FreeCAD allows us to create many types of solids in Python such as cylinders with Part.makeCylinder, spheres with Part.makeSphere, cones with Part.makeCone, and toruses with Part.makeTorus. FreeCAD can cut 3D objects and fuse them to each other. In Python code that looks like this: faceplate = plate.cut(hole1), we are cutting the plate with hole1. AutoCAD Automation for Python. Help the Python Software Foundation raise $60,000 USD by December 31st! Building the PSF Q4 Fundraiser. What is CadQuery CadQuery is an intuitive, easy-to-use python library for building parametric 3D CAD models. It has several goals: Build models with scripts that are as close as possible to how you'd describe the object to a human, using a standard, already established programming language. CAD models are typically created by starting with a 2D plane (2D mesh) where faces (polygons) and sections are carefully drawn to dimensions and then extruded to produce a 3D model (3D mesh) with the least possible complexity and number of faces. Pygame, pyglet, and PyCairo are probably your best bets out of the 4 options considered. 'Rich platform support' is the primary reason people pick Pygame over the competition. This page is powered by a knowledgeable community that helps you make an informed decision.
Naturally, programming may be used in many ways for CNC. The earliest example was of course direct G-Code generation which was the original focus of this page.
Cf.:Interactive G-Code Generators and GSharp, a pre-processor which extends Grbl to include much of G-code: https://github.com/NRSoft/GSharp[1] and https://github.com/James231/GCode-Razor-PostProcessor[2]
Russian poker player. Audacity music editor app. The Communication / Control program bCNC supports a Python-based macro language for G-code.
In addition, Will Winder's Java Universal-G-Code-Sender has gained a number of features for manipulating G-Code files.
Excellent examples of directly programming G-code: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?244397-Some-CNC-work
- 1Languages and IDEs which have been used for CNC
- 23D Modeling Libraries and Languages
- 2.3Python
- 4JavaScript
- 5G-Code Libraries and Languages
- 7File formats
- 7.1DXF
Languages and IDEs which have been used for CNC
| Type | Name/Link | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Language and IDE (opensource) | Processing | Processing is an open source programming language and environment to create images, animations, and interactions. See GCtrl and SuperSkein 1.0. Used to make DXFs for the designs at: http://atfab.co/ Play ps3 games on ipad. https://github.com/TPMoyer/Grbl4P --- GUI interface to GRBL V1.1 CNC control using Processing 3. |
| Language and IDE (opensource) | NodeBox | Cross-platform, node-based GUI for efficient data visualizations and generative design. Used to make a sundialhttps://www.nodebox.net/code/data/media/sundial-slant.pdf .
Note that it uses pixels/points, and scaling and other values are limited in precision, work which requires accuracy would have to be specified in terms of native units. |
Vector graphic languages
Logo is notable for being the first, and there are many implementations.
- METAPOST --- https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cribbage_Board.svg --- note that MP can now make SVGs directly (and there is wiki support: https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:Metapost ) --- note a technique for loading the JSON from an OpenSCAD customizer and using it to generate a PDF or SVG: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/cnc-finger-joint-box/8880 --- c.f., http://pyx.sourceforge.net/examples/drawing/metapost.html
- Asymptote
- Nodebox (listed above)
3D Modeling Libraries and Languages
Best represented by OpenSCAD (and ImplicitCAD) there are a wide variety of ways to use a representational language which may be described as 'Programmatic CAD' and several similar programs are either listed here, or on the CAD page.
3 dimensional control of a beetle (replacement turtle) allows programmatic design of 3D objects in: http://beetleblocks.com/
https://download-forum.medium.com/how-to-make-auto-click-mouse-f013290504fa. Library which provides PHP 7 functionality for reading and writing from and to 3D objects stored in STereoLithography (STL) files: https://packagist.org/packages/php3d/stl[4]
| Type | Name/Link | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3D parametric modeling (Opensource) | OpenSCAD | Software for creating solid 3D CAD objects, available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and Mac OS X. A 3D-compiler that reads in a script file that describes the object and renders the 3D model. Similar on-line tools include CoffeeScad, OpenJsCad and fabfabbers running openscad converted to JavaScript. See also SolidPy, a Python script for manipulating objects. Cf., RapCAD, a system optimized for RepRap 3D printers, Developer's blog. There is also an app for Android, ScorchCAD. See also the graphical version https://www.blockscad3d.com/editor/# or Ulticreator, an interactive front-end for CoffeeSCAD See also http://www.loria.fr/~slefebvr/icesl/ which adds slicing for 3D printing. |
