Maslow workflow
Maslow CNC workflow
CAD/CAM
On this step, you will design/draw your project on the computer and then transform it into motion commands that the machine can understand (G-code).
- CAD refers to the designing/drawing part of your project in a computer software (Computer Aid Design)
- CAM refers to the machining process; here is where you will choose parameters such as, bit diameter, speed (feed rate), plunge rate (z-axis speed) and so on (Computer Aid Manufacturing)
NOTE: You will never have to enter G-code manually (unless you want to), the CAM process will generate it for you. For those of you that like to see how things work under the hood (especially Makers!), we've put together an Easy G-code guide.
GROUND CONTROL
Ground Control is the software on your computer that connects to the machine. The following are some of the basic functionalities of Ground Control
- MACHINE CALIBRATION
- POSITIONING YOUR PROJECT ON THE BOARD
- SEND G-CODE TO THE MACHINE
- STOP, PAUSE or QUIT a JOB
- JOG THE SLED using arrow keys
- TEST THE SYSTEM.
NOTE: Ground Control is a special purpose software created from the ground up for the Maslow CNC machine (not generic). Its main purpose is to CALIBRATE the machine and SEND G-CODE to the control board. The complex calculations of transforming g-code into electric pulses to precisely move the machine are performed in the Arduino/shield.
There is NO gain in using other modified/hacked generic open source software just to send g-code and lose the ability to properly calibrate your machine along the way. We highly recommend using GroundControl or Webcontrol.
