Grbglu Tutor

GrblGru - Manual
Version 1.28
toe@home
April 11, 2015
1
CONTENTS 2
Contents
1 Motivation 4
2 The concept of GrblGru 5
3 Requirements 6
4 Installation 7
4.1 HowTo show the hidden folder C:\ProgramData . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.2 Additional files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2.1 Additional machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2.2 Additional examples files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2.3 Additional Documentation Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5 Settings 11
6 General stuff 12
6.1 Functions to change the view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6.2 How to optimize my screen size ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7 The Toolbar Buttons 15
8 Groupboxes from main window 16

8.1 Groupbox: Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
8.2 Groupbox: Actual work position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
8.3 Groupbox: Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
9 Loading NC-Files 19
9.1 Loading NC-program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
9.2 Edit the NC-program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
10 STL Object 21
10.1 Loading STL-files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
10.2 Creating STL object with embeddet OpenSCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
10.2.1 First example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
10.2.2 Load and Save script files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
11 Import function 27
11.1 ID data Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
11.2 Groupbox position and size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
11.3 Groupbox: Transformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
11.3.1 Examples Transformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
11.3.2 Examples Projection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
11.4 Groupbox: process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
11.4.1 Examples Toolcompensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
11.5 Toolbox Control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
12 Measuring device 37
12.1 My proposed solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
12.2 Measuring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
12.3 Real probing a workpiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
12.4 Virtual scanning of STL objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
13 Scanning and Probing 42

13.1 Difference between scanning and probing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
13.2 The Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
13.3 Creating STL objects from measuring points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
13.3.1 STL Creator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
14 Slicer 48
14.1 Slicing example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
CONTENTS 3
15 Controller Connection Grbl - / TinyG 51

15.1 How to change Grbl parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
15.2 How to change TinyG parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
15.3 Using as Gcode-Sender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
15.3.1 Jog mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
15.3.2 Direct move . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
15.4 Command line mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
16 Things, which make life easier 59

16.1 Programmable user buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
16.1.1 Smart drilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
16.2 Jog mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
17 Special mode for Lathes 64

17.1 Loading workpiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
17.2 Creating g-code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
17.2.1 Intermediate data mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
17.2.2 Direct data mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
17.2.3 Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
17.3 Additional pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
18 The Machine-Manager 71
18.1 How to add your own machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
18.2 How to add the Cad-Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
18.3 Machine Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
18.4 Advanced information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
18.4.1 Dimension data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
18.4.2 Graphic data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
18.4.3 Layer data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
18.5 My girlfriend ’Milli’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
18.5.1 Other machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
18.5.2 My old lathe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
1 MOTIVATION 4
1 Motivation
I considered to buy a ShapeOko2 machine. In order to see how the machine works, I looked for a simulation
program. I found a lot of good programs, but I did not find any program showing the concrete ShapeOko
machine.
So I started developing this little 3D-simulation program with the pleasant sounding name GrblGru .
In my opinion Mr. Gru from the movie ’Despicable Me’ is the suitable partner for the brilliant software
Grbl . I prefer the pronunciation ’GrabbleGru’.
This guide is intended to tell you a little bit about using my program.
Have fun with GrblGru

toe / 6.12.2014
Attention !
Reading this paper is dangerous. Because of my really terrible English it could
damage your eyes.
I strongly recommend to read only one page per day.
2 THE CONCEPT OF GRBLGRU 5
2 The concept of GrblGru

Please have a look at the following picture. It explains the main function of GrblGru .
2D-Cad Using old CAD6 prog,

which also creates G-code
Example.nc
GrblGru
Loading NC-prog
Intern Watching toolpath, Changing

NC-Interpreter movement and speed NC-Code
controls the of the machine in with Editor
movements 3D-Simulation mode
No
Everything looks fine ?
Yes
Arduino UNO USB Watching toolpath, Changing

with movement and speed NC-Code
excellent of the machine in with Editor
GRBL GRBL controls the movements real GRBL mode
No
Everything looks fine ?
Yes
ShapeOko2
Milling the
one and only
workpiece
No
Everything looks fine ? Trying it again
Yes
Drinking some beer

and
sleeping satisfied
Figure 1: My way of working

3 REQUIREMENTS 6
3 Requirements
GrblGru is written in c# and unfortunately only running under Windows. It requires .NET Framework 4,
which is normally part of the operating system.
On the controller side I use an Arduino Uno with Grbl so far, but I also would like to provide this program for
the TinyG .
4 INSTALLATION 7
4 Installation
Start the setup.exe with admin rights. If you don’t have admin rights you get a message. In this case open the
context menu by clicking the right mouse button and select ’start as administrator’
Figure 2: Message, if you don’t have admin right
After you start the setup you get following window.
Figure 3: The setup program
I recommend to use the default application folder because it has the correct write permission, but of course you
can change the folder if you are familiar with the permission rules.
When the setup is finished it could be that you might get a message from the operation system that something
failed because I have no uninstallation program, and windows is looking for that. You can ignore this message.
The application data folder (AppDataPath) depends on your operating system. You couldn’t change it. For
example in windows 7 the folder is C:\ProgramData\GrblGru.
Attention ! The AppDataPath is a system folder, which is normally hidden. To

show the folder see next section.
4 INSTALLATION 8
4.1 HowTo show the hidden folder C:\ProgramData

By default, Windows 7 does not show hidden files. Sometimes, however, you may actually need Windows 7 to
show the hidden files and folders on your computer.
If you need to manage files under a hidden folder, you’ll need to be able to view that folder. You may also need
Windows 7 to show hidden files so you’re able to delete one, maybe to solve some kind of problem you’re having.
1. Click on the Windows 7 Start button and then on Control Panel.

