SmoothieControl

SmoothieControl

SmoothieControl is an open-source program for controlling CNC machines and 3D printers. It provides an intuitive interface to set up and run jobs, monitor progress, and manage machine parameters.
cnc 3d-printing open-source control-software

SmoothieControl: Open-Source CNC Machine Control

SmoothieControl is an open-source program for controlling CNC machines and 3D printers. It provides an intuitive interface to set up and run jobs, monitor progress, and manage machine parameters.

What is SmoothieControl?

SmoothieControl is an open-source, modular CNC control program for running 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and other fabrication tools. It is designed to be highly customizable and adaptable for different use cases.

Some key features of SmoothieControl include:

  • Intuitive web-based interface for job control, visualization, and configuration
  • Support for GCode and other common fabrication file formats
  • Modular system for adding machine components, behaviors, and functionality
  • Controls motion through stepper motors with acceleration management
  • Temperature control for hotends, beds, chambers, etc.
  • Support for a wide variety of sensors and accessories
  • Macros, automatic bed leveling, filament management, and other helper functions
  • Open source under the GPL license for full customizability

SmoothieControl aims to make digital fabrication tools accessible and configurable for makers, designers, engineers, and more. Its interface focuses on usability while providing under-the-hood flexibility. SmoothieControl continues to have an active open source community developing new features, behaviors, and hardware add-ons.

SmoothieControl Features

Features

  1. G-code visualization
  2. Customizable interface
  3. Run from SD card or host computer
  4. Jog controls
  5. Macros
  6. Run-time variables
  7. Toolpath simulation
  8. Support for additional boards and drivers

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Intuitive interface

Active development community

Extensive configuration options

Cross-platform

Free and open source

Cons

Steeper learning curve than some alternatives

Requires more tinkering than turnkey solutions

Limited support options

Official Links


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