| 3D modeling (opensource Linux/Mac) | Antimony | Computer-aided design (CAD) tool inspired by LISP, based on: framework for tracking information flow through directed acyclic graphs, geometry engine for doing CSG and includes a standard library of shapes and transforms.[5] Available for Mac OS X and Linux, there is an effort to build it on Microsoft Windows. Based on Kokopelli [6] --- deprecated, c.f., https://github.com/mkeeter/antimony and https://github.com/libfive/libfive[7] An early stage of this work was written up in: http://mattkeeter.com/research/thesis.pdf |
| 3D modeling (Opensource) | Flood | Free (MIT license) modeling program/programming language source available at: http://www.github.com/pboyer/flood |
| Python front-end for OpenSCAD | SolidyPy | Use a Python IDE and the Python language to treat objects like objects (not text), use existing OpenSCAD modules, manipulate objects and copy shapes. Extensible. |
| Python front-end for OpenSCAD | SolidPython | A python frontend for solid modelling. https://pypi.org/project/viewscad/ --- Jupyter Notebook interface |
| Python front-end for OpenSCAD | openpyscad | Python library to generate OpenSCAD source intuitively. |
| Java front-end for OpenSCAD | JavaSCAD | Representation of OpenSCAD primitive objects with Java objects allowing the building of more complex ones from them. |
| Python development framework | PythonOCC | 3D CAD/CAE/PLM development framework for the Python programming language --- provides advanced 2d and 3d geometry modeling structures and algorithms: Bézier BSplines Extrude/revolve/sweep. https://github.com/charles-sharman/ccad wrapper for pythonocc |
| Javascript query-like language | CadQuery | Python based language for building parametric 3D CAD models. Switching to PythonOCC from FreeCAD. Forum: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/cadquery Originally at: https://github.com/dcowden/cadquery Stand-alone GUI under development: https://github.com/jmwright/cadquery-gui |
CADquery
Go
https://github.com/deadsy/sdfx --- A simple CAD package using signed distance functions to make STLs (golang -> stl). [9][10][11]
Python
Note that FreeCAD includes a Python interpreter. Animal crossing pocket camp accessories. c.f., https://github.com/supermerill/FreePySCAD
https://www.codelv.com/projects/declaracad/ --- language and application to build 3D models using a subset of the python language called enaml
Python stuff to add for OpenSCAD from the mailing list (find link in forum for footnote)
.and https://github.com/SquirrelCZE/pycad/
.and https://github.com/vishnubob/pyscad
.and https://github.com/bjbsquared/SolidPy
.and https://github.com/acrobotic/py2scad
.and https://github.com/TheZoq2/py-scad
.and https://github.com/defnull/pyscad
.and https://github.com/jed-frey/CNC3018
.and https://sourceforge.net/projects/elcad/
OpenSCAD interface extensible with Python
Groovy (IDE)
https://vrl-studio.mihosoft.eu/ --- IDE for Groovy with visual programming options. Used in: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3101675 using https://github.com/miho/VRL-VCSG Design space 3.
CAD
http://runten.tripod.com/NURBS/ --- port of Mark Spink's SCILAB/MATLAB toolbox to python
Lua
https://github.com/thechillcode/Lua_CAD --- create OpenSCAD files using Lua script
Other
https://arnholm.github.io/angelcad-docs/ --- angelscript https://github.com/arnholm/angelcadhttps://www.abmesh.com/try-angelcad/https://github.com/arnholm/angelcad-docshttps://github.com/arnholm/angelcad-samples[20]https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24243077
http://c-csg.com/ --- for use with Linux and GCC
www.dia.uniroma3.it/~scorzell/cscheme/index.htm --- integration of OpenCascade and MzScheme
http://www.plasm.net/ --- embedded in Python as pyplasm
https://github.com/farrellm/scad-clj OpenSCAD DSL in Clojure https://github.com/adereth/dactyl-keyboardhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk3A41U0iO4[22]
http://hyperfun.org/wiki/doku.php?id=hyperfun:main --- specialized high-level programming language intended for modeling geometric objects and their internal volumetric properties
Guile/Scheme: https://libfive.com/ --- https://github.com/libfive/libfive --- Linux/Mac OS X
http://www.curv3d.org/GitHub --- Linux/Mac OS X
- http://commonwealthrobotics.com/ --- BowlerStudio --- tutorials available: http://commonwealthrobotics.com/BowlerStudio/Welcome-To-BowlerStudio/[23][24]
Blockly: https://blockly-demo.appspot.com/static/demos/code/index.html
3D printing
3D printing oriented: https://github.com/jminardi/mecode
JavaScript
https://github.com/tasn/scadjs --- JavaScript library for making OpenSCAD code [25]
Maker.js
Maker.js --- a Microsoft Garage project, a JavaScript library for creating and sharing modular line drawings for CNC
- Sample project, a 3-in-1 dock for the Surface: https://github.com/Microsoft/3-in-1-dock
- support for OpenJSCAD: https://maker.js.org/docs/exporting/
- https://github.com/makercam --- Turn maker.js drawings into gcode
OpenJsCAD
(Renamed to jsCAD, but either is acceptable)
Announced on Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:16272 Early project: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:16329
Documentation:
- http://wiki.bitplan.com/index.php/OpenJSCAD
- Deprecated? https://github.com/jscad/OpenJSCAD.org/issues/446
- Maker.js support: https://maker.js.org/docs/exporting/
Implementations:
- Implementation available from the Microsoft Store: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/openjscad/9nblggh6j6j9 which supports Blockly Blocks programming (also available from: http://openjscad.azurewebsites.net/ )
- http://www.z3d.jp/lab/view.php?design=lab-000000008 --- notable for instantiating interface