Tip: In a hurry? Type folder options in the search box after clicking Start. Choose Folder Options under
Control Panel from the list of results and then skip to Step 4.
2. Click on the Appearance and Personalization link.
Note: If you’re viewing the Large icons or Small icons view of Control Panel, you won’t see this link.
Simply click on Folder Options and proceed to Step 4.
3. Click on the Folder Options link.
4. Click on the View tab in the Folder Options window.
In the Advanced settings: area, locate the Hidden files and folders category.
Note: You should be able to see the Hidden files and folders category at the bottom of the Advanced
settings: text area without scrolling down. You should also see two options under the folder.
5. Choose the Show hidden files, folders, and drives radio button under the Hidden files and folders category.
6. Click OK at the bottom of the Folder Options window.
7. Close the Control Panel window that’s still open.

8. You will now be able to view all files and folders with the hidden attribute turned on, as well as drives
hidden in Windows 7.
9. You can test to see if hidden files are now being shown in Windows 7 by navigating to the C: drive. If you
see a folder named ProgramData, then you are now able to view hidden files and folders.
Note: You might notice that the icons for hidden files and folders are slightly grayed out. This is an easy
way to separate hidden files and folders from your normal unhidden ones.
4 INSTALLATION 9
Figure 4: Folder Options

4 INSTALLATION 10
4.2 Additional files

The upload in the ShapeOko community is limited to 512 KB. So I couldn’t create all help-, demo and machine-
files in the installation. That’s why I provide some additional files for downloading
Use Menu - Help - Downloads - GrblGru Manual for downloading the actal Manual.
Then select Menu - Extras - Add file to AppDataPath to copy the pdf to your AppDataPath.
After that you would have access to the Manual from the GrblGru menu.
4.2.1 Additional machines

It is possible to add your own machine to GrblGru . (See section: How to add your own machine) I have
created 2 milling machines from some friends of me.
If you like to see them select Menu - Help - Downloads - Other machines for downloading and copy them
with Menu - Extras - Add file to AppDataPath to the AppDataPath.
4.2.2 Additional examples files

To organize all data it’s useful to have following folders:
• STL
• SVG
• DXF
• NC
• CAD
For your convenience GrblGru will recognize the folder, depending on the file extension, when you load a file.
So it could show you always the right folder. It’s not necessary to search every time once more again.
If you start operating with GrblGru , I recommend to do the first steps with files I tried before. For that I
create a zip file with example files, organized as explained above.
Use Menu - Help - Downloads - Examples for downloading
4.2.3 Additional Documentation Movies

There are also 3 movies from older versions available
General operation:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5nfneubr1sqcgkl/MachineSimulation.avi?dl=0
STL-Laser scanning:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/n6o58tgkpagrsdb/LaserScanning.avi?dl=0
Probing a curved surface:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wibeaq8p42uhr18/Probing.mp4?dl=0
5 SETTINGS 11
5 Settings
In the Menu - Extras - Settings you find the control ’Metric’ to choose metric [mm] or imperal units [in].
The both inputs ExtensionX and ExtensionY allows you to enlarge the dimension of your machine model.
There are also some special inputs and a lot of colors that I describe in the following pages.
If you press the ’Default Settings’ button in the upper left corner, you can select the default values
The groupbox ’4th axis’ is the preparation for position a chuck. This is part of my actual work. I am very
interested to realise the 4th. axis controlled by TinyG. This work is not finished so far.
If your screen doesn’t show all information a left mouse doubleclick on the groupbox name opens/closes the
box. To get 2 or more columns move the right window borderline also with the left mouse to the right side.
Figure 5: Menue - Extras -Settings
Figure 6: Dialog for the program settings with 2 columns

6 GENERAL STUFF 12
6 General stuff
There are 2 modes of working. The simulation-mode and the Grbl -Mode. In simulation-mode you can verify
your NC-program in the office whithout connecting your Grbl -machine. If everything looks fine you can go to
the workshop to produce real chips.
In the configuration box you can choose the machine. Until now I only realised my self-made machine ’Milli’
and the ShapeOko2, but it is posssible to add other machines. (see section ’How to add your own machine’)
By pressing the toolbar button you can switch on/off the quick help screen.
Figure 7: The main page

6 GENERAL STUFF 13
6.1 Functions to change the view

• Zoom all, front-, side- and top-view
Use the small toolbar at the top of the graphic window.
• Zoom window
Hold left mouse button and draw desired window; Release the button.
There is a bug ! Please select the window from top left to bottom right, otherwise it will not work.
• Pan = move graphics
Hold the middle mouse button or mouse wheel and move graphics.
• Zoom
Adjust mouse wheel.
• Orbit = change view
Hold right mouse button and change view.
• Select orbit center
A double click with the left mouse button on a vertex sets the center of the orbit function.
6 GENERAL STUFF 14
6.2 How to optimize my screen size ?

