Rcode

Readable Gcode

Rcode is a (thus far incomplete) human readable layer on top of standard Gcode, written in Ruby. Programs are written using standard Rcode methods and the converted to Gcode via the context menu. For those that manually write Gcode, this should be a simple and convenient way to generate those programs. All standard Ruby scripting is also supported, so one could build sub-programs by creating a Ruby method.

Basic Use

Use the Rcode methods to create your desired tool path. Then:

• Save file as>filename.rb
• Right-click>Send To>Convert to Gcode

example:

program(1) #Square

#Square sub-program
def square
  feed(2.0)
  move(y:1.1875)
  move(x:1.1875)
  move(y:0.3125)
  move(x:0.3125)
end

#Square program
home
abs
clear
tool(1)
#origin (missing)
#tool geometry (missing)
speed(2000)
rapid(x:0., y:0., z:0.1)
rapid(x:0.3125, y:0.3125)
coolant("on")
cut(z:-0.11, f:0.5)
square
cut(z:-0.22, f:0.5)
square
cut(z:-0.33, f:0.5)
square
cut(z:-0.44, f:0.5)
square
rapid(z:2.0)
coolant("off")
home
abs
clear
stop

Current Rcode Methods

All codes will have detailed docstrings and examples.

Preparatory Codes

• program(number)
• home
• abs
• inc
• clear
• done
• coolant(state)

Spindle/Speeds/Feeds

• tool(number)
• speed(rpm)
• stop
• feed(ipm)

Movement

• dwell(seconds)
• rapid(x:0, y:0, z:0)
• move(x:0, y:0, z:0)
• cut(z:0, f:0)

Installation

The easiest method to install Rcode is with the installer located in the dist folder

• Install Ruby (if you do not have it already)
• Run the rcode.msi program from the dist folder

TODO

Add more methods

Credits

This software was developed by Spencer Kuzara while attending Sheridan College Machine Tool Program.