OpenSCAM open-source CNC simulator

[Ron Bean]

http://openscam.com/

Features

Fast 3-axis cut-workpiece simulation with 3D visualization.
Simulates cylindrical, conical, ballnose, spheroid and snubnose tool
shapes.
Tool path 3D visualization.
Multi-threaded rendering can take advantage of multi-processor CPUs.
GCode parsing, simulation, verification and annotation.
Implements LinuxCNC (AKA EMC2) O-codes.
Export cut workpiece to STL file.
Tool table editing.
Add height probing to 2D GCode files. Very useful for circuit board
cutting and metal engraving.
2D GCode path optimization. (in progress #11)
Operates in Windows and Linux.
Released under the GPL license.

Limitations

Simulates only snapshots of the cutting process. See ticket #2.
No 5-axis simulation. See ticket #15.
No Lathe simulation.
No CAM facilities yet, e.g. 3D model to tool path conversion.
No CNC machine control, not a replacement for EMC2 or MACH3.
Not all of the LinuxCNC (EMC2) G-Code language is implemented, yet.
Does not yet detect over/under cutting, collisions with the tool
shaft or fixtures or rapid moves in the material.

[Shane]

This looks interesting...good find, Ron.

[keverett]

Hello, sorry to butt in uninvited.  I was just trying to find an answer regarding openscam.  Their download page only had alpha versions, and debug versions for download.  Somewhere else I saw someone make reference to version 4 and version 5.  Can you tell me where I can download the Public versions?  I am really excited about trying this program.  thanks in advance for any help.

[Joseph Coffland]

I am the author of OpenSCAM.  The downloads on the website are the latest version available.  I've recently moved the latest release to beta.

Don't let the alpha/beta designations scare you.  This is Open-Source software.  We like to be conservative.  Unlike commercial software vendors who promise the world and after you buy it you learn that it is buggy.  Open-Source guys like to under promise and over deliver because our reputation is on the line.

OpenSCAM does still have some bugs.  These are mostly documented here: http://www.openscam.org/report/3