Like all graphic programs GrblGru will use as much screen as it can get. If you cannot get all controls on your
screen, there are two possibilities.
• A double click with the left mouse button on the name of a groupbox opens/closes the box.
For example the box ’configuration’ is not used constantly, so you can close it.
• Move the borderline between the left control panel and the graphic panel to get more space for the controls.
Figure 8: Dialog with more space for controls

7 THE TOOLBAR BUTTONS 15
7 The Toolbar Buttons
Figure 9: Toolbar buttons
From left to right:
1. Load last NC-file

together with the SHIFT button: Load last STL file
together with the CTRL button: Load last DXF file
together with the Alt button: Load last SVG file
2. Open the dialog for loading the NC-program

3. Edit the loaded NC-file
4. Edit your ToDo list

5. Open the scanning/ probing dialog
6. Open the PD (point data) to NC dialog
7. Open the slicer dialog
8. Open the STL creator dialog

9. Start a measurement
10. Show machine
11. Show coordinate system

12. Show bounding box of toolpath
13. Show layer
14. Show toolpath
15. Show STL

16. Show NC
17. Show PD (point data)
18. Start homing

19. Show quick help screen
8 GROUPBOXES FROM MAIN WINDOW 16
8 Groupboxes from main window

8.1 Groupbox: Configuration
There are 4 inputs. Please see also the section ’Controller Connection Grbl / TinyG ’ for detail info.
• Machine
Select here your machine
• Port
This is the USB port connecting to your controller. Pressing the little ?-button shows you all available
ports.
• Controller
Select here your Controller TinyG / Grbl or Simulation, if you like to work w/o hardware.
The simulation-mode is much faster and without any risk to destroy something. I recommend always to
check a new program at first in simulation-mode !
• 4th. axis
Switch on/of the little chuck
Figure 10: Groupbox Configuration

8.2 Groupbox: Actual work position

Here you find the inputs to move your axes and select your speed for manual movements. Also the length of
the shown laser ray (tool length) could be changed. Enter a value in the axis you like to move and press TAB
or click with the mouse cursor in some other input. For even more convenience use the both little buttons on
each input. Just tip up or down the value.
The normal increment is 1mm. If you press the button together with the SHIFT key the increment is 10mm.
With the CTRL key you get 0.1mm and with the ALT key you get 0.01mm.
With a right mouse click on the unit the value will be 0.
Figure 11: Groupbox Actual work position
GrblGru uses 2 systems. The machine-system and the work-system. With the button ’Set work coordinate
origin’ you set the actual position to local 0,0,0.
If you press the button ’Move to work coordinate origin’ first the Z-axis will move up to 0 and then x and
y move together to 0.
8.3 Groupbox: Control Panel

With the ’high speed simulation’ switch you can choose if you like the simulation in real time or with high-
speed.
You can start or continue an NC-program with the ’Start’ button.

The ’Reset(break)’ button breaks a running program. You can not continue it. If you only stop it with the
’Stop’ button you can. The ’Reset(break)’ button also clears the showing toolpath and resets the controller.
If something goes wrong, it is always a good idea to press this button.
Figure 12: Groupbox Control Panel

9 LOADING NC-FILES 19
9 Loading NC-Files
9.1 Loading NC-program
The real data are the CNC-data files. Their location can be anywhere, but it’s recommended to store all datasets
in one folder. GrblGru will remember the path if you load data and opens the same path automatically on
the next loading.
It’s also possible to load the NC-program with drag & drop. Take the file from
explorer by holding the left mouse button and drop it on the GrblGru graphic
window.
Figure 13: Simple load dialog

9 LOADING NC-FILES 20
9.2 Edit the NC-program
To edit the NC-program use the edit button in the top toolbar. Normally GrblGru will open the last
loaded NC-file with notepad. But you also can choose the edit-program in Menu - Extras - Settings.
I prefer Notepad++, because it is very smart and there is the possibility to create your own Syntax-Highlighting.
see http://www.addyourservice.net/notepadppcncsyntax.php
Figure 14: What’s your favorite eddi ?
Figure 15: This is my Notepad++ with NC-Syntax-Highlighting

10 STL OBJECT 21
10 STL Object
10.1 Loading STL-files
You can load a workpiece by using Menu - Load STL ..., or load it with drag&drop directly from the explorer.
The center will be positioned on the local reference point. The point with the lowest z-coordinate will touch the
base floor.
In OpenSCAM there is the possibility of exporting the surface as STL-Format. Unfortunately I always receive
an error message when I call this function, which probably is a problem of my operating system. But if your
OpenSCAM works fine you are able to save and load the surface into GrblGru . Together with the NC-prog
you will get a good look over all.
Figure 16: OpenSCAM Surface Export
Figure 17: Loaded Workpiece

10 STL OBJECT 22
In the settings Menu - Extras - Settings you can adjust the workpiece to
the desired size.
Figure 18: Workpiece factor

10 STL OBJECT 23
10.2 Creating STL object with embeddet OpenSCAD

This feature allows to use the powerful functions of OpenSCAD to create STL objects.
For this purpose, it is necessary that you tell GrblGru where your OpenSCAD program is located. Enter the
OpenSCAD file e.g. C:\Program Files\OpenSCAD \OpenSCAD.exe
in the groupbox Settings. (Menu - Extras- Settings)
Figure 19: Enter your OpenSCAD location here

10 STL OBJECT 24
To edit your OpenSCAD script, find the Script editor on the second page of the tab-control. Here you can enter
the OpenSCAD commands. If you are not yet familiar with OpenSCAD, I recommend
http://www.tridimake.com/2014/09/how-to-use-openscad-tricks-and-tips-to.html
It helps me a lot to understand the special commands.
Figure 20: Loaded script file shown with the editor

10 STL OBJECT 25
10.2.1 First example

To see how the STL creating works please enter following command into the script window
cylinder(h=30, r=25);
and then press the button ’Start openSCAD’. The picture below shows the result.
Figure 21: Simple cylinder create by OpenSCAD

10 STL OBJECT 26
10.2.2 Load and Save script files

After you have finished your script development you can save your script file with the menu item
’File - Save SCAD script ...’. Also it’s possible to load a file with the menue item
’File - Load SCAD script ...’.
Figure 22: Menu items to load / save the script files

