I have been using Inkscape as a complete beginner, to try and generate G-code for my CNC3018 Pro engraving machine. I bought it just to find out how it all worked, pure curiosity, nothing else. My challenge was to get from an image to a G-code file that I could send to the machine and make it engrave my image in wood. I’ve spent the last week and a half on this and today managed to achieve my goal, although there are still a few things to be done, listed below. First, I have listed out the steps I have used to successfully produce the G-code followed by the outstanding tasks, you may find them helpful.
· I created my image in Adobe Photoshop. My name, John in font Comic Sans MS, 60pt, black in Windows 10, canvas size 150mm x 120mm. I flattened the image so that it was only one layer, though I don’t think this was necessary and save it as a .JPG file.
· Open up Inkscape and go to File>Document Properties and change size to 160mm x 120mm so my image just fits it with a bit left over.
· Go to File>Import my John.jpg as a linked file not embedded.
· Next select the image in the document and go to Path>Trace Bitmap. This adds a new object to the document, the original image plus a bitmap version of it. One is on top of the other so you can only see one of them. Slide the top one to one side so you can see both and then select and delete the larger one. Slide the other smaller one, the bitmap back onto the document in the correct place.
· Now select Path>Object to Path.
· Next, Path>Dynamic Offset
· Now go to Extensions>Gcodetools>Tools library. I found that the only tool in the list that works for me is the Default one at the top. So select that one and Apply it. A grey box parameter appears by your document. Select the Text tool on the left and click on and change the Diameter mm, feed (speed) and Penetration (depth of cut mm) as required. You also need to add Gcode before path = M3 (start your tool spindle) and Gcode after path = M5 (stop your tool spindle) to activate your cutter.
· Next Extensions>Gcodetools>Orientation points. Leave it set to the default =2 and its settings.
· And finally, Extensions>Gcodetools>Path to Gcode. First under the Preferences tab, set your location and filename where you want your generated Gcode file to be saved. Then click on the Path to Gcode tab and click Apply to generate the file.
· Then, to check results, go to your specified file from the step above and open it in Notepad or similar text editor. You should see all the required code needed to cut your image.
Outstanding Tasks for Me…
· Get Inkscape to generate the spindle control commands
· Get to grips with spindle speeds and controlling them
Familiarise more with G-code
Improve output quality.
Please bear in mind that I have only been using Inkscape for just over a week and have watched and read numerous tutorials online, some of them useful, and that there are probably numerous routes through this program to achieve the results you want. I’m not saying mine is right or the best but it works for me and may help someone else.
Now go to Extensions>Gcodetools>Tools library. I found that the only tool in the list that works for me is the Default one at the top.
Which one is this then? The "one at the top for me is "About" followed by Area, DFX points, Engraving, Graffit, Lathe, Orientation points, Path to Gcode, prepare path for plasma and finally Tools library. So which one is "default" please.
I was told when Inkscape 1.0 first came out that Gcodetools was "a mess" and needed sorting out. In seems in the year since I last looked nothing much has changed.
I have solved the problem now. I liked Inkscape but the creation of G-code using it just didn't work. And even if it did, it is such a tortuous route through the whole process fraught with scope for mistakes. So, I bit the bullet and shelled out on Vectric's Cut-2D DESKTOP at £132 and it's great. I found it a good move once I got to grips with it, which I am still doing to some extent. So, my advice if you can afford it is do the same.
I find that Inkscape V 0.9.2 still works for generating Gcode, it is frustrating to still have to use it when there are all the improvements in version 1. You can use version 1 to create the drawing and load those drawings into the earlier version to do the code generation but that is a bit of a pain.
Thanks for the recommendation I will check it out, I am considering LightBurn as all I need is to put the Gcode on an SD card and plug that card into my cutter.
I think the people in charge of Inkscape made a mistake and over estimated third parties abilities / commitment to upgrading their extensions. I have spent some time looking at the errors in the Gcode extensions from third parties and the code used is above my pay grade in its use of Python. I did manage to correct some of it but not all. Interestingly all the third party extensions I have found all seem to have been derived from the same piece of code.
