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I've always enjoyed programming and I always enjoy learning new langauges (anything e.g. Java/C#/Erlang/F#/Clojure/Ruby etc), but something's never seemed to enjoy it as much as I want.
One thing I'm curious about which I'm wondering if I might enjoy completely is CAD/CAM/CNC programming and design and I was wondering if anyone has any tips on where/how to start learning, what software there is out there that would be helpful for learning with (preferably free/open source and preferably for Linux, though I appreciate options may be limited).
Any tips would be appreciated.
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Let’s face it–there’s a lot to learn as you’re starting out in CNC. CNC is all about computer-controlled machine tools, so a lot of that learning has to do with software. CNC newcomers need to understand the software suite that underpins all CNC work. And both CAD and CAM Software are very important to that Beginner’s Software Suite.
CNC Programming: Beginner’s Easy Guide 1 Decide What Programming Tools to Use. G-Code programs can be created with CAM Software, Conversational CNC, or by hand writing the g-code. 2 Program Using CAM Software ▶. ... 3 Program Using Conversational CNC▶. ... 4 Hand Write the G-Code Program ▶. ...
Learning how to design in CAD is very fun and beneficial at school especially when your school or college have to do with Engineering or Architecture design. 1. Download a free software. Find a software that is free to start learning there are plenty of them out there.
If you can accept that and stick to it, you’ll be up and running your own CNC parts a lot faster. Big Tip: Get your CNC Software BEFORE your CNC Machine!
You can start trying EMC (free) at http://www.linuxcnc.org/
Just a few comments:
CNC is a generical name for computer controlled machines (the "N" comes from Numerical)
There are several standards (as always) for the language, perhaps the most used is ISO 6983. However you'll find out quickly that each machine implementation is different.
There are also relatively cheap machines (under $1000) that you can buy or DIY to effectively run your programs and make "real" things. See for example http://buildyourcnc.com/default.aspx or http://wiki.makerbot.com/cupcake. You'll not catch up the quirks of the trade until you can run your programs in a real lathe or mill.
CAD and CAM programs from the programmer's POV can be thought as visual CASE tools.
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