11 IMPORT FUNCTION 27
11 Import function
GrblGru has import functions for following formats:
• DXF (MKCad)
• SVG (Inkscape)
• NC (F-Engrave)
If you call one of them GrblGru will translate the data in an intermediate format (ID). This means that
all geometry will split into smal lines. This method allows to transform the data to curved surfaces, what is
important for engraving.
Note that there is a difference between importing and loading NC-Data. Loading NC sends all commands to
Grbl . G2 / G3 functions are send directly to the controller.
If you import NC-Data G2 / G3 commands are splitted by many g1 commands.
At the moment I prefer SVG and NC data. The problem with DXF are the many different versions. I write the
import function for an old version and I couldn’t guarantee error-free imports for all versions. Please try if your
version is working.
If something does not work with NC or SVG, please inform and give me the
chance to improve the import function.
11.1 ID data Dialog
This dialog has a key importance for all imports. Open the dialog with the toolbar button .
For example there are a lot of inputs, to influence the position, the size and the orientation. There is also a
process data groupbox with inputs for speed and infeeds. At the end of all GrblGru will create an NC-file.
Figure 23: ID2ND dialog

11.2 Groupbox position and size

See following examples for an imported DXF-file with different settings.
Figure 24: ”base position and move to the left”
Figure 25: ”size and mirror horizontal”

11.3 Groupbox: Transformation

In this group box you can choose the surface on which you like to mill.
• Plane transformation
This is important for milling printed circuit boards (PCB). The cooper is very thin. A problem exists
when attempting to create finely etched products with a CNC machine where the work-piece material is
not at the same height uniformly. (AutoLeveller)
Before milling you can measure the exact position of your PCB and GrblGru will transform your drawing
onto this plane.
• Projection to scanpoints This item allows to engrave pieces with curved surface. This requires scanning
the piece first.
• none Choose this item, if you have a normal milling job.
11.3.1 Examples Transformation

See the both examples for real transformation to a plane. Note that there is no distortion here.
Figure 26: Plane transformation
Figure 27: Text on inclined plane

11.3.2 Examples Projection
Figure 28: Text on cylinder
Figure 29: The ’Halfpipe Seahawk’

11.4 Groupbox: process

The input F is used for the normal milling speed, Fmax for the rapid traverse.
With ΣZ you select your final depth and ∆Z is your infeed for one run.
For example:
If you choose ΣZ = 1mm and ∆Z = 0.3mm GrblGru will generate gcode for 4 runs. The first is 0.3mm, the
second is 0.6, the third is 0.9 and the last one is the rest = 0.1mm.
This is very convenient, because you can use the last infeed for your finishing
Figure 30: Example 1
Figure 31: Detail of toolpath with the 4 runs

Please note that you can use this function also for F-Engrave. Let F-Engrave
generate the Gcode and import it to GrblGru .
Don’t use the SVG-file from F-Engrave. There are no pathes.
11.4.1 Examples Toolcompensation

These functions make it possible to define a part program by describing the workpiece contour, regardless within
certain limits of the tool geometry. Choose ’inside’ if you like to mill a pocket. Don’t forget to enter the right
Tooldiameter d.
Figure 32: Tool compensation inside
Figure 33: Tool compensation outside

11.5 Toolbox Control panel

Select here the filename you want to save the calculated NC program. By pressing the button ’Start’ GrblGru
will generate the gcode and then loads it automatically. You can see the name in the main window statusline
in the left corner.
To start the generated NC program use the ’Start’ button of the Main window. I recommend always to check
the program at first in simulation mode. See the settings for that in the picture below.
Figure 34: Tool compensation inside

12 MEASURING DEVICE 37
12 Measuring device
Grbl and also TinyG supports the probing function. In my opinion probing is completely underestimated. It
is suitable for a whole variety of applications. I cannot understand why nobody offer a professional solution for
probing. It is relatively simple to build a measuring device.
You need only a ’normal open’ switch, connecting between GND and the analog input A5. See my DIY mea-
suring device at the picture below. The probe is a normal needle. (stolen from my wife)
You can press the probe about 10mm. After 1mm the switch contact will close and send GND to A5. It is very
important, that you can press the probe more, because Grbl will continue moving a little bit, depending on
the speed, after receiving the probe signal.
Another advantage from the switch solution over the widespread ’no switch solution’ (just putting a touch probe
w/ an alligator clip into the spindle) is that you can scan also non-conductive workpieces.
Figure 35: DIY measuring device with Arduino

12.1 My proposed solution

My proposed solution would be as follow. The following pictures are without any details. There must be a little
switch inside the device and the function must be the same as I describe my DIY device. Also it would be great,
if the probe tip would be changeable. So you can use a different sizes of probes.
In the upper (base) position the measuring device don’t disturb the normal milling operation. In active position
it’s not necessary to remove the tool.
Figure 36: Probe in base position (passiv)
Figure 37: Probe in measuring position (activ)

12.2 Measuring
First of all I like to explain some definitions.
May be it is not correct, but I call it real probing, if you measure a real workpiece. And I call it virtual
scanning if you measure an STL object.
I recommend starting with virtual scanning because it is much more quicker and easier as probing. You can
do it without your ShapeOko at your ’warm’ chair. :) The functional running in GrblGru is nearly the same.
To start a measuring use the button . In order to decide whether you like to start real probing or just
virtual scanning GrblGru lookes if you have loaded an STL-file. If yes GrblGru will start virtual scanning.
If no GrblGru will start real probing.
12.3 Real probing a workpiece

GrblGru will send g38.2 z-50. In this case be sure that you Z-axis is in higher position. The speed for moving
is taken from ’Fman’ in the groupbox ’Actual work position’.
After starting, the Z-axis will move down, until the probe touch the workpiece. If every works fine you can see
the Z-position from the touching point. [PRB: x, y, z]
By the way, here you can also see, how much deeper (depends from the speed) the axis moved.
Figure 38: Probing result with high speed
Figure 39: Probing result with low speed