Gcodetools never worked on the earlier versions of Inkscape anyway.
Sad to see all the effort that has gone into version 1.0.2 going to waste, for me anyway.
It is not for cutting but for engraving. It turns SGV files into raster filled shapes, which is not much use for me. But this is the first thing I have found that generates Gcode ( of sorts ) for Version 1 of Inkscape. Maybe the code is hackable so it just generates the outlines / cuts?
If you select just the "contours" option it will work after a fashion. Spirals have a cut line directly from start to end, and lines & curves are converted into a closed figure by connecting start to end.
Using Inkscape with Cutters/Plotters Image to G-code Method
Inkscape.org
I have been using Inkscape as a complete beginner, to try and generate G-code for my CNC3018 Pro engraving machine. I bought it just to find out how it all worked, pure curiosity, nothing else. My challenge was to get from an image to a G-code file that I could send to the machine and make it engrave my image in wood. I’ve spent the last week and a half on this and today managed to achieve my goal, although there are still a few things to be done, listed below. First, I have listed out the steps I have used to successfully produce the G-code followed by the outstanding tasks, you may find them helpful.
· Then, to check results, go to your specified file from the step above and open it in Notepad or similar text editor. You should see all the required code needed to cut your image.
Outstanding Tasks for Me…
Please bear in mind that I have only been using Inkscape for just over a week and have watched and read numerous tutorials online, some of them useful, and that there are probably numerous routes through this program to achieve the results you want. I’m not saying mine is right or the best but it works for me and may help someone else.
I have been looking for a G-code generator that works ever since the release of Inkscape 1.0 and it looks like these is still nothing.
Thanks for the explanation above but I can't get this to work.
Which one is this then? The "one at the top for me is "About" followed by Area, DFX points, Engraving, Graffit, Lathe, Orientation points, Path to Gcode, prepare path for plasma and finally Tools library. So which one is "default" please.
I was told when Inkscape 1.0 first came out that Gcodetools was "a mess" and needed sorting out. In seems in the year since I last looked nothing much has changed.
Hello Mike,
I have solved the problem now. I liked Inkscape but the creation of G-code using it just didn't work. And even if it did, it is such a tortuous route through the whole process fraught with scope for mistakes. So, I bit the bullet and shelled out on Vectric's Cut-2D DESKTOP at £132 and it's great. I found it a good move once I got to grips with it, which I am still doing to some extent. So, my advice if you can afford it is do the same.
JohnB
Thanks John.
I find that Inkscape V 0.9.2 still works for generating Gcode, it is frustrating to still have to use it when there are all the improvements in version 1. You can use version 1 to create the drawing and load those drawings into the earlier version to do the code generation but that is a bit of a pain.
Thanks for the recommendation I will check it out, I am considering LightBurn as all I need is to put the Gcode on an SD card and plug that card into my cutter.
I think the people in charge of Inkscape made a mistake and over estimated third parties abilities / commitment to upgrading their extensions. I have spent some time looking at the errors in the Gcode extensions from third parties and the code used is above my pay grade in its use of Python. I did manage to correct some of it but not all. Interestingly all the third party extensions I have found all seem to have been derived from the same piece of code.
Gcodetools never worked on the earlier versions of Inkscape anyway.
Sad to see all the effort that has gone into version 1.0.2 going to waste, for me anyway.
I have managed to find this LaserTool
It is not for cutting but for engraving. It turns SGV files into raster filled shapes, which is not much use for me. But this is the first thing I have found that generates Gcode ( of sorts ) for Version 1 of Inkscape. Maybe the code is hackable so it just generates the outlines / cuts?
If you select just the "contours" option it will work after a fashion. Spirals have a cut line directly from start to end, and lines & curves are converted into a closed figure by connecting start to end.
yes the tool also weast my wholeday i am so bad use version 1.1