View source for Grbl

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== Introduction ==

According to the [https://github.com/gnea/grbl grbl] home page (Sept 2019), {{quotation|Grbl is a no-compromise, high performance, low cost alternative to parallel-port-based motion control for CNC milling. This version of Grbl runs on an Arduino with a 328p processor (Uno, Duemilanove, Nano, Micro, etc). The controller is written in highly optimized C utilizing every clever feature of the AVR-chips to achieve precise timing and asynchronous operation. It is able to maintain up to 30kHz of stable, jitter free control pulses. It accepts standards-compliant g-code and has been tested with the output of several CAM tools with no problems. Arcs, circles and helical motion are fully supported, as well as, all other primary g-code commands.}}

The [https://github.com/gnea/grbl/wiki grbl Wiki] (Sept 2019) defines grbl in the following way: {{quotation|Grbl is a free, open source, high performance software for controlling the motion of machines that move, that make things, or that make things move, and will run on a straight Arduino. If the maker movement was an industry, Grbl would be the industry standard. Most open source 3D printers have Grbl in their hearts. It has been adapted for use in hundreds of projects including laser cutters, automatic hand writers, hole drillers, graffiti painters and oddball drawing machines. Due to its performance, simplicity and frugal hardware requirements Grbl has grown into a little open source phenomenon.}}

In other words, grbl allows controlling three axis machines that are driven by the Ariduno Uno micro-controller, e.g. [[CNC router]]s, [[laser cutter]]s or [[3D printer]]s.

== Supported G-codes ==

=== Version 1.1 ===

    G0, G1: Linear Motions
    G2, G3: Arc and Helical Motions
    G4: Dwell
    G10 L2, G10 L20: Set Work Coordinate Offsets
    G17, G18, G19: Plane Selection
    G20, G21: Units
    G28, G30: Go to Pre-Defined Position
    G28.1, G30.1: Set Pre-Defined Position
    G38.2: Probing
    G38.3, G38.4, G38.5: Probing
    G40: Cutter Radius Compensation Modes OFF (Only)
    G43.1, G49: Dynamic Tool Length Offsets
    G53: Move in Absolute Coordinates
    G54, G55, G56, G57, G58, G59: Work Coordinate Systems
    G61: Path Control Modes
    G80: Motion Mode Cancel
    G90, G91: Distance Modes
    G91.1: Arc IJK Distance Modes
    G92: Coordinate Offset
    G92.1: Clear Coordinate System Offsets
    G93, G94: Feedrate Modes
    M0, M2, M30: Program Pause and End
    M3, M4, M5: Spindle Control
    M7* , M8, M9: Coolant Control
    M56* : Parking Motion Override Control

=== Grbl v1.1 Laser Mode ===

[https://github.com/gnea/grbl/wiki/Grbl-v1.1-Laser-Mode Laser Mode] alters its running conditions, e.g. does not add stops that a milling machine would require to change spindles.

== Software ==

(none tested so far)

* [http://lasergrbl.com/ Lasergrbl] is a GUI to manage grbl-enbaled laser machines. Quote {{quotation|LaserGRBL is one of the best Windows GCode streamer for DIY Laser Engraver. LaserGRBL is able to load and stream GCode path to arduino, as well engrave images, pictures and logo with internal conversion tool. Unlike other GUI, LaserGRBL it is specifically developed for use with hobbist laser cutter and engraver. In order to use all the features your engraver must supports power modulation through S command.}}

* [https://jtechphotonics.com/?page_id=1980 Inkscape Laser Tool Plug-in]. See the [https://jtechphotonics.com/?page_id=2012 Inkscape Laser Plug-In tutorial], will go over how to create drawings and text in inkscape and then create the G Code file needed to run on your 3D printer or CNC machine. Some extra add-ons may be required. This seems to be a popular extension, e.g. it is used by the little [http://cubiio.muherz.com/file_convert_text.html cubiio] laser cutter.

* [https://lightburnsoftware.com/ Lightburn], commercial layout, editing, and control software for your laser cutter. 

* [[InkStitch]] (fall 2019 version)

== Grbl-compatible hardware ==

(there should be lots, in principle)

=== Laser cutters ===

This totally random list includes total DIY machines, weak DIY lasers that must be assembled, and finished machines. Weak lasers (500MW - 3W machines) can engrave and cut thin materials. We don't have any recommendations. See also [[laser cutter]].

Be aware that lasers can destroy your eyes. Almost every cheap cutter requires wearing special eye protection glasses.

'''Do it yourself'''

* [https://www.fabcreator.com/fabcore FabCore] (fall 2019, grbl support ???, needs confirmation). There is also a fabkit for 5500 Euros.
* [https://www.instructables.com/id/CNC-Laser-Engraver-With-GRBL-and-Arduino/ CNC Laser Engraver With GRBL and Arduino], do-it yourself, Instructables
* [https://www.hackster.io/macinblack/laser-engraver-with-arduino-719d14 Laser Engraver with Arduino], Daniel Costa, January 21, 2016 © GPL3+
* [https://www.laseraxe-customize.com/ laser axe] machines, starting at a few hundred $.

'''Cheap and weak lasers '''

On sites like [https://www.aliexpress.com/ Aliexpress], weak and cheap lasers can be found from 80$. Search for "DIY CNC Laser". These lasers could be useful to cut fabrics, e.g. patches for embroidery. There exist many variantes in design. Power is usually from 500MW to 3 watt. 10W machines are not very expensive either e.g. around 250 Euros.

* [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963583795.html Kkmoon CNC3018 DIY CNC Router Kit 2] (250$)
* [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32915870658.html KKmoon 3000mW New High Speed Laser Engraving Machine] costs 100$ on AliExpress and about 140 Euros on Amazon. Before you buy, have a look at the comments. The machine seems to work but requires a rest every 30 minutes, some models are badly assembled.

'''Weak lasers'''

* [http://cubiio.muherz.com/products.html Cubiio]. The small portable $500 mini laser.

'''Add-on kits for CNC routers'''

* [https://jtechphotonics.com/?product=xcarve-all-in-one-laser-and-mounting-kit-bundle XCarve All-in-One Laser and Mounting Kit Bundle]
* [https://jtechphotonics.com/?page_id=1100 Shapeoko 1 and 2 CNC Upgrade]

=== CNC routers ===

* [https://carbide3d.com/shapeoko/ Shapeoko] ($1100 to $ 1800)

* [https://www.bobscnc.com/products/e3-cnc-engraving-kit E3 CNC Router Kit]

== Links ==

=== Official ===

* [https://github.com/gnea/grbl grbl home page] at github)
* [https://github.com/gnea/grbl/wiki grbl Wiki] (at github)

=== Other ===

* [https://blog.ja-ke.tech/2018/05/22/laser-cut-foss.html Laser Cutting: Inkscape -> CNCjs -> GRBL] by Jake, May 22, 2018.
* [https://bengler.no/grbl Grbl] by [https://bengler.no/simen Simen Svale Skogsrud], the original author explaining the why and how.


[[category: laser cutting]]
[[category: fab lab]]