12.4 Virtual scanning of STL objects

Measuring the loaded workpiece is very simple. Move the machine into the measuring position and press the
button . The point of measurement will be shown as a black point, and in top of the graphic window the
measuring result will be displayed. (Measurement result = ???)
Figure 40: Laser measurement

13 SCANNING AND PROBING 42
13 Scanning and Probing

For engraving curved surfaces it is nessasary to scan the surface before. For this GrblGru provides the following
dialog. Open it with the toolbar button .
I recommend starting with virtual scanning because it is much more quicker and easier as probing. You can do
it without your ShapeOko at your ’warm’ chair. :) The functional running in GrblGru is nearly the same.
13.1 Difference between scanning and probing

13.2 The Dialog
Figure 41: The dialog
First of all you can select either real probing or virtual scanning in the groupbox ’Selection’.
The scan dimensions in X- and Y direction will automatically calulated if you load the STL file. But you
can also enter the size you like. With the ’boarder’ value you increase the size.
The resolution box allows you to select how fine your grid is. Choose for the beginning some big values like 5
or 10mm. If your grid is very fine it takes a long time to calculate all points.
In the ’Z-parameter’ box you can choose how many layer you like to generate and the ’Process’ box contents
the feed for the generate gcode.
At the end you can select the Filename from the generated NC-program.
13.3 Creating STL objects from measuring points

At first I like to show you in this section how to generate an STL-file from measuring points.
Because there is no difference between scanning points and probing points I use the easy way and generate my
measuring points from a STL object. It’s only a example, of course it makes no sense to create an STL, if you
have it already.
If you press the Start button GrblGru will start the scanning and show you the window.
Figure 42: The dialog during scanning process

See the scanning result in the picture.
Figure 43: Scanning the ShapeOko letter
If you switch off the toolbar icon you will see the mesuring points.
Figure 44: Measuring points

13.3.1 STL Creator
Have a look at the STL-Creator dialog, activated by the toolbar button

There are a lot of inputs, I created for later use. So just select in the selection box ’Measure Points’ and ’None’
in the both interpolation boxes.
If you select a destination file and press the ’Start’ button GrblGru will create an STL-file and loads it
automatically.
Figure 45: The STl-Creator dialog
Figure 46: Create STL

To see the steps in the generated STL-file i load it into MashLab. These steps are the result from your selected
grid by scanning the measuring points.
Figure 47: MeshLab showing the STL-file
Please note that all we have done now is the same if you like to probe a real
piece (with the exception of the actual pick of the measurement points)
14 SLICER 48
14 Slicer
This is a new project I am working on. Select the slicer dialog with the toolbar button .
Because I think it is not perfect yet, I will only explain in which way it should work.
After loading an STL-File you can move the slicer plane with the input ’Z-Position’ in Z-direction up and down.
If you select the clipping switch, GrblGru will clip all things above the slicer plane.
Dont be afraid if you see that the whole machine is clipped. It is only that you can see where exactly the plane
is located. Alternatively you can also activate the ’Show R’ switch. In this case GrblGru will show you a cross
with the given radius R at the plane position.
Figure 48: Slicer Dialog

14 SLICER 49
14.1 Slicing example

See following pictures, explaining the different steps.
Loading an STL-file containing a cylinder with different holes. Clipping = off, Show R = on.
Figure 49: Clipping = off, Show R = on
Figure 50: Clipping = on, Show R = on

14 SLICER 50
After pressing the ’Slice’ button GrblGru will calulate the intersection line between STL and the slicer plane.
This then creates the DXF-drawing, which you can use for further process.
Figure 51: Clipping = off, Show R = on, STL on. Note the thin DXF-lines
Figure 52: Clipping = off, Show R = off, STL off. Only DXF contur
15 CONTROLLER CONNECTION GRBL - / TINYG 51
15 Controller Connection Grbl - / TinyG

In the configuration groupbox you can select the controller Grbl or TinyG . In case of you like work w/o
hardware select ’Simulation’. The USB port is not is recognized automatically. Pressing the little ?-button
shows you all available ports. Select the port you connected with your controller.
Figure 53: Choose the controller
The Grbl version must be ’0.9g’ or higher. That’s because I fixed the baudrate to 115200. Showing the moving
model makes no fun with lower speed
There are some further conditions for a correct flow control. Please enter the following parameter depends from
your controller.
GrblGru
$10 = 2 ( status report mask )
TinyG
$ex = 0 ( enable flow control = off )

$baud = 5 ( USB baud rate = 115200 )
$sv = 1 ( status report verbosity = filtered )
$qv = 1 ( queue report verbosity = single )
To change the parameter note the following sections.

After you change the port or the Controller GrblGru try to get a connection to the controller. In case of
TinyG it takes 5 seconds to get the identification. Grbl is much faster. You should get following message:
Figure 54: Successful connection
Only for /Tiny:

For advanced user is under ’Menue - Extras - Settings’ an additional input to control the refresh time. Higher
values increase the refresh time. Please be careful with this value !
Figure 55: Advanced input fot TinyG

15.1 How to change Grbl parameter
ToDo
15.2 How to change TinyG parameter

This section show you how to change for example the TinyG parameter [ex] with the program CoolTerm.
Please close all programs and start CoolTerm and connect to your TinyG .
Figure 56: Enter $ex in the command line and press Enter
Figure 57: You get the answer from TinyG. In this example the value is 2. This is wrong for GrblGru
Figure 58: To change the value enter $ex=0 in the command line and press Enter
Figure 59: TinyG responds with the message ex=0. This is the correct value for operation with GrblGru. Close
CoolTerm and try to start GrblGru
15.3 Using as Gcode-Sender

