) - that's what I use.

[GrblGru]

You can always find the current beta version at bit.ly/2xCD7Nd_GrblGru_Beta.
and the last released Version at bit.ly/2xF1KJ8_GrblGru_Release

If you still have problems with the '!' please send me the GCode file so I can see what's going on.

I hope I don't talk like a salesman, but:

- jog mode ist available, also with remote control


- GRBL settings can edit in the controller window

- Special goto positions and functions can be realised with simple macros
(The macro toolbar must be enabled on the settings page)



But GrblPanel is certainly a very good program and I prefer to use programs I know well.

[The_Dream_shed]

Any hope of adding the g20/g21 (Inch/Metric) functionality? That seems to really be the only thing missing here!