Editing g code. Multifunctional editor of control programs for CNC machines. Checking and preparation
Multifunctional control program editor for CNC machines
Andrey Matveev, Prokopiy Nikolaev
Modern CAM systems have advanced capabilities for generating control programs for CNC machines. In the vast majority of cases, the components included in the composition are used for this purpose. software products post processors. Currently used postprocessors are characterized by high flexibility and allow you to create control programs of any degree of complexity for almost any CNC equipment. By type, postprocessors are divided into tabular and programming language-based. Tabular postprocessors are easier to set up and use. However, for them to work correctly they require competent setup. Language postprocessors provide the greatest number of possibilities, but place the highest demands on the specialists who develop and debug them. So using modern means generating control programs implies preliminary preparatory work highly qualified (and therefore highly paid) specialists.
Along with this, there are a number of technological tasks that do not require the full potential of modern post-processors. These include, for example, the preparation of simple programs without the use of CAM systems.
When debugging postprocessors, the task arises of quickly viewing the output NC code with visualization of the tool path. In this case, it is desirable to be able to simultaneously display several trajectories, as well as the workpiece.
Another frequently performed operation is the on-line modification of a small fragment of control program code. This need arises in cases where re-generation of a modified program is economically unprofitable or impossible. For example, a program lifted from an archive may not have an accompanying original product model. In this case, generating a new variant is impossible. In addition, modification of the used post-processor may not be practical due to the minor changes required.
The problems described above and some other problems can be solved using the developed universal graphic editor for control programs, which allows a specialist to verify and, if necessary, test the control program.
Given graphic editor has a rich set functionality, designed to speed up the development of programs for CNC machines and ensure verification of program code at the development stage. The graphic editor consists of two main components: a window for editing the text of control programs and a graphic window for displaying the tool path (Fig. 1).
When you open a file, the program text is displayed in the editing window. The transition of the cursor from frame to frame is accompanied by a change in the display of the trajectory in the graphics window, which allows you to see the changes made in real time.
Along with standard text editing functions (copy, cut, paste, search, replace, etc.), the editor provides a number of functions specific to editing machine program code, which will be discussed below.
Jump to a specific frame
This function allows you to find a block in the text indicated by the cursor on the tool path in the graphics window. It is also possible to quickly jump to the beginning and end of the program.
Tool path information
Tool path data is provided in the form of an information table. The table provides information on the total number of frames, number and type of movements, operation time, feed modes, and also shows the geometric data of the passage (Fig. 2).
Frame information
The editor allows you to obtain information about an individual block of the tool path. The data is presented in the form of an information table and contains geometric parameters of the trajectory section, feed parameters, spindle speed and tool number (Fig. 3).
Converting NC code to invariant form
This function allows you to convert a program in the code of a specific CNC system into an invariant format for subsequent reprocessing.
Converting code to geometric objects
It is possible to convert the tool path into geometric primitives, which can later be saved in a file in IGES or DXF format.
The graphical editor of control programs contains a number of settings designed to provide convenient visualization of the tool trajectory in accordance with the requirements of the end user (Fig. 4).
In the editor settings, you can disable the display of the trajectory on the screen, set its transparency, and also limit the number of frames simultaneously displayed on the screen.
For clearer visual control, sections of the trajectory with different characteristics are displayed in different colors, and color schemes you can select from a specific set (feed rate, rapid feed, spindle speed, block number, path length, circular arcs, tool) - fig. 5.
In the settings you can set additional options visualizations such as displaying correction markers and the tool model, as well as displaying path normals and pass direction arrows.
The editor can work with programs both written in invariant code and those created for specific CNC systems (G-codes). To correctly display control programs, a number of settings are used that reflect the features of a specific encoding (Fig. 6). Additional settings provide linking of the machine program to the mathematical model and include setting the starting point of processing, the zero of the machine program and the display scale of the tool path.
The editor can work with control program files created in different CAD systems. The user can specify his own program extension filters used in the file opening dialog, in accordance with the requirements of a particular production (Fig. 7).
