Cam - rmu75/linuxcnc-wiki GitHub Wiki
date: '2022-08-16T09:32:12' title: Cam
[Note: This page is currently being refurbished. The work includes additional entries, reorganization, addition of version/date stamping, addition of some annotation. About 1/3 of the work is done. Expect more changes.]
Cam_Post is an additional list of post-processors
opencam(http://www.editthis.info/opencam/Main_Page) is a wiki page about Open Source CAM (links, ideas etc.) that has no entries as of 2013.04.06
List of CAM references to toolpath generation algorithms and such
http://cadcamcae.wikia.com/ is a CAx resource index for developers - CAD, CAM, CAE, etc.
Links, versions and dates of releases checked 2013.04.06-08
| Name | Type | License | Latest | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ...Simple G-Code Generators... | ||||
| cncOnline(http://hugomatic.ca/) | 2D CAM | CC/GPL | ... | Hugomatic's online gcode generators (all appear now to be downloadable Python scripts) |
| CP1(http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?Cp1) | Macro | None | ... | Simple G-Code Generators written in Tcl and Tk |
| gcode generators(http://jelinux.pico-systems.com/gcode.html) | Macro | None | ... | C Sources to create GCODE for common features such as pocket, post, bolt circle |
| Simple G-code generators in Python(https://github.com/linuxcnc/simple-gcode-generators) | Macro | GPL3+ | ... | Simple G-Code Generators written in Python |
| Using Gedit | Wiki | CC | ... | tutorial on using the text editor gedit with LinuxCNC. external tools plugin |
| ...CAM Programs and CAD-file to G-Code Converters... | ||||
| ACE Converter(http://www.dakeng.com/ace.html) | 2D CAM | GPL | 3.2 | DXF to GCODE converter (Windows program that has been tested to run in Linux under Wine) |
| Aptos(http://sourceforge.net/projects/aptos) | 3D CAM | GPL | 1.02 2012.06.12 | A project aimed at producing a modern GPL version of the APT programming language |
| APT Tutorial | Wiki | CC | ... | A tutorial on using Aptos with LinuxCNC |
| Blender CAM(http://www.blendercam.blogspot.com/) | 2D/3D CAM | GPL | 0.8 2014.09.30 | Artistic CAM Extension for Blender 2.70, exports 3 axis 2D and 3D gcode, supports many milling strategies, exports gcode for various machine types |
| bmp2cnc(http://www.mattshaver.com/cncutils/bmp2cnc-0.22.tgz) | 3D CAM | GPL | 0.22 | Command line program to convert bitmaps to g-code, runs in Linux, DOS and Windows |
| BoardCAD(http://www.boardcad.org/) | 3D CAM | GPL | 2.1? | Java-based CAD/CAM for surfboard design, creates toolpaths for |
| CamBam(http://www.cambam.info/ref/ref.linux/) | 2.5D CAM | Commercial / GPL for Linux | 0.9.4N Beta 4 2012.12.24 | Linux or Windows application to create CAM files (gcode) from CAD source files (DXF,STL,3DS or RAW) or its own internal geometry editor |
| CAMmill(https://github.com/cammill/cammill) | 2.5D CAM | GPL3 | Beta | Linux and Mac-OSX application to create CAM files (gcode) from DXF-Drawings |
| CamOCC(http://code.google.com/p/cam-occ/) | 3D CAM | GPL2+ | 2r123 2010.09 | Uses Opencascade. Not very functional, but a good place to start for anyone who wants to experiment with OCC. Development appears stalled. |
| [cam.py]](http://web.media.mit.edu/~neilg/fab/dist/cam.py)](/rmu75/linuxcnc-wiki/wiki/2.5D-CAM | Non-Commercial | -11/9/03-(what-date-is-this?)- | -SVG-DXF-STL-JPEG-Excellon-Gerber-to-multiple-CAM-formats.-Primary-link-broken:-try-[[cam.py)(http://fab.cba.mit.edu/classes/MIT/863.03/topics/machining/nc/cam.py) instead. | |
| CAMVOX(http://camvox.sourceforge.net/) | 3D CAM | GPL | unk | A project in C++ and Python, using constructive solid geometry for the design and a voxel space to calculate tool paths. CSG => voxel is currently working. No end-user software available. |
| CNC Code Generator(http://cnccodegen.sourceforge.net/) | 2D CAM | GPL | 3.0 2008.05.14 | imports 2D DXF profiles from CAD. Written in java for milling and turning |
| Codeg(http://sourceforge.net/projects/codeg/) | 2D CAM | GPL | 0.94Beta 2006.11.09 | 2.5D(?) dxf to gcode intended for hotwire machines |
