CNC Software Control System Using Visual Basic

Abstract

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are having a great industrial role in the progress of humanity to furnish an exactly crafted pieces for different tools and instruments. In the last decade their use had become more popular due to the cheap microcontrollers that emerged and still emerging. The 3D printers’ availability made manufacturing of CNC machines simpler. But the need for easing the means to program a CNC machine is still required. This paper gives a software which is intended to make dealing with G-code used with this type of machines easier. This software allows the user to execute manually any step he wants in predefined steps which can be changed on demand, return to origin of working palette, control the working head to any level demanded. Also, it can transform any G-code already prepared to the CNC machine. This software is built using the visual basic vb6.net. The microcontroller used is the Arduino uno, the mechanical set is locally prepared, and the presented application is for line drawing. CNC machines can do a variety of jobs including; drilling, plotting, engraving, laser cut, PCB drilling … etc. This software had been tested successfully for drawing with ability to show the G-code for each manual movement. Applying it to other CNC applications demands changing the operation head and care for each condition application circumstances.