It’s possible to use GrblGru only as Gcode-sender. Just load the NC-file and start the program with the
’Start’ button. If you stopped the program with the ’Stop’ button, you can continue by pressing the ’Start’
button once more.
The ’Reset(break)’ button breaks a running program. You can not continue it. This button also clears the
showing toolpath and resets the controller. If something goes wrong, it is always a good idea to press this button.
The switch ’High speed simulation’ is only used in simulation mode.
Figure 60: Control buttons

15.3.1 Jog mode

Jog mode with the keyboard is possible with following keys:
• Z(Y) = X+
• X = X-
• Q = Y-
• A = Y+
• W = Z+
• S = Z-
If you press the key the movement will start and continue until you release the key. GrblGru will use the speed
’Fman’ from the control panel of the main window. If you press the SHIFT button at the same time the factor
of speed = 10. In combination with the CTRL button it is 0.1.
15.3.2 Direct move

Of cause it’s also possible to enter direct values. In this case use the controls from the groupbox ’Actual work
position’.
Figure 61: Control buttons

15.4 Command line mode

To use the G-Code-sender in command line mode set the switch ’Command line’ in the status line. This
allows to ’talk’ directly with your controller in the lower left window. So if you enter $$, Grbl should respond
with a list of the current system settings, similar to as shown in the following. Please note that in Command
line mode the groupboxes ’Actual work position’ and ’Control panel’ are disabled.
In order to get more space for both windows, arrange the dimensions moving the borderline with the left mouse
button.
Figure 62: Using the command line
Tip:
If you need some commands very often e.g. the command ’$#’ for showing the working systems by Grbl create
a user button for that. Please see section ’Programmable user buttons’ for details.
16 THINGS, WHICH MAKE LIFE EASIER 59
16 Things, which make life easier

I try to furnish a program with many features to make it pleasant for the user. Mostly these are only little
simple things, which make life easier in cellar and workshop.
• Because I have no internet in my workshop, I saved some pdf-files about configuration, connecting and
interfacing Grbl in Menu - Help ...
• For your own use you can find the pdf-file ’MyHelp’ in the menu section ’Help’. The file is located in the
AppDataPath and you can write in here whatever you like and need, when you are working with your
machine.
• To operate with GrblGru sometimes it is nice to have this manual ’on board’. You can find it under
menu section ’Help’ - GrblGru manual
• In Menu - Extras there is an item ’My Macros’. Here you can create your own user buttons on the right
side of the screen. This will be explained further down in a special section.
• On the big main toolbar you find the first button . After closing GrblGru and restarting it, use this
to load your NC-program, which you have used before.
• Also on the big toolbar you find . Here you can take your notes.
• There is a DXF-file, which can be displayed by selecting the switch ’Show layer’ in the control panel. Just
edit this file with a 2D-graphic program to show anything you want.
• The machine position can be changed by using the small up/down buttons at the left side of the input-
control. The normal increment is 1.0 mm. If you press the SHIFT button at the same time the increment
is 10 mm. In combination with the CTRL button it is 0.1 mm and with the ALT button you get 0.01 mm.
16.1 Programmable user buttons

On the right side of the main window you will find some user-buttons.
Figure 63: user button
By selecting the last button ’EditMacro’ the file macro.dat will be loaded into the editor. Here you can generate
your own commands by adding a new button. The button name must be inside the square brackets. For example
a new entry :
[MyNewMacro]
F300 g1 g90 x0 y0 z0
will create a new button on the right side, and if you press this button the machine will move to the position 0,0,0.
Tip: Use short names, because the space in the buttons is very limited.
Figure 64: macro.dat in editor

16.1.1 Smart drilling

Please refer to this fine function, created by the CAM-program ’Estlcam’. It makes a drillhole with specified
values with a small tool. I copied this function only in my macros. So I can move to a position, press the macro
button and get a hole at this location.
Because it is nesessary to set the local reference position to the actual position, I create the command ’setref’.
Figure 65: Toolpath of the drilling function

16.2 Jog mode

Jog mode with the keyboard is possible with following keys:
• Z(Y) = X+
• X = X-
• Q = Y-
• A = Y+
• W = Z+
• S = Z-
If you press the key the movement will start and continue until you release the key. GrblGru will use the speed
’Fman’ from the control panel of the main window. If you press the SHIFT button at the same time the factor
of speed = 10. In combination with the CTRL button it is 0.1.
17 SPECIAL MODE FOR LATHES 64
17 Special mode for Lathes

I am a proud owner of an old little lathe. Some time ago I assemble 2 stepper motors and connect them with
an Arduino. Until today I only use hand made g-code to control the machine but now I create the first program
for the lathe.
Figure 66: 3D model from my lathe

17.1 Loading workpiece

The describion of the workpiece is the same as in milling mode. Import an DXF, SVG or NC file.
Figure 67: Menu import
Figure 68: Loaded an DXF ’bell’ contour

17.2 Creating g-code
Creating the g-code is near the same as in milling mode. Open the dialog with the toolbar button . Only
the groupbox ’Process’ is a little bit different to the milling groupbox.
Here you have the choise to select either the imported intermediate data or the direct data mode.
17.2.1 Intermediate data mode

Let’s begin to discribe the intermediate data mode.
You find 3 inputs for speed controlling. F is the normal working speed, Fmax the rapid traverse sped and Finf
is the speed for the infeed. By the way, if you move the mouse cursor on a control, after a short time you get a
tooltip about the control.
Dstart is the diameter you start your job. It must be larger then the max. Diameter of the workpiece. DeltaY
is the infeed for one pass and Yoff is only an offset value.
With the 2 checkboxes Rough pass and Finish pass you choose the mode of cutting. The checkbox Create
STL tells GrblGru to create a STL object from your contour.
Figure 69: The ID to NC dialog
The NC File is use to save the g-code if you press the button Start calculating Gcode. This file then will be
automatically loaded.
Figure 70: Created G-code for the rough pass
Figure 71: Created ’bell’ STL object