| [cxf2cnc]](http://fennetic.net/irc/cxf2cnc.py)[[(fonts)]](http://fennetic.net/irc/cxf_fonts.tgz)](/rmu75/linuxcnc-wiki/wiki/2D-CAM | -GPL2+- | -2010.05.21- | -convert-stick-fonts-to-g-code-for-engraving.--[[mirror)(http://code.google.com/p/osengut/downloads/detail?name=cxf2cnc.tar.gz) | |
| dxf2cnc(http://www.mgl.ca/~ecp/gobweb/cnc.c) | 2D CAM | None | unk | to compile this type gcc -lm cnc.c -o dxf2cnc (Doesn't seem to output LinuxCNC-compatible g-code). Primary link broken. |
| dxf2gcode(http://code.google.com/p/dxf2gcode/) | 2D CAM | GPL3 | beta02 2010.05.04 | dxf 2 gcode- simple 2D python program verified to work on qcad-generated dxf files-by Christian Kohlöffel |
| Estlcam(http://www.estlcam.com) | 2.5D CAM | Commercial ($25) | 5.020 | 2.5D CAM with intuitive user interface |
| GCncCam(http://gcnccam.sourceforge.net/) | 2D CAM | GPL | 0.4.4-1 2008.04.27 | Linux CAM Tool for converting CAD DXF-Files to G-Code. Aligns layers to tools. |
| gcode.ulp(http://git.unpy.net/view/eagle.git) | 2D CAM | GPL2+ | 2007.11.23 | jepler's eagle circuit board PCB milling ULP script |
| GCodeMapper(http://www.lederhilger.co.at/GCodeMapper) | 3D converter | GPL3+ | 1.1 2013.08.24 | maps simple g-code programs (G0, G1, G2, G3 movements) from a plane to a cylinder |
| GNU CAM(http://gcam.js.cx/) | 2.5D CAM | LGPL2.1+ | 2010.07.27 | Voxel preview, gerber, excellon, and 2.5D dxf import |
| grecode(http://code.google.com/p/grecode/) | gcode filter | GPL3 | 0.4 2010.12 | A command line tool to modify gcode: shifting, rotating, aligning, ... |
| [HeeksCNC]](http://code.google.com/p/heekscnc/)](/rmu75/linuxcnc-wiki/wiki/3D-CAM | -BSD | -...- | -CAM-plugin-for-[[HeeksCAD)(http://code.google.com/p/heekscad) | |
| hp2xx(http://www.gnu.org/software/hp2xx/hp2xx.html) docs(http://www.delorie.com/gnu/docs/hp2xx/hp2xxinf_toc.html) | 2D CAM | GPL2 | 3.4.4 2003.06.23 | HPGL to GCODE converter |
| imagecarve(http://code.google.com/p/imagecarve/) | 3D CAM | GPL | 0.1 2009.01 | simple C equivalent to image-to-gcode |
| image-to-gcode(http://linuxcnc.org/docs/2.1/html/gui/image-to-gcode/index.html) | 3D CAM | GPL | ... | PNG JPG to GCODE, included with LinuxCNC 2.1+ |
| image-to-gcode_modified(http://www.junktech.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=28) | 3D CAM | GPL | 2009.11.04 | modified to support roughing passes |
| [InkscapeBiarcs]](https://github.com/jstenback/inkscape-gcode)](/rmu75/linuxcnc-wiki/wiki/2D-CAM- | -CC/GPL- | -0.0.2-2009.02.04- | -Better-curve-export-for-Inkscape-to-generate-GCODE-from-SVG-paths.-[[WaybackMachine)(http://web.archive.org/web/20090207183121/http://dp.jstenback.com/gcode/) | |
| InkscapeHowto | 2D CAM | CC/GPL | ... | Several Inkscape's extensions and tutorials to generate GCODE from SVG paths |
| libactp(http://code.google.com/p/libactp/) | 3D CAM | GPL2 | ... | high speed machining toolpath generator based on "adaptive clearing" algorithm |
| libarea(http://code.google.com/p/libarea/) | 2D CAM | GPL3 | ... | clears arbitrarily shaped pockets |
| mesh2hmap(http://sourceforge.net/projects/mesh2hmap) | 3D converter | GPL | 0.3.2 2006.11.04 | converts 3D VRML meshes (from blender for example) to bitmaps, which can then be run through image-to-gcode |
| [mGcodeGenerator]](http://yoyo.ghost.pl/fb/?subPage=na_tapecie&tag=mGcodeGenerator) ](/rmu75/linuxcnc-wiki/wiki/2D,-2.5D,-3D-CAM- | -unk- | -0.2.09- | -It-is-a-script-for-Blender-to-gcode-/-cnc-/-ngc.-[[wiki)(http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?GcodeGenerator) | |
| MonoCAM(http://code.google.com/p/monocam/) | 3D CAM | GPL2 | 2008.03.20 | A project in C#, very much early alpha stage. As of Feb 2008 only has rudimentary drop-cutter algorithm for finish paths on STL surfaces. Development in hiatus. Availability uncertain. |
| NCCL(http://www.exgenia.com/) | 2D CAM | no cost | beta 0.5.0 2004.04.30 | Small language written in LUA that creates Gcode (Windows .EXE). Primary link is broken. |