The editor allows you to work simultaneously with several programs, and the tool trajectories will be displayed jointly in the graphics window, which allows you to track the relative movement of the tool (Fig. 8).
Support for working with multiple coordinate systems within one control program allows you to debug programs created for multi-tool machines.
For more efficient verification, the graphic editor has the ability to visualize the tool specified in the text of the control program. Both parametrically defined standard and shaped cutters are supported. For the convenience of working with a specific set of tools, it is possible to create a library of tools (Fig. 9).
The editor can be used as part of complex design and production systems. For this purpose it is provided software interface, providing data exchange in IGES, DXF, EPS and STL standards.
Make Your Life Easier!
For Win2000 - Windows 10 (2016) (Server, x86, x64). Latest version: 3.1.10 build 130. January 30, 2019.
Brief description:CNC Syntax Editor is an easy-to-learn yet powerful tool for editing, viewing and analyzing G code-based CNC machine programs. With a simple, customizable interface for both beginners and experienced programmers. What problems can CNC Syntax Editor solve?CNC Syntax Editor is a specialized G code editor with syntax highlighting for CNC machines. It has a simple and intuitive interface. The program is suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers. The editor visually separates commands and coordinates for better perception. CNC Syntax Editor will help CNC programmers, operators, machine tool setters, production engineers, students, and anyone else who works with machine tools. CNC Syntax Editor allows you to compose, edit, view and study programs for CNC machines based on G code. The editor has a number of specialized functions. Ideal for quick editing and finishing touches. Start using CNC Syntax Editor right now!After installing CNC Syntax Editor, launch it "Start->Programs->CNC Syntax Editor". Select the machine type from the drop-down list and open the file for editing via the "File->Open" menu. To create a new programs for CNC machine select "File->New". Now you can start editing or composing the program in the editor window that appears. |
Key Features:
Editor for programs with support for undo and redo. A number of commands and hotkeys that are found in every regular text editor, for fast and productive work. Work without fear of accidentally losing code, since the program remembers the last 1024 changes, and makes it easy to go back.
Unlimited file size. CNC Syntax Editor supports CNC machine program files up to 2 GB in size. In addition, you can open and edit multiple programs at once by copying pieces of code between open windows.
Comparison of files. CNC Syntax Editor allows you to compare two files line by line. CNC Editor uses the WinDiff application for this task.
Code storage (repository). In CNC Syntax Editor you can create your own catalog of programs or parts of programs, and then quickly search through this catalog and insert them into newly created programs. You can put pieces of code for details into a repository.
Downloading is done through our other software DNC Precision, which has a large list of supported machines. You can transfer the program to the machine in the background.Line numbering. CNC Syntax Editor can add, change or remove line numbering. The standard Nnnnn format is used, with a specified step and number of digits.
Shift/Zoom/Mirror. The CNC Syntax Editor can offset, scale, or mirror selected coordinate axes in all or part of a file.
Add or remove spaces. Adding or removing spaces between commands in G code to improve readability or reduce file size, respectively.
Changing axes. This function allows you to replace one axis with another.
Turn. Rotate the entire part by a specified angle around a given point.
Other useful features. Removing axes, adjusting the speed of movement and tool feed, calculating overall dimensions, searching through files in a folder and much more.
Emulation of tool passage. Step-by-step debugging and viewing of program execution in slow or accelerated mode. Allows you to graphically check the created program before sending it to the CNC machine.
CNC Syntax Editor comes in several versions, differing in the set of functions and the number of machines/controllers supported. Also available in full free version, which is limited by the size of the transmitted programs for the machine. Detailed comparison all versions.
Garden of Eden Creation Kit(G.E.C.K.) is a great editor for the game Fallout3, with which you can make all kinds of changes to the game. Absolutely everything that is in the game was added to it using this editor.
G.E.C.K. allows you to create your own locations (towns, dungeons, etc.) and fill them with characters, monsters and stories. You can add new races, classes, weapons, quests and anything else you can think of to the game.
