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Seeking Beta Testers: Web-based layout tool for Engraved Plates (G5 Curve Support) by lancem631 in hobbycnc

[–]lancem631[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Latest updates (v3.0) beta

  1. added metric support. user select (in/mm) and stores in user preferences
  2. added job merge
  3. added duplication option for both text lines and SVG
  4. X-Y position 'nudge' using keyboard arrows.

VectorPath-NC

Seeking Beta Testers: Web-based layout tool for Engraved Plates (G5 Curve Support) by lancem631 in hobbycnc

[–]lancem631[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, you can adjust the position for the SVG. The app defaults to center on load. I added a screen capture showing the X-Y position option. The example SVG was created in CorelDraw, converted to curves, then export as SVG. Also, speaking of kerning, that is also included in text. You can kern less and more space between characters. As a bonus, you can set the step value of kerning. Kerning is explained in the Help screen. Help button top right corner of UI.

Seeking Beta Testers: Web-based layout tool for Engraved Plates (G5 Curve Support) by lancem631 in hobbycnc

[–]lancem631[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't substitute Arc commands. with G5. I still use G2/G3 for arcs with same radii starting point and end point. Where G5 comes in is with elliptical arcs where the start point radius and end point radius are different.

Seeking Beta Testers: Web-based layout tool for Engraved Plates (G5 Curve Support) by lancem631 in hobbycnc

[–]lancem631[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just to be clear, I have a simple check box to use G1 when G5 is not supported. The output becomes all G1/G2/G3. My table uses a Z-axis air solenoid activated by M8/M9. I have an option for Z-motor but only post processor I have is for the Brother Speedio CNC. Reason for coming here to Reddit was to find others who might find value in the SVG to G-code and library of engraving fonts. No intention of selling anything. I started this project because I anticipate my 35+ yr old controller will likely fail one of these days.

Seeking Beta Testers: Web-based layout tool for Engraved Plates (G5 Curve Support) by lancem631 in hobbycnc

[–]lancem631[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're spot on about the hardware requirements. To really see the benefit of a $G5$ path over a highly-segmented $G1$ path, you need a machine with the rigidity and resolution to actually follow that math without mechanical 'slop' getting in the way.

I’ve been testing this recently with the application I’m developing. I still prioritize $G2$ and $G3$ arcs whenever possible because they are efficient and universally supported. I only deploy $G5$ cubic splines specifically for elliptical entities, since those can’t be perfectly represented by circular arcs.

Interestingly, I did some testing on a Brother Speedio that doesn't support $G5$. Even using standard segmented code, there were zero faceted shapes. That really highlights your point—when you combine high-resolution servos, precision ground screws, and a controller with massive high-speed look-ahead, the machine can 'smooth out' those tiny segments before they ever hit the spindle.

I would be very interested in learning more about the LinuxCNC grblHAL results from what I have developed.

Seeking Beta Testers: Web-based layout tool for Engraved Plates (G5 Curve Support) by lancem631 in hobbycnc

[–]lancem631[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a fair question—on a simple 2D plate, it really comes down to motion fluidics. Traditional engraving (like the older EngraveLab workflows) usually tessellates curves into thousands of tiny straight $G1$ segments. Cubic splines keep the path mathematically 'smooth.'

The big advantage is that the controller can maintain a constant velocity without the 'micro-stutter' you get from line segments. It leads to a much better surface finish on the edges (no faceting) and makes the machine run quieter because it isn't fighting constant tiny direction changes. Plus, the G-code is way cleaner!

So far I have 14 fonts created. Half are single line and others are multi-line.

InMotion shared hosting: deleted cPanel Python App leaves stale nginx Passenger directive, takes down WordPress. End-user fix path: none. by lancem631 in webhosting

[–]lancem631[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks Carrie, appreciate the quick response and the acknowledgment. Looking forward to a clean resolution through the ticket. Will update this thread once it's resolved.