| OpenCAM(http://opencam.sourceforge.net/) | 2D CAM | GPL | 0.0.24 | 2D CAM with annoying website. Braindead and dangerous install; attempts to overwrite your libstdc++ without regard to architecture. |
| pcb2gcode(http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/pcb2gcode) | 2D CAM | GPL | 1.1.4 2011.09.15 | A command-line program that calculates machine toolpaths from given PCB layouts. |
| [pcb-gcode]](http://www.pcbgcode.org/index.php)](/rmu75/linuxcnc-wiki/wiki/2D-CAM | -Artistic- | -3.6.0.4-2012.01.26- | -makes-gcode-for-isolation-routing-of-printed-circuit-boards-in-[[Eagle)(http://www.cadsoftusa.com/) (Yahoo Group here(old)(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pcb-gcode/), user reports here(http://www.brusselsprout.org/PCB-Routing/) and here(http://www.embeddedtronics.com/pcb.html)) | |
| PyCAM(http://pycam.sf.net/) | 2D, 3D CAM | GPL3+ | 0.5.1 2011.06.13 | 3D surfacing of STL models. Also creates G-Code from DXF/SVG/PS files. Features: different toolpath strategies, support bridges, model transformations, single-line fonts, 2D projection, multi-layered 2D models and distributed processing. |
| REALIZE(http://timeguy.com/cradek/autocad) | 2D CAM | GPL2+ | unk | Autolisp script that generates G Code directly from Autocad or Autocad clones like Progecad, Intellicad (note that the script runs in the Autolisp interpreter in the CAD system) |
| ROUGH2.CPP(http://www.users.qwest.net/~kmaxon/page/side/mill5_137.htm) | 3D CAM | None | unk | Kenneth Maxon's custom dxf to gcode C sources. Roughs out 3D model using vertical plunges. |
| Sheetcam(http://www.sheetcam.com/downloads.shtml) | 2D CAM | Commercial | 4.1.11 | Native Linux demo version available for download. Demo limited to about 180 lines of generated code in each session. |
| SPCE(http://www.sico.at/spce/spce.html) | 3D CAM | GPL on Linux | 3.2 | Bitmap to GCODE converter. PHP script runs on webserver. Availability uncertain. |
| TrueTypeTracer(http://timeguy.com/cradek/truetype) | 2D CAM | GPL2 | 4.0 | outlines TrueType fonts in gcode |
| vec2ngc(http://vec2ngc.sourceforge.net/) | 2D CAM | GPL2+ | 0.1.0 2009.09.03 | dxf to gcode converter (python) by micges |
| xfig(http://www.harbaum.org/till/cnc/index.shtml) | 2D CAM | GPL2+ | 3.2.5 2007.07.18 | xfig to g-code converter (Actually, this is a gcode-enabled xfig) |
| ...Post-Processors for CAM Programs... | ||||
| [upload:EMC2.ZIP] | CAM post | ... | ... | Mastercam post known to work for at least 2D machining... |
| 1 | CAM post | ... | ... | Camworks Post for LinuxCNC 3,4,5 Axis machines Subprogram support ... |
| ...File Format-Conversion Utilities... | ||||
| AnyCad Exchange3D(https://anycad.googlecode.com/files/AnyExchange3D5.zip) | 3D converter | Commercial free-to-use | unk | 3D model converter that knows step, iges, fbx, 3ds, dxf, dae, stl, obj, md2, mdl. Windows program that has been made to work in Linux using Wine and Winetricks (to load needed ms-dlls) |
| [FigEpsPdf]](http://www.few.vu.nl/~wkager/tools.htm)](/rmu75/linuxcnc-wiki/wiki/2D-converter | None | -2011.06.01- | -EPS-to-misc-formats.-Primary-link-broken.-Try-[[WaybackMachine)(http://web.archive.org/web/20120327055653/http://www.few.vu.nl/~wkager/) instead | |
| MeshLab(http://meshlab.sourceforge.net) | 3D converter | GPL | 1.3.2 2012.08.02 | Mesh Processing tool to convert STL to/from many formats. Include mesh checking/repairing abilities |
| ps2gc(http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~alanb/ps2gc.html) | 2D CAM | Non-Commercial | unk | Postscript to G-Code converter |
| stl-to-dxf(http://timeguy.com/cradek/stl-to-dxf) | 3D converter | GPL2+ | unk | Python script to convert STL to 3D DXF |
| [VectorSection]](http://scratchcomputing.com/projects/vectorsection/)](/rmu75/linuxcnc-wiki/wiki/2D-converter | Perl/GPL | -2006.04.25(?)- | -command-line-drawing-format-converter-(alpha).-Primary-link-broken.-Try-[[WaybackMachine)(http://web.archive.org/web/20080919224308/http://scratchcomputing.com/projects/vectorsection/) instead. | |