Gallery:
Articles:
Sample Files:
Interface exemplar:
Image albums:
Blockly: http://openjscad.azurewebsites.net/blockly/index.html --- Blocks seem not to work, generating errors
G-Code Libraries and Languages
| Type | Name/Link | Description |
|---|---|---|
| JavaScript-derived programming language | TPL (Tool Path Language) | Programming language for creating machine tool paths for CNCs.[27]CAMotics (formerly openscam) has support. Now has an associated project sharing site: https://projects.buildbotics.com/doug/TPL_Helper_Library https://github.com/makercam/openjscam --- TPLang (with modifications) -> G-Code in pure JavaScript |
| Python halftoning program | Python program to make halftone images out of pixel maps using the Python Imaging Library. | |
| G-Code pre-processor written in Python | Mecode | Convenient, human-readable layer just above GCode. Written in Python. |
| G-Code pre-processor | JGCGen | A G-Code preprocessor and generator based on Apache Velocity. http://www.vagrearg.org/content/gcmc |
| G-Code pre-processor | gcmc | Compiler with a context-free grammar and procedural format, which runs scripts to make G-code for a CNC mill. Supports variables and advanced math (scalars, vectors and vector-lists) including mil/mm unit-conversions.[29] |
| G-Code library written in Python | preGrbl | Checks and validates g-code compatibility, converts g-code into a more grbl-friendly format, and provides a way to implement and translate canned cycles and other high-level tasks. Written in Python. |
| TCL g-code preprocessor code | gcode and example.tcl | TCL program which allows one to program in G-code using TCL to implement loops and other control structures. |
| PostScript to G-Code Converter | ps2gc source | Command-line utility to convert from (some) PostScript formats to G-Code --- affords the possibility of using tools like Asymptote or METAPOST, may be what was used for NodeBox (above). CF the reverse, gcode2eps which would be very useful for previewing on systems which have Display PostScript. |
| Python and CNC presentation | Python: A 'Toy' Language | PyCon presentation on using Python (and IPy Notebook) to generate G-code. |
| Python utilities | A set of Python scripts to help create and manipulate CNC gcode files. | |
| Python library | pyfab | Python library for fab/lab control.See also dxf 1.1.1 a Python library to generate DXFs. |
| Apt interpreter | APTOS | Opensource Apt translator project. Consists of several CAM applications, based on the Apt programming language. See APT Tutorial. |
| G-code utility | grecode | Opensource command line utility to shift, rotate, mirror, align gcode. See also JavaScript G-Code Translate, Scale (but not Rotate yet). |
| G-code utility | padder | Utility to add spaces to G-Code (also includes Scan2 CNC (convert image to G-Code) and Wrapper (wrap a toolpath around a cylinder for those who have a lathe as a 4th Axis). |
| G-code utility | CNC G Code Arcs to Lines Conversion Program | Utility to convert all arcs to straight line segments. |
An interesting development is ShopBot's opensourcing of their control language, OpenSBP.
Cad With Python
C++
http://www.anderswallin.net/CAM/ --- https://github.com/aewallin/opencamlib --- open source computer aided manufacturing algorithms library
Ruby
https://github.com/kodaxx/Rcode --- open source project to create a layer on top of Gcode that is a bit more readable, based on Ruby, and as such has access to all of Ruby.[31]
https://github.com/jglauche/CrystalScad --- framework for programming 2d and 3d OpenSCAD models in Ruby
G-Code editors
- syntax-highlighting mode for NotePad++
- (free) Editor just for G-Code with syntax highlighting: http://www.cnccoder.com/
- EdytorNC --- Text editor for CNC programmers. Features include: bolt holes calculation; solutions of triangles calculation; speed, feed calculation; conversion inch/mm, mm/inch; code coloring; RS232 data transmission
- https://bitbucket.org/Groomblecom/gcode-editor --- Java (Swing) app intended for editing G-code for 3D printers [33][34]
- Gedit --- has a G-code syntax highlighting mode.[35]
- https://cnc-pad.com/ --- seems to be oriented to industrial machines noting support '.for the most common G-CODE languages, Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain, etc .'
See also http://nc-corrector.inf.ua/index_EN.htm (listed on the Previewing G-Code page) and https://sourceforge.net/projects/gcodedownloader/ (listed on Communication / Control).
File formats
DXF
Python
STL
SVG
Arguably SVG itself can be hand-coded (the same can be said of PostScript). There are a number of SVG-specific tools:
- https://ravichugh.github.io/sketch-n-sketch/ --- notable for allowing manipulation of the output to be reflected in the code.[39]
- http://projects.haskell.org/diagrams/ --- flexible, declarative domain-specific language for creating vector graphics, using the Haskell programming language. [40] c.f., http://savannah.nongnu.org/projects/funcmp/
- https://nvbn.github.io/2015/05/28/svg-animation/ --- clojurescript library
- OblivionGithub[41] --- programming language that compiles to SVG files. designed to visualize code and create . illustrations. Features: SVG-specific data structures and operators, Simple, Ruby/Python like syntax, Runs in the browser, or in NodeJS, Recursion and functional programming support, Immutable Python-style lists
Discussions
References
Autocad Python Api
