A G-code editor is any program that allows one to create or alter G-Code through line-by-line text editing. In some cases, this ability could be provided by add-ons that allow you to directly rewrite existing G-code instead of recompiling using slicers or CAM software. Universal Gcode Sender is widely used software used to convert arcs to line segments. This is a fully-featured G-Code platform runs by JAVA. This has configurable G-Code optimization, duration estimates, support cross-platform, 3D G-Code visualizer and many more to add. What is a 3D Printer G-code? G-code (a.k.a RS-274), which has many variants, is the common name for the most widely used numerical control (NC) programming language. It is used mainly in computer-aided manufacturing to control automated machine tools (like CNC's and 3D printers). G-code is sometimes called G programming language.
A good G-Code simulator can make the difference between a successful manufacturing process or an expensive failure. Here are some of the best simulators.
Debugging is a vital part of any programming task. This is certainly true with programs that will interact with the physical world like those used to control CNC machines, 3D printers, and robotics.
Debugging is a vital part of any programming task. This is certainly true with programs that will interact with the physical world like those used to control CNC machines, 3D printers, and robotics.
Any mistake in the programming of these physical machines could cause real damage to the environment, the machine itself, and even to human workers in the case of some robots.
G-Code simulation is probably the best way to ensure that you have written your program to a high standard. Although very few people these days write G-Code by hand — we tend to use CAM programs — there is still a huge benefit to checking your program in a simulator before loading it into your physical machine.
Here is a list of some of the best types of G-Code simulator that you can use these days.
What is a G-Code Simulator?
A G-Code simulator is a type of software tool that provides a virtual representation of a CNC machine's tool path made by following the instructions in a G-Code file. They range from simple simulators that output a single image of the tool path to complex tools that can detect collisions and plot the path in 3D.
The basic purpose of a G-Code simulator is to give you a way to see how the machine tool will move. Without this, the only way to debug your program is to test it out on the machine itself… and by then it's too late to avoid disaster.
G-Code simulators have experienced a resurgence in popularity over recent years thanks to the rise of 3D printing. Hobbyists and professionals alike need a way to see a 3D printed item before they spend hours printing it. A good simulator provides a quick and easy way to achieve this.
The 5 Best G-Code Simulators for Machining and 3D Printing
There are quite a few options for simulating your G-Code out there. Some of them are okay, others are a waste of time.
Here are 5 types of G-Code simulator that are all good in some situations. Which you pick depends on your unique needs for this machining or 3D printing application:
1. Stand-alone G-Code Simulator
There are some simple software tools available that will quickly simulate your G-Code file and show you the path. In general, they don't interface with CNC machines or 3D printers, but they at least give you the confidence that your program 'draws the shapes' that it's supposed to.
Some notable examples include:
- NC Viewer a handy online tool for quick visualization.
- CAMotics an open-source simulator for 3-axis machining.
- G-Code Q'n'dirty another open-source web tool.
2. Slicer Software (for 3D printing)
If you are using G-Code to program a 3D printer, your Slicer software may be able to give you a visualization of what the final printed item will look like.
A Slicer is a software tool that turns your CAD model into G-Code.
For example, RoboDK users often use the free tool Slic3er when they are using robotic 3D printing. This tool allows them to visualize the item that they are going to print before they send it to the robot.
Slic3r can also perform some of the functions of a dedicated G-Code simulator, such as estimating the time it will take to print the object and repairing incomplete 3D files.
3. RoboDK for Robotic Machining and 3D Printing
If you are considering using a robot for your machining or 3D printing, probably the best option is RoboDK (of course, we would say that, wouldn't we?… but it's also true).
RoboDK's machining and printing wizard works with G-Code.
You can load a G-Code file into the software then easily simulate the path. Then, with the same software, you can send the program directly to the robot's controller, without having to do any robot programming at all!
Not familiar with robotic machining? Check out our introductory post.
Didn't know robots could do 3D printing? Here's a video:
4. Libraries (e.g. MATLAB or Python)
There are some situations where you might want to perform some more advanced analysis on your G-Code or link with your own programming. Perhaps you are using the code as part of a research project or you are developing your own 3D printer.
In such cases, it could be helpful to use a G-Code library for your preferred programming language.
For example:
- G-Code Reader is an extension for MATLAB.
- PyCNC is a library for Python.
- Gsim is an open-source 2D simulator written in Python.
5. Your Favorite CAM Package
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) programs are how many of us generate our G-Code files in the first place.
Popular CAM packages (which also include plugins for RoboDK) include:
Many of the leading CAM packages also have the capacity to simulate your G-Code. Often, if you want to link the software directly with your CNC machine or 3D printer, it will require you to purchase an extra add-on license, so weigh up the pros and cons beforehand. However, simple simulation can usually be achieved within the CAM software itself.