| FlatCam(http://flatcam.org/) | 2D CAM for PCB engraving | MIT | 2D CAM for PCB engraving. Trace isolation routing. Handles 2-sided boards. | |
| ViaConstructor(https://github.com/multigcs/viaconstructor/) | 2.5D CAM | GPL3 | 0.2 | Python based Linux application to create CAM files (gcode) from DXF and SVG-Drawings |
CAD programs for Linux:
| Name | Type | License | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRL-CAD(http://brlcad.org/) | 3D CAD | LGPL? | 3D solid modeler with simulation capabilities |
| CADRA(http://www.softech.com/products/cadra/linux.php) | 3D CAD | Commercial | CAD that runs in Linux |
| blender(http://blender.org/) | 3D modeler | GPL | powerful NURBS/mesh artistic modeler |
| blenderCAD(http://projects.blender.org/projects/blendercad/) | 3D CAD | GPL | add-on scripts to make blender more cad-friendly |
| Draftsight(http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/overview/) | 2D/3D CAD | Commercial | Free* drafting system that also supports 3D entities ala AutoCAD. Reads and writes dwg and dxf files. Available in beta for Ubuntu, Fedora, Suse, and Mandriva from Dassault Systemes. *Standalone license. Activation required. 64-bit platforms only. |
| salome(http://www.salome-platform.org/home/presentation/overview/) | 3D CAD | LGPL | 3D solid CAD for finite element analysis |
| Synergy(http://www.webersys.com/) | 3D CAD/CAM | Commercial | CAD/CAM that runs in Linux |
| gCAD3D(http://www.cadcam.co.at/freiter/gCAD3D.htm) | 3D CAD/CAM | Freeware | hard to use; some interesting sheet metal operations |
| SagCAD(http://sagcad.sourceforge.jp/) | 2D CAD] | GPL2 | comparable to qcad |
| Varkon(http://varkon.sourceforge.net/) | 3D CAD/CAM | GPL/LGPL | CAD/CAM code library and development environment |
| PythonCad(http://www.pythoncad.org/) | 2D CAD | GPL2 | 2d drafting, not quite there yet |
| CADvas(http://fennetic.net/pub/irc/cadvas-0.2.2) [upload:cadvas-0.2.2.tar.gz] | 2D CAD | GPL2+ | a small python drafting program that teaches a lot about programming in python-the source code is easy to understand |
| LibreCAD(http://www.librecad.org/) | 2D CAD | GPL | 2D drafting, native DXF format, fork of QCad free ported to qt4 |
| QCad(http://www.ribbonsoft.com/qcad.html) | 2D CAD | GPL | 2D drafting, native DXF format |
| camexpert(http://www.ribbonsoft.com/camexpert.html) | 2D CAM | Commercial | addon for qcad to output GCODE |
| PythonCascade(http://www.pythonizer.org/pythoncascade/pythoncascade.html) | CAD lib | Freeware | python interface to Open Cascade libraries |
| Open Cascade(http://www.opencascade.org) | CAD lib | Open Freeware | Massively huge 3D CAD library, mostly C++ and Tk |
| FreeCAD(http://juergen-riegel.net/FreeCAD/Docu/) | 3D CAD | GPL/LGPL | CAx RAD based on OpenCascade, QT and Python (alpha) |
| VariCAD(http://www.varicad.com/) | 2D&3D CAD | Commercial | VariCAD is a 3D/2D CAD system for mechanical engineering that runs in Linux or Windows and supports STEP, STL, IGES, DWG and DXF file formats |
| OpenSCAD(http://openscad.org/) | 3D CAD | GPLv2 | OpenSCAD is software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and Apples OS X. |
programs to run windows software under linux:
| Name | Type | License | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wine(http://www.winehq.org/) | emulator | GPL | run windows CAD/CAM apps on Linux without installing windows |
| Crossover(http://www.codeweavers.com/) | emulator | Commercial | a commercial version of Wine |
| Qemu(http://bellard.org/qemu/) | emulator | GPL | a virtual machine that lets you install many operating systems on your computer |
| VirtualBox(http://www.virtualbox.org/) | emulator | GPL | another virtual machine |
| VMware(http://www.vmware.com/) | emulator | Commercial | another virtual machine |
| Win4Lin(http://win4lin.net/content/) | emulator | Commercial | another virtual machine |
| DOSBox(http://www.dosbox.com/) | emulator | GPL | allows use of DOS based apps and can video capture your DOS session. |
note: a few of the links are copied from http://www.linuxwiki.de/EMC