Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Mill Opinions & CNC simulators

> I would like to know if there is an effort to write a GPL (or
> similar) free source CNC simulator? I'd like to join such an effort
> if there is. If not, i'd like to start one. Does anyone really pay
> $800 for such a thing?

I'm curious as to what functionality is usually expected from
a CNC simulator?

Something I think would make a fair starting point is the Enhanced
Machine Controller, an open source, non-copyrighted work of the
folks at the National Institute of Standards. In addition to its
popular use to run machines under realtime linux, it has been used as
the basis of closed commercial products, and could probably be used as
the basis of a GPL project too... or if you are not concerned about
having your work end up in a closed propriety package, you could
release your additions without restrictions, like EMC itself.

As a data point, EMC already includes a basic backplotter and the
ability to run in a simulation mode without real hardware connected.
You would presumably need to add whatever additional simulation result
output you want, and perhaps make changes to the G-code interpreter if
you want it to approximate the operation of some (non-EMC-based)
proprietary control on a machine. (Although it will be very hard to
insure it operates exactly the same way)

Chris

--
Christopher C. Stratton, stratton@...
Instrument Maker, Horn Player & Engineer
22 Adrian Street, Somerville, MA 02143
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