OpenSCAM v0.2.3 beta

About
OpenSCAM is an Open-Source software which can simulate 3-axis NC machining. It is a fast, flexible and user friendly simulation software for the DIY and Open-Source community. It works on Windows, OS-X & Linux.

At home manufacturing is one of the next big technology revolutions. Much like the PC was 30 years ago. There have been major advances in desktop 3D printing (e.g.Maker Bot) yet uptake of desktop CNCs has lagged despite the availability of cheap CNC machines. One of the major reasons for this is a lack of Open-Source simulation and CAM (3D model to tool path conversion) software. CAM and NC machine simulation present some very difficult programming problems as evidenced by 30+ years of academic papers on these topics. Whereas 3D printing simulation and tool path generation is much easier. However, such software is essential to using a CNC.

Being able to simulate is a critical part of creating CNC tool paths. Programming a CNC with out a simulator is cutting with out measuring; it's both dangerous and expensive. With OpenSCAM in the loop you can preview the results of your cutting operation before you fire up your machine. This will save you time and money and open up a world of creative possibilities by allowing you to rapidly visualize and improve upon designs with out wasting material or breaking tools.

Features

• Fast 3-axis cut-workpiece simulation with 3D visualization.
• Simulates cylindrical, conical, ballnose, spheroid and snubnose tool shapes.
• Tool path 3D visualization.
• Multi-threaded rendering can take advantage of multi-processor CPUs.
• GCode parsing, simulation, verification and annotation.
• Implements LinuxCNC (AKA EMC2) O-codes.
• Export cut workpiece to STL file.
• Tool table editing.
• Add height probing to 2D GCode files. Very useful for circuit board cutting and metal engraving.
• 2D GCode path optimization. (in progress #11)
• Operates in Windows and Linux.
• Released under the GPL license.

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