G-Code Plugin for Vpype

Plug-in that adds G-code generation capabilities to vpype.

This plugin allows you to convert vector graphics into G-code commands suitable for CNC machines, plotters, and other G-code compatible devices. This plugin processes a vpype document and generates G-Code from it using a modified version of the mecode library. The ouput can be sent to the teminal, a file or to a printer using mecode's direct write mode.

⚠️ Notice: This project is currently under active development and is mostly untested. Some features may be missing or not work as expected. Use with caution in production environments.

Features

• Convert vector paths to optimized G-code
• Support for multiple tool types (marker, spindle, beam, blade, extruder)
• Configurable machine parameters (speeds, power levels, spindle settings)
• Automatic and manual tool change support
• Coolant control (mist/flood)
• Bed control (heat/cool down)
• Fan speed control (on/off)
• Customizable units (metric/imperial)
• Use heightmaps for Z height compensation
• Per-layer configuration support via TOML files

Documentation

Documentation for the latest version of the project can be found at Read the Docs.

Examples

Here are some common usage examples:

# Basic G-code generation from an SVG file
vpype read input.svg mecode --outfile=output.gcode

# Specify custom length units
vpype read input.svg mecode --length_units=in --outfile=output.gcode

# Load per layer rendering configurations from a file
vpype read input.svg mecode --render_config=config.toml --outfile=output.gcode

# A more complete example using Vpype to optimize the G-Code output

vpype \
  read input.svg \
  linemerge --tolerance=0.5mm \
  linesimplify --tolerance=0.1mm \
  reloop --tolerance=0.1mm \
  linesort --two-opt --passes=250 \
  mecode --render_config=config.toml --outfile=output.gcode

Development setup

Here is how to clone the project for development:

$ git clone https://github.com/joansalasoler/vpype-mecode.git
$ cd vpype-mecode

Create a virtual environment:

$ python3 -m venv venv
$ source venv/bin/activate
$ pip install --upgrade pip

Install vpype-mecode and its dependencies (including vpype):

$ pip install -e .
$ pip install -r requirements.txt

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.

1. Fork the repository
2. Create your feature branch (git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add some amazing feature')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/amazing-feature)
5. Open a Pull Request

License

This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.

This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

See the LICENSE file for more details.