Path Workbench: Difference between revisions

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== Introduction == <!--T:1-->

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The Path workbench is used to produce machine instructions for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNC_router CNC machines] from a FreeCAD model. This can be used to produce real-world 3D objects on machines like mills, lathes, lasercutters or alike. Usually these instructions are some kind of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-code GCode] dialect.
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[[Image:pathwb.png]]

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The FreeCAD process to create these machine instructions is as follows:
* You create a 3D model of your object, probably using one ore several of [[PartDesign Workbench|Part Design]], [[Part Workbench|Part]] or [[Draft Workbench|Draft]] workbench.
* You create a [[Path_Job|Job]] in Path Workbench. You can think of it as a job you have to do at a real mill: You have some stock material, the mill has a certain [[Path_EditToolsTable|set of tools]] and it follows certain commands controlling speed and movements (usually G-Code).
* You select the tools you need to get the job done.
* You create milling paths using e.g. [[Path_Profile|Contour]] and [[Path_Pocket|Pocket]] operations. These [[Path objects|Path objects]] use a slightly abstract G-Code represention which is independent from the machine.
* Finally, since each type of machine often speaks a different G-Code dialect, you use a machine dependent post processor to create G-Code which. This translates the FreeCAD G-Code into the particular flavor recognized by your machine. There are several postprocessors included which you can use directly or use as a template for creating your own.

=== Links for the impatient ===
Depending on your interest in the Path workbench there are different topics for further reading:

* If you are a new new user trying to get familiar with Path, you might be interested in a fast [[Path Walkthrough for the Impatient|walk-through]] tutorial.
* If you have a special machine which cannot use one of the available postprocessors you may want to [[Write your own Postprocessor for the Path Workbench|write your own postprocessor]]
* As an experienced user you may want to write a [[Writing Macros for the Path Workbench|macro for the Path Workbench]]
* Power user wanting to streamline process
* New Developer wanting to understand core concepts.


== GUI tools == <!--T:10-->

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{{Path_Tools}}

== Scripting == <!--T:12-->

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The Path workbench offers a broad [[Path scripting|python scripting API]]. With it, you can create and modify paths from python scripts, or extend the available functionality of the workbench.


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[[Category:User Documentation]]
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Latest revision as of 19:43, 17 March 2024

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