In addition, you can change the original game data. Don't like the speed of movement? Change the move settings. Don't like the balance of the game? Correct... All this can be done here.
The most powerful feature of the editor is the ability to create new data and quests, which are saved as plugins. You can place the plugin on the Internet so that other players can see your quests and locations. And since your new world is a plugin that is saved in separate file *.esp, it can be added to an existing game and also excluded from it without damage.
Another great feature of the editor is the ability to create completely new game, which is in no way related to the original one. Go for it! And the Tiarum team will help you with this and wish you to achieve your goals and success!
You can download the editor on the official website:
- Updating GECK to version 1.5 (1.3 MB)
Download G.E.C.K. editor you can also directly on Tiarum Wiki:
- Basic version of the GECK editor for the game Fallout 3 (7z archive, size 7.96 MB)
- Update GECK to version 1.5 (archive 7z, size 1.1 MB)
Open G.E.C.K. and start right now!
Official tutorials.
Make your own tour of GECK along with a series of guides “My First Shelter”, which were written especially for you by the developers Bethesda Game Studios. These official tutorials will guide you step-by-step through the necessary skills that will allow you to successfully create your first personal shelter in the gaming world. In the future, you can share it with your friends or with the online community of players. The manuals are equipped with supporting files as an example!
№ | My First Vault Tutorial Series | Series of guides "My first shelter" | Example files (plugins) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Setting up the GECK | GECK installation | - |
2 | Layout and Using Kits | Creating a Level | Example Layout Plugin |
3 | Cluttering and the Object Palette | Arrangement of interior items and palette of objects | Example Clutter Plugin |
4 | Navmesh | Navigation models of NPC movements - NavMesh | Example Navmesh Plugin |
5 | Population: Monsters and NPCs | Population: Monsters and NPCs | Example Enemies Plugin |
6 | Population: Traps & More | World Content: Traps & More | Example Traps Plugin |
7 |
I got a little confused with mass scaling, because... ZoomAll didn’t find a button and didn’t find any zooming tools except the mouse, and I have processing files up to 2000x3000 mm... while you are scaling up to this field... And the algorithm for accelerating/decelerating zooming on a large/small scale suffers. On a large scale it zooms slowly, but on a small scale it zooms quickly. However, as far as I know, this algorithm suffers in one way or another in any software working with 3D. And I roughly understand why. It must not be an easy task to connect the visible projection with the observation point, depth and maybe something else and calculate the correct acceleration/deceleration coefficients.
There is no visible mechanism for embedding postprocessors, but it fits my rack.
In general, I didn’t notice any glitches. Usually programs written for oneself are buggy here and there. That's how it is...
Like: “...why bother finishing it - I know there’s a glitch here, but there’s a lot of code to write to fix the glitch, and I’m too lazy...”.
Review/Design/Editing: Myakishev E.A.
G code editor
Checking and preparation
Once the slicing is done, you will see the result it created. You can rotate the model, inspecting it from all sides - layer by layer or several layers at once. In addition, you can visualize how the extruder will move. This way, you can check that everything is correct before you start printing, which can save you both time and money.
- Print. This button starts printing directly. If Repetier-Host is connected via Repetier-Server , then G-code will be sent to Repetier-Server, which will start the printing process. Therefore, Repetier-Host can be closed.
- Save to File. Click here to save the generated G-code for hard drive. The save will be performed without additional start and end fragments stored in Printer Settings.
- Save for SD Print. This is where you save G-code for printing via SD-map, including additional start and end fragments, as well as commands to complete printing, which are stored in Printer Settings. If the printer is started in Repetier-Firmware, That G-code can be saved in binary format. SD-the card must be in the computer - this is much faster than if it were connected to the printer. If SD-card in the printer, then G-the code must be saved via a tab SD Card.
- Save to Server. If Repetier-Host is connected to Repetier-Server then G-code can be saved in Repetier-Server. You can view the preview image and start printing from Repetier-Host in the tab Server, located in Repetier-Server.
