/GRBL-Plotter

A GCode sender for up to two GRBL controller. SVG, DXF import. 4th axis support.

Primary LanguageC#GNU General Public License v3.0GPL-3.0

GRBL-Plotter

README deutsch
A GCode sender for GRBL under windows, using DotNET 4.0 (should also work with Windows XP)
Written in C# VisualStudio 2015.
If you like GRBL-Plotter, show it to me with a small donation :-) Donate

New in version 1.1.6.1:

  • Import copied code from maker.js

    • Just select .DXF or .SVG, press 'Generate', then 'copy the text above'
    • then paste the code into GRBL-Plotter
  • DXF-Text import, check Font examples

    • Just extend fonts by copying LFF files to subfolder fonts
    • Information about used fonts Fonts

Check History

Check the Wiki for further information

Program is free and you can use it at your own risk,
as you understand there is no warranty of any kind

Zip folder contains ClickOnce application setup. Exe can be found in sub-folder GRBL-Plotter/bin/release.

Requirements for compiling

  • VisualStudio 2015
  • DotNET 4.0

Feature list:

Import/Export:

  • Several options to translate Pen Up/Down
    • controlling a Z axis
    • controlling a servo
    • controlling a laser
    • user defined commands
    • Create GCode absolute or relative (for further use as subroutine)
  • Ruler and import units can be switched between mm or inch
  • GCode import via file load, drag & drop or copy & paste
    • Loading GCode with optional replacement of M3 / M4 commands (helpful for 'Laser Mode' $32=1)
  • SVG graphics import via file load, drag & drop (also URL) or copy & paste - tested with Inkscape generated SVGs
    • optional resize to fixed size
    • optional output of nodes only (generating drill holes for string art Video 'String Art' )
    • optional sorting of paths by used color
    • optional tool change
    • if text needs to be imported, convert text into path first
  • DXF graphics import via file load, drag & drop (also URL) - tested with LibreCAD generated DXFs
    • few entities are missing
  • Drill file import via file load, drag & drop
  • Image import via file load or drag & drop
  • GCode can be edited and saved
  • Recent File List (Files and URLs)
  • Export / import machine specific settings (Joystick, Buttons)

GCode creation:

GCode manipulation:

  • Transformation of GCodes (scale, rotation, mirror, zero-Offset)
  • Transformation via camera teaching
  • Axis Substitution for Rotary Axis

Machine control:

  • Individual commands via user defined Buttons
  • Joystick like control in user interface
  • support of no-name USB GamePad
  • Optional usage of a WebCam with separate coordinate system: graphics overlay of the current GCode, set zero point, measure angle, zoom, teaching
    • Shape recognition for easier teach-point (fiducial) assignment
    • Transforming GCode with camera aid, to match drill file with PCB view Wiki 'PCB drilling'

Flow control:

  • Supporting subroutines M98, M99 Sub-Program Call (P, L)
  • Internal variable to support probing, e.g.:
    • G38.3 Z-50 (probe toward tool length sensor, stop on contact - because of deceleration stop-pos. is not trigger-pos.)
    • G43.1 Z@PRBZ (Offset Tool with value stored on trigger of sensor switch)
    • examine SerialForm.cs for implementation

GRBL:

  • Automatic reconnect on program start
  • Supporting GRBL 1.1 (and 0.9 also)
  • Supporting new GRBL 1.1 features
    • Jogging
    • Feed rate override
    • Spindle speed override
    • real time display GRBL states (in COM CNC window)
  • Check limits of GRBL setup - max. STEP frequency and min. FEED rate in COM CNC window
  • Controlling a 2nd GRBL-Hardware
  • Supports 4th axis (A, B, C, U, V or W). Status and control (special GRBL version needed)

My test bed

On my german homepage: my XYZ platform

GRBL-Plotter in tool change action

Import an image

Screenshots

Main GUI GRBL-Plotter GUI

Separate serial COM window(s) - one for the CNC, one for the tool changer (or 4th axis)
GRBL-Plotter COM interface 2nd GRBL control

Setup import / GCode conversion
GRBL-Plotter Setup1

Setup main configuration
GRBL-Plotter Setup2

Setup user defined buttons
GRBL-Plotter Setup3

Setup GamePad
GRBL-Plotter Setup4

Setup virtual Joystick
GRBL-Plotter Setup5

Setup shape recogniton for fiducial camera
GRBL-Plotter Setup5

Text import
GRBL-Plotter Text

Picture import
GRBL-Plotter Image

Different scaling options
GRBL-Plotter Scaling

Feed rate overrid for Version 0.9 and 1.1
GRBL-Plotter Override GRBL-Plotter Override