Grbl
Introduction
According to the grbl home page (Sept 2019), “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 grbl Wiki (Sept 2019) defines grbl in the following way: “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 routers, laser cutters or 3D printers.
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
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)
- Lasergrbl is a GUI to manage grbl-enbaled laser machines. Quote “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.”
- Inkscape Laser Tool Plug-in. See the 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 cubiio laser cutter.
- 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
- FabCore (fall 2019, grbl support ???, needs confirmation). There is also a fabkit for 5500 Euros.
- CNC Laser Engraver With GRBL and Arduino, do-it yourself, Instructables
- Laser Engraver with Arduino, Daniel Costa, January 21, 2016 © GPL3+
- laser axe machines, starting at a few hundred $.
Cheap and weak lasers
On sites like Aliexpress, weak and cheap lasers can be found from 80$. 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.
- Kkmoon CNC3018 DIY CNC Router Kit 2 (250$)
- KKmoon 3000mW New High Speed Laser Engraving Machine costs 100$ 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
- Cubiio. The small portable $500 mini laser.
Add-on kits for CNC routers
CNC routers
- Shapeoko ($1100 to $ 1800)
Links
Official
- grbl home page at github)
- grbl Wiki (at github)
Other
- Laser Cutting: Inkscape -> CNCjs -> GRBL by Jake, May 22, 2018.
- Grbl by Simen Svale Skogsrud, the original author explaining the why and how.