Milling-Software

Does anyone have a working host-software to do milling
with a RepRap/RapMan?

I guess it would just transmit the same G-Codes for movements
that are used in printing but know the shapes of the tool-head
and the milling-bit and keep track that it's location never
intersects the model? (As well as mill out as much depth as possible
as milling-bits don't work well subtracting sub-millimeter layers
one at a time.)

Is the Java host-software if the RepRap designed to abstract
from the kind of tool currently attached and the strategy required
for it's operation?
If not I could have a look at it and probably do that as well as a
plugin-API to add new tool-heads.

Marcus

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MarcusWolschon Wrote:
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> Does anyone have a working host-software to do
> milling
> with a RepRap/RapMan?
>

I do.
>
> I guess it would just transmit the same G-Codes
> for movements
> that are used in printing but know the shapes of
> the tool-head
> and the milling-bit and keep track that it's
> location never
> intersects the model? (As well as mill out as much
> depth as possible
> as milling-bits don't work well subtracting
> sub-millimeter layers
> one at a time.)
>
That's about it except that I don't use G-code.
>
> Is the Java host-software if the RepRap designed
> to abstract
> from the kind of tool currently attached and the
> strategy required
> for it's operation?
>
I don't know.
>
> If not I could have a look at it and probably do
> that as well as a
> plugin-API to add new tool-heads.
>
It's written in Visual Studio. If that works for you, you're welcome to my code.

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Hell, there are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something.

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

Thomas A. Edison

Forrest Higgs Wrote:

> That's about it except that I don't use G-code.

Ah, what a shame.
My device will be a RapMan,
so I guess I`ll require G-code
and cannot work with Repman-specific
commands.

But I could have a look at that VB-code
anyway to see what I could rewrite.

Marcus

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Marcus,

Right this minute, I am doing an installShield packaging of a VB stripboard design program that I want to release to reprap people. If you could remind me of your request for the VB milling code in a week or so, I will be glad to tidy it up and transfer it to you.

I've sent this message to your email address so that we can correspond about the scheduling of the transfer privately.

Best,

Forrest

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Hell, there are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something.

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

Thomas A. Edison

Thanks.

I'll see what can be done to port it to a "proper operating system"
and a "proper language" then.

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* homeprototype free 3d design repository
* Blog
* Google+

Oh please! Stop the condescending bullshit, if you don't mind. "Proper" my hairy arse! ><

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/04/2009 12:12AM by Forrest Higgs.

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Hell, there are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something.

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

Thomas A. Edison

Great! Have you any photos of your milling hardware?

v.

Marcus,
The RapMan wont work with the Java host software for controlling, it comes with its own software on the PCB for interpreting G-code. The good news is that the RapMan hard- and software where created with the idea of having multiple heads. Each head has a different resistor to identify it. The RapMan was originally intended for light milling with a dremel head therefore the design is a bit stronger then RepRap (thicker bars etc). A dremel head is far in its development and can be expected soon is what I hear from the BfF guys. You can ask Tony about the specifics of the RapMan firmware in regards to milling.