How to Pick the Best Software for You
There are clearly several ways to simulate G-Code!
But, which is going to be the best software for you? The answer depends on your situation.
If you are a hobbyist who is just using G-Code to program your home 3D printer, for example, one of the open-source, stand-alone simulators or Slicer software will probably be the best option.
If you are a researcher or programmer looking to delve deep into the simulation, one of the MATLAB or Python libraries might be worth checking out.
If you are working in industry, however, you will want a piece of software that is easy to use, robust and won't give you any unnecessary headaches. For robotic machining or 3D printing, RoboDK is a good option. For all other CNC, look at a decent CAM package.
What questions do you have about G-Code simulation? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook,Instagram or in the RoboDK Forum.
This page has an assortment of free G-code, CamBam, dxf, and stl files that are meant for hobby CNC machine use. Some of these files appear elsewhere on this site and have also been placed here to help keep everything organized.
I will try and update this page periodically as I gather together more files, so check back from time to time for more.
Also, check out Links to other Sites with Free Files Useful for CNC for more.
Disclaimer
I cannot completely guarantee that the files on this page will function correctly. It is always possible that I accidentally uploaded a previous version of a file that didn't have all the kinks worked out yet. Use them at your own discretion and remember that I will not take responsibility for any damage to one's self, to others, or to one's property. To put it simply, you can't sue me if something goes wrong. : )
G-code Files
Because of the wide range of different CNC machines, it is hard to create G-code that will fit all of them. This is probably the reason why it is so hard to find it on the web. To fill the gap, here are some simple G-code files so that the CNC newbie might have something to try out his or her machine with.
These files were all tested to make sure they worked correctly, but I can't guarantee that I didn't leave something out accidentally. I don't know the limits of your machine, so be careful and practice cutting air first.
Use a router bit with a fairly small diameter for these files. (1/8″ or smaller for example.) These G-code files are set up so that the router bit will just barely graze the surface of what's being cut. If your machine isn't quite level, the depth of the cut may need to be adjusted to compensate. This cannot be done with the G-code files (at least not easily), but it can be done with the CamBam files below.
3d G Code software, free download
Click the image to download the G-code file.
CamBam Files
CamBam files have the advantage that you can edit them before generating the G-code so that it will work better with your particular machine. Make sure you double check the settings I used because what might work perfectly fine on my CNC machine could cause problems on yours.
In case you didn't know, CamBam is free if you only want to do 2.5D. It can be found here.
Note: When you open some of these files in CamBam you may have to click and drag over the screen to make the image visible. I'm not sure why this is and would fix it if I knew how.
Click the image to download the CamBam file.
Faces
Use a router bit with a fairly small diameter for these faces. (1/8″ for example.)
Gears
Here is an assortment of gears. The tutorial for making them can be found on the page . They should be all set for turning into G-code, but double check the settings of the 2.5D profiles to make sure they won't cause problems for your machine.
I personally haven't had the chance to cut some of these gears out, so be careful and practice cutting air first.
I already put a hole in the center of each of the gears, but if you want to delete it and put one of a different size, you can do it with CAMBAM.
The gears below are meant to be cut with a 1/8″ router bit from MDF 3/4″ thick. The gear on the left has a pitch radius of 1.5″ the gear in the middle has a pitch radius of 3″, and the gear on the right has a pitch radius of 6″. Please note that the pitch radius is actually smaller than the total radius of the gear, so the gears might end up bigger than you expected them to be. These three gears should all mesh with one another if need be.
Tutorial Gear
This is the gear made in the tutorial .
Miscellaneous gear
This is a spare gear file that I had laying around on my computer. It is set up to be cut out with a 1/4″ diameter router bit, but that can be changed in CamBam of course. The gear is about 8″ in diameter.
Worm Gear
Here is a worm gear that can be cut out with a CNC. The full page explaining exactly how to put it together is at this link How to Make a Single Turn Worm Gear with a CNC.
Gimbal
Here is a gimbal design that can be cut out with a CNC. The full page explaining how it is put together is at this link Gimbal Made with CNC
Best free ftp software mac. CNC Vacuum Attachment
Here is design that can be used for attaching a vacuum hose to your CNC machine. The link that shows you how to put it together is DIY Vacuum Attachment for CNC
DXF Files
Click the image to download the dxf file.
I am a 'Genious'
Just to avoid any embarrassment on your part, that isn't how you actually spell 'genious.' Although, it probably would have been a lot funnier if I hadn't told you that.
[bad]
STL Files
G Code Download
How to scan your macbook pro for viruses. Note: Click the image to download the stl file.
G Code 3d Design Software For Windows 32 Bit
Parabola
Here is a stl file of a parabola. More info on it and details for designing your own can be found on the page.
(Right Click, Save As)
