Inkscape for G-Code creation

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Some may not be aware that in addition to vector file editing, Inkscape can also be used for creating cut paths and G-code. A question was recently asked about how to create a part where some of the features require cut paths with lead-ins and others require no lead-ins. Here is how to do this.

David


The sample part is a flat plate with 4 holes and a straight cut to be used as a bend relief for bending the flat plate into a right angle bracket.

The question was how to create both cuts with lead-ins and cuts without lead-ins in the same file.

Make sure to set the cutting order to "Path by path" so that all the interior features will be cut before the outer perimeter of the part is cut.

Chilipeppr is a very useful tool for G-code simulation.
http://chilipeppr.com/tinyg

Here is a very useful source explaining how to use Inkscape for G-code generation.

https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/inkscape ... rted/12049

[cuttinparts]

Wow, I had no idea! Thanks for the info David, I will look further into that

[acourtjester]

Thanks David Great info along with sites with added info.
Is Chilipepper a cloud based program??

[adbuch]

Wow, I had no idea! Thanks for the info David, I will look further into that

You are quite welcome! I had heard about this feature, but had never looked into it up until another member asked a question about it.
David

[adbuch]

Thanks David Great info along with sites with added info.
Is Chilipepper a cloud based program??

Tom - I'm pretty sure that Chilipeppr requires an internet connection to function. I would need to disconnect my internet to my pc to know for sure.
But no big deal for me if it is stand-alone or not. It is fast and very reliable. I first learned about Chilipeppr a few years ago when I was helping someone on the SawMillCreek forum get their diy cnc router table running to cut some Santa pieces for Christmas. It's always fun to learn new things!!

David

[acourtjester]

Amen on the learning is fun, have fun Tom

[adbuch]

Amen on the learning is fun, have fun Tom

[Creative25]

I have been trying this. Somehow it creates the lead ins on the outside of the holes. How do I tell geode tools to cut on the inside?

[adbuch]

I have been trying this. Somehow it creates the lead ins on the outside of the holes. How do I tell geode tools to cut on the inside?

Please post your svg file and I will have a look.
Thanks,
David

[Creative25]

Hi Thanks for your willingness to help me to get more understanding of Inkscape.
Original file was a DXF file. So I posted both.

Bracket for membrane.dxf

(3.2 KiB) Downloaded 16 times

Bracket for membrane.dxf

(3.2 KiB) Downloaded 16 times

Bracket for Membrande.svg

(20 KiB) Downloaded 12 times

Bracket for Membrande.svg

(20 KiB) Downloaded 12 times

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I looked at your file and I see there are problems - not with your file, but with how the Inkscape gcode extension is processing the drawing. I tried to do a simple square with a circle in the center and it gives the same problems - cutting the circle going the wrong direction. I am currently using Inkscape version 1.2.2. The examples I showed were from several years ago when I was using an earlier Inkscape version (I don't remember exactly which one). With that Inkscape version and whatever gcode extension it came with, everything seemed to work fine as it should.

I would suggest that perhaps you consider using SheetCam for your g-code. There is a free version (limited to 180 lines of code) that may work for you for simple parts. I think it is limited to the 180 lines of code per post process, so you could probably break up larger parts into separate pieces and process them separately to stay within the code limit. Otherwise the full license cost is around $145.

Another option would be to use Fusion 360. There is a free version for hobbyists that will allow you to create your cut paths and g-code. What controller are you using on your diy table? Hopefully there is a Fusion 360 post processor available for your controller.

David

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[Creative25]

Looks like something is not right with importing the dxf file as well. On the screenshot with fusion 360. The four lines for bending are missing. The dxf file comes from Freecad.

At the moment I use Viaconstructor.
It does generate usable gcode. However it does not generate code that slows down to 60% of speed when cutting holes.

Question is slowing down for circles a function of your cam software or a function of your machines software?


https://github.com/multigcs/viaconstruc ... /README.md

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I left the bend lines out for my quick example with Fusion 360. SheetCam allows you to use path rules where you can slow down for circles. Or you can just cut the circles first on a single layer at the slower speed, then cut the other layer at your normal speed.

For me personally - slowing on circles is a function of my control software that runs my table. I have a Plasmacam with Deisgn Edge software. Design Edge will do the drawing, create cut paths, and run the table all from a single program.

David

[Creative25]

I use linuxcnc.
Fusion 360 is not an option for me because it needs an internet connection and our internet is not reliable enough.
For the Moment I will stick with viaconstructor.
It has layer options. Guess I need to have a look at it, The big drawback of this software is the lack of a manual. Same with gcodetools for Inkscape.
I do have Sheetcam on linuxcnc it worked for half a day and then asked me for a license. I did not cut a single part with it. Once the machine makes me money I seriously consider to buy sheetcam.

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I use linuxcnc.
Fusion 360 is not an option for me because it needs an internet connection and our internet is not reliable enough.
For the Moment I will stick with viaconstructor.
It has layer options. Guess I need to have a look at it, The big drawback of this software is the lack of a manual. Same with gcodetools for Inkscape.
I do have Sheetcam on linuxcnc it worked for half a day and then asked me for a license. I did not cut a single part with it. Once the machine makes me money I seriously consider to buy sheetcam.

Fusion 360 will work offline. You will of course need access to the internet to install it. It has an Offline Mode once installed.

If you have software that works for you to design and cut, then that is probably all that matters.

David

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I installed an older Inkscape version 0.92 on one of my computers to check out the g-code extension. It works better, but the inside cut is going in the wrong direction - should be ccw and not cw direction. Other than that, it puts the lead-in and lead-out on the correct side of the circle. If you go to the manual for this extension, they may tell you how to reverse this direction.

David

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Here is a link with more explanation about using the Inkscape g-code extension.

https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/inkscape ... rted/12049

Although his example is for cnc machining - it would be the same basic idea for cnc plasma cutting.

Also you can go to the forum from the creators of the g-code extension.

https://www.cnc-club.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35

Maybe you can join this forum and ask some questions about how to reverse the cutting directions and lead-in/lead-out locations (inside or outside) and report back to us with what you find out.

Good Luck!

David

[Creative25]

I am trying fusion 360
Which post processor do I need for qtplasmac?

[adbuch]

I am trying fusion 360
Which post processor do I need for qtplasmac?

I don't know which post processor you need? You will need to do an internet search to find the answer.
David

[Creative25]

Thanks.
There is a custom postprocessor on the linixcnc forum.
Strange that it is not provided by Fusion 360.
I will post agai about how it works.

https://forum.linuxcnc.org/plasmac/3843 ... ors#159042

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