17.2.2 Direct data mode

The direct mode is to create a simple cone or to reduce a diameter. You choose only the diameter D, the length
of your workpiece L and the angle alpha.
Figure 72: Created G-code for an cone

17.2.3 Starting
After you press the button Start calculating Gcode the file then will be automatically loaded. Just start the
simulation mode to see the movements.
Figure 73: Start the simulation
If you like to watch the video: ’Creating a bell’ in GrblGru:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/pyjdvw42e7q90ov/lathe.avi?dl=0
17.3 Additional pictures
Figure 74: My old lathe
Figure 75: Arduino ’in the box’

18 THE MACHINE-MANAGER 71
18 The Machine-Manager
If you like to change some machine data, for example the workspace size, you can use the Machine-Manager.
After starting the MM with Menu - Extras - Machine-Manager you get a dialog, where you can delete or
add machines, change data or CAD-models.
In the ’Data’ box you can change the displayed values.

By selecting the ’Accept data’ button all data will be saved into the machine.dat-file.
The ’CAD model’ box allows you to change or add new models with the help of STL-Files. (See details in
section ’How to add the Cad-Model’)
The last box ’machine.dat’ gives you direct access to the machine-file.
Figure 76: The Machine-Manger dialog

18.1 How to add your own machine

To add your own machine, enter the name of your machine in ’Machine’ control and press ’Add new machine’.
GrblGru will identify that it is a new machine and add it to the machine.dat.
Then enter your workspace-dimensions and the origin of the laser and press ’Accept’. If you are not sure about
the data at this time, it is no problem. You can always change it later.
18.2 How to add the Cad-Model

First of all you need a simple 3D-model from your machine, where all axis are in base position !
The base position is when the x-axis is on right, the y-axis is on back side and the z-axis is on top.
Simple 3D-model means that there are only the important parts. To make the movement later on, every triangle
takes time. And if there are too many details it makes no fun to use the program, because the graphic is too
slow. But it depends on your PC. Try yourself what is possible.
To explain the Cad-model I constructed a very simple machine named ’Dummy’. You can take this as test
object to see for example the result of changing parameters.
In the picture you can see ’Dummy’ in the base position.
Figure 77: It doesn’t look like it, but it is a machine

After you have created the Cad-Model in base-position you need to save all components in several STL-files.
Save the base, the part which has no movement, in file base.stl, save the x-axis in file x.stl and so on ...
Then start the Machine-Manager, select your new machine and select the path, where your files are located.
Press button ’Load STL-files’.
Ok, we have finished now !
Close both dialogs of the Machine-Manager and check if you can see your machine in the GrblGru main-
window.
18.3 Machine Designer

If you are the proud owner of an enlarged ShapeOko machine you can use the program ’MachineDesigner’ to
design your own machine and add it to GrblGru . ’MachineDesigner’ allows to resize the normal dimensions.
Figure 78: S2 with 500mm Y extension

Basicly the MachineDesigner is created to improve parts of the ShapeOko, like dust shoes, measuring units
etc. So, for example. You could design your own dust shoe and add it to the program. After that you can move
all exes, to see if there is some intersection or how much your working space is limited.
Figure 79: Makita ruter model with a dust shoe construction

18.4 Advanced information

In the following sections I will try to explain what’s happend under the cover. So, maybe that’s just for the
advanced user.
18.4.1 Dimension data

This file ’machine.dat’ contents parameters, which gives GrblGru information about the dimensions and type
of all machines.
The format is a simple ini-file. Every machine has its own section. These section names are used to be shown
in the combo box, where you select the machine.
The dimensions are stored in the parameter:

• xminus and xplus
• yminus and zplus
• zminus and zplus
I prefer a right-hand-coordinate system. This is the reason why z goes into minus direction. The vToolPos
parameter is the origin of the laser. I measure it in the Cad-program. The last value bPortal is necessary to tell
GrblGru whether you have a machine with a gantry or not.
Let’s have a look at the actual machine.dat.
[Milli]
xminus = 0
xplus = 185
yminus = 0
yplus = 140
zminus = -60
zplus = 0
vToolPosx = 192.009
vToolPosy = 139
vToolPosz = 128.799
bPortal = 0
[ShapeOko2]
xminus = 0
xplus = 339
yminus = 0
yplus = 300
zminus = -58
zplus = 0
vToolPosx = 53.6514
vToolPosy = 189.36
vToolPosz = 170.37
bPortal = 1
[Dummy]
xminus = 0
xplus = 90
yminus = 0
yplus = 70
zminus = -16
zplus = 0
vToolPosx = 5
vToolPosy = 6.3
vToolPosz = 26
bPortal = 1
18.4.2 Graphic data

