---
tags: blender, metalab, cnc, romi
---

# Blender CAM
[TOC]

## How to install blender CAM add-on on Linux

### Clone the repository

Blendercam is an addon of Blender. To use it you need to clone the addon repository to some place in your computer:

~~~
git clone https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam
~~~

:::info
As stated in the [Raptor postprocessor](Raptor-postprocessor) section below, there is a fork that includes a preset for the Fablab's raptor CNC machine.
:::

### Dependencies
Some python dependencies sould be intalled you can do it with pip from the command line:

$ ./pip3 install shapely
$ ./pip3 install vtk
$ ./pip3 install Equation

[OpenCamLib](https://github.com/aewallin/opencamlib) is an optional dependency, but based on our tests we recommend its installation.

### Configure Blender

The second step is to tell blender to also search an alternate path for add-ons. When blender starts up it will search its own paths for add-ons and will also search the alternate path that you add. This way an external source add-on can be used in Blender.

:::spoiler Open the _Preferences_ window (menu: _edit → preferences_)
:::

:::spoiler Clik on _File Paths_ button and enter the path where you cloned the blender CAM repository in the _Scripts_ field.
:::

:::spoiler Save perferences and restart blender. To use the Blendercan addon you need to enable it in _Add-ons_ section of the same preferences window.
:::

## Raptor postprocessor

On this [fork](https://github.com/vicobarberan/blendercam) there is already a **preset for the FablabBCN Raptor CNC machine**, if you use this repository you will find it on the CAM Machine section:


## adding a post processor

this are the needed steps to add a new postprocessor for your machine:

1. modify `scripts/addons/cam/__init__.py` and add a new _item_ on the **machinesettings** class (around line 125):


2. create a new file in `scripts/addons/cam/nc/` directory with your post processor name. (ej. `raptor.py`). you can copy an existing postprocessor and modify it to fit your needs.

3. modify `scripts/addons/cam/gcodepath.py`, search for the `exportgcodepath()` function and add a condition for your post processor where you specify the extension of the file and the name of the module you just created on step 2.

there is example commit on what's needed to add a postprocessor [here](https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam/pull/122/files). it is a little outdated (use `gcodepath.py` instead of `utils.py`) but can be used as a general guide.

# Notes
:::danger
**FIX PYTHON ERROR**
When generating profiles from a mesh we get multiple vertices on some curves, to clean up you can convert to mesh, merge vertices by distance and convert to curva again.
:::
---
# WIP

At the same place (**Blender Preferences**) as de **File Paths** you can anable the add-ons of blender.
1. Select the **Scene** category
2. Enable the **CAM** addon by left clicking on the check box. *(the file path should match your Blendercam git path)*
3. Optional: enable the **experimental features**
4. Save user settings

## Getting Started
### Enter CAM mode
All of the CAM panels are found in the **Render Data Settings**
First of all you will need to change the engine to **CAM**

### Setup Machine Parameters
The first thing to be done is setup the parameters of the machine we are gonna use


The units of blender can be changed when unsing BlenderCAM jsut set your machine and then go back to the desired units.

### Add New Operation
Choose the strategy you prefer in **CAM Operations setup**
(most used strategys are profiling, pocketing and drill)
Take a look to **CAM Material Size and Position** and choose the size of the material you are going to use.
Finaly place the object you want to cut to the corrcet place, or click to **Position Object** this will position your object to the origin of the machine
### Profiling
After choosing profiling operation the next option found is if the cut needs to be inside or outside the line
At the same tap, the tool to generate bridges can be enabled


Ones the bridges are enabled select the desired width and height, finaly click on **Autogenerate Bridges**
After the bidges are generated, can be moved freely to the correct place.

---
:::info
**Resources**
Blendercam [github repo](https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam)
[Fork](https://github.com/vicobarberan/blendercam) with FablabBCN raptor machine setup (preset and post processor)
:::