For editing G-code press Edit G-Code.
What does the G-code editor consist of?
From the editor G-code also has its own settings, albeit few. When slicing is complete, the tab Slicer will automatically change to G-Code Editor, and the newly generated one will appear in the editor window G-code – code generated by the slicer. This is the main code that describes how the object will be printed. But besides it, there are other types of code - the so-called "G-code scripts". They are saved as part of the current printer configuration when you click the save data button (it's the floppy disk button - second from the left). Moreover, it appears only when there is some kind of G-code. When you switch printer configurations, these files will be replaced with those saved in the new configuration.
Predefined G-code scripts
Repetier-Host allows you to set nine G-code scripts: to start, end, pause and stop ( kill) prints, as well as several of your own (but no more than five), which can be used for anything. For example, for calibration. You can set these scripts in the menu Printer Settings > Scripts.
Buttons for running scripts from 1st to 5th are on the tab Manual Control. If you hover your cursor over any of these script buttons, you will see a pop-up message explaining what the script button does. To run the script, simply click on the appropriate button.
Codes for starting and stopping printing
G-a code for a printer is essentially a prefabricated kit that can be described according to the principle “Print start code + G code + Print end code”. Therefore, if you save G-code or send it to print, this always means that it will consist of these three fragments. As a rule, the codes for starting and stopping printing are set in the slicer settings.
Codes to pause and stop (kill) printing
Two more commands for controlling printing are pause and stop (not completion, but stop - for example, in an emergency). The script is sent to the printer when the button is clicked. The stopping script is usually rarely used, but "pause"– a more popular team. It can be useful, for example, when switching from one filament to another or when adding to an object "alien" objects (for example, nuts when printing some confectionery products), in order to then start printing again and fuse these objects using the newly added filament. In all these cases, you need to keep the extruder away from the object being created, and for this you can use the command G1– it just moves the object away from the extruder. At the same time, Repetier-Host remembers where printing was paused, and after performing the necessary actions, it puts the extruder back in the right place.
During a pause you should not do the following things:
- Return axes to their original position
- Redefine coordinates using G92
- Move Z axis to a deeper position
Actions you can do during a pause:
- Switch between relative and absolute coordinates (for example, to raise the extruder)
- Move extruder
- Extrude filament
- Reset extruder coordinates
- Change the temperature (you cannot reset the temperature using Repetier-Host)
Scripts 1 to 5
You can use them if you have some frequently performed tasks. In the tab Manual Control There are five buttons with which these scripts are sent to the printer. To view or edit a script, right-click on it.
New File / Save
At the top of the editor there is a panel with several buttons. Two of them are especially important.
The first one (the one located to the left of all and depicted as a folded piece of paper) is the button for creating a new file. It removes all content from the editor.
Next to it is a save button (shown as a floppy disk), the function of which is to save G-code to the selected file. All other scripts are saved as part of the current printer configuration.
Help tab
Not everyone knows what it is G-code. In this case, there is a tab at the bottom of the editor Help– it shows what the currently selected one means G-code. However, not all commands will be displayed there, and the explanations of some commands will also be incorrect. This is due to the fact that some commands have the same names, but perform different functions in different firmware. However, this does not apply to the most important commands - they are the same for all printers.
Visualization Tab
When G-the code will load and a layered model will be shown on the left (unless this function is disabled). As a rule, the high fragments of the model block the low ones. This tab can help Visualization, located at the bottom of the editor - its functionality allows you to configure which fragment of the model will be shown in the window on the left. By default, the entire object will be shown, but you can also choose to see just one layer or a range of layers. If you want to see the code corresponding to the selected layers, you can determine this by the status line located at the very bottom of the editor. It shows the layer as well as the location of the cursor. For example, recording "R6 C26" will indicate that the cursor is on 26 positions 6 lines. If this line contains the command, "ordering" make some movement to the printer, this movement will be displayed in the preview window. If you select several lines in the editor, the preview window will display all the printer movements corresponding to these lines.