All graphic data is stored in the File ?.tco. ? stands for the name of the machine. So for example ’Dummy.tco’
contents the data for the machine ’Dummy’. There are 4 sections named [base], [x], [y] and [z].
The order of sections inside the file is not important.
All graphic objects are represented by vertices, triangles and lines. The lines are only used to show the edges.
They are not really necessary.
The syntax is very simple. key = value. The order of keys inside a section is not important.
• vertices
v????=x, y, z
example: v0000=100.000000,-0.000029,0.000029
• triangles
t????=a,b,c
a,b,c = no of vertex
example: t0000=0,1,2
The order of the vertices in a triangle is important. I use the right-hand rule.
• lines
l????=a,b
a,b = no of vertex
example: l0000=0,1
GrblGru also requires the following parameters to get information about the size.
• nv=n
n = count of vertices
example: nv=24
• nt=n
n = count of triangles
example: nt=13
• nl=n
n = count of lines
example: nl=25
See the example section [base] from our Dummy-machine on the next page.
[base]
ColorBody=-65536
KeyFormat=D4
nl=25
nt=13
nv=24
l0000=0,1
l0001=2,0
l0002=1,3
l0003=3,2
l0004=4,5
l0005=6,4
l0006=5,7
l0007=7,6
l0008=8,9
l0009=10,8
l0010=9,11
l0011=11,10
l0012=12,13
l0013=14,12
l0014=13,15
l0015=15,14
l0016=16,17
l0017=18,16
l0018=17,19
l0019=19,18
l0020=20,21
l0021=22,20
l0022=21,23
l0023=23,22
t0000=0,1,2
t0001=1,3,2
t0002=4,5,6
t0003=5,7,6
t0004=8,9,10
t0005=9,11,10
t0006=12,13,14
t0007=13,15,14
t0008=16,17,18
t0009=17,19,18
t0010=20,21,22
t0011=21,23,22
v0000=100.000000,-0.000029,0.000029
v0001=100.000000,-0.000029,-2.000029
v0002=100.000000,75.000030,0.000029
v0003=100.000000,75.000030,-2.000029
v0004=-0.000038,0.000000,-0.000038
v0005=-0.000038,0.000000,-1.999962
v0006=100.000000,0.000000,-0.000038
v0007=100.000000,0.000000,-1.999962
v0008=0.000000,75.000030,-2.000029
v0009=0.000000,-0.000029,-2.000029
v0010=0.000000,75.000030,0.000029
v0011=0.000000,-0.000029,0.000029
v0012=100.000000,0.000000,-2.000000
v0013=-0.000038,0.000000,-2.000000
v0014=100.000000,75.000000,-2.000000
v0015=-0.000038,75.000000,-2.000000
v0016=100.000000,75.000000,-0.000038
v0017=100.000000,75.000000,-1.999962
v0018=-0.000038,75.000000,-0.000038
v0019=-0.000038,75.000000,-1.999962
v0020=100.000000,0.000000,0.000000
v0021=100.000000,75.000000,0.000000
v0022=-0.000038,0.000000,0.000000
v0023=-0.000038,75.000000,0.000000
18.4.3 Layer data

The file ? Layer.dxf is a normal DXF-file and intended to show some additional infos like raster, limit stops and
so on. Just edit this file with a 2D-graphic program to show anything you want.
Figure 80: Layer on
Figure 81: Layer off

18.5 My girlfriend ’Milli’

To show you an example of self-made machines, have a look at the following pictures.
Figure 82: My real Milli
Figure 83: and her virtual sister
They could be twins, couldn’t they?

18.5.1 Other machines

Here you can see 2 other machines I build for friends, using GrblGru .
Figure 84: Cobra
Figure 85: BF20

18.5.2 My old lathe

Last but not least my old lathe that I have control also with Grbl , but at that moment only with manually
created Gcode. If I get time in future I will create a special mode in GrblGru for controlling a lathe.
Figure 86: My old lathe

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GrblGru - Manual

2 The concept of GrblGru 5

7 The Toolbar Buttons 15

8 Groupboxes from main window 16

13 Scanning and Probing 42

15 Controller Connection Grbl - / TinyG 51

16 Things, which make life easier 59

17 Special mode for Lathes 64

Have fun with GrblGru

2 The concept of GrblGru

2D-Cad Using old CAD6 prog,

Intern Watching toolpath, Changing

Arduino UNO USB Watching toolpath, Changing

Drinking some beer

Figure 1: My way of working

Figure 2: Message, if you don’t have admin right

After you start the setup you get following window.

Figure 3: The setup program

Attention ! The AppDataPath is a system folder, which is normally hidden. To

4.1 HowTo show the hidden folder C:\ProgramData

1. Click on the Windows 7 Start button and then on Control Panel.

7. Close the Control Panel window that’s still open.

Figure 4: Folder Options

4.2 Additional files

4.2.1 Additional machines

4.2.2 Additional examples files

4.2.3 Additional Documentation Movies

Probing a curved surface:

Figure 5: Menue - Extras -Settings

Figure 6: Dialog for the program settings with 2 columns

Figure 7: The main page

6.1 Functions to change the view

6.2 How to optimize my screen size ?

Figure 8: Dialog with more space for controls

7 The Toolbar Buttons

Figure 9: Toolbar buttons

From left to right:

1. Load last NC-file

2. Open the dialog for loading the NC-program

4. Edit your ToDo list

8. Open the STL creator dialog

11. Show coordinate system

15. Show STL

18. Start homing

8 Groupboxes from main window

Figure 10: Groupbox Configuration

8.2 Groupbox: Actual work position

With a right mouse click on the unit the value will be 0.

Figure 11: Groupbox Actual work position

8.3 Groupbox: Control Panel

You can start or continue an NC-program with the ’Start’ button.

Figure 12: Groupbox Control Panel

Figure 13: Simple load dialog

9.2 Edit the NC-program

Figure 14: What’s your favorite eddi ?

Figure 15: This is my Notepad++ with NC-Syntax-Highlighting

Figure 16: OpenSCAM Surface Export

Figure 17: Loaded Workpiece

Figure 18: Workpiece factor

10.2 Creating STL object with embeddet OpenSCAD

Figure 19: Enter your OpenSCAD location here

Figure 20: Loaded script file shown with the editor

10.2.1 First example

Figure 21: Simple cylinder create by OpenSCAD