Does anyone know how to draw an open vector, for example an arc, without a straight line connecting the end points of the curve? I am drawing the curves in Inkscape and Adobe Illustrator, then exporting as .svg. I then open the drawings in OpenBuilds GCode generator. From what I can see in older posts, this was not possible. I have built a pen plotter and open vectors feature a lot in my artwork. Thanks for your help. Steve
I tried 'pen plotter no offset' and it connected the beginning and end of every curve in the drawing with a straight line (without lifting the pen)
Indeed it doesn't solve that file correctly yet. Added it to the todo list: Issue ticket Open Vectors - pen Plotter · Issue #73 · OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-CAM - will see if we can find a fix for it.
I see. Is it the gcode generator app causing the problem or the control software. In other words, would I be able to draw open vector curves if I generate the gcode with a different software? Thank you Steve
Of course the CAM. CONTROL just sends the gcode along the to the controller - does not interact with the toolpath at all. You can use a different CAM yes.
Hi Peter, I'm sorry if I have misunderstood you. I think what you are saying is that Openbuild GCode generator is causing the pen to stay down and connect the beginning and end points of a spline. Is this right? If so, can you recommend some software or plugin that can generate GCode for the pen plotter with open vectors? I still like the OpenBuilds Control software as it seems to be working well. Kind regards, Steven
You can keep using CONTROL: Its just a GCODE SENDER. It doesn't care where the gcode comes from, as long as the gcode is compatible with Grbl of course on the other end (where CONTROL sends to) OpenBuildsCAM relies on closed vectors (though some plans to allow open vectors on some of the non-offset operations) I don't have an alternate suggestion off hand but google for "pen plotter cam for grbl" etc
If you have VCrave, in the toolpath window, create a 2D Profile Toolpath and click on "Machine Vectors..." "On". That toolpath allows you to cut open vectors.
