Introducing Camel: CAM for OnShape, implemented in FeatureScript

jeff_brown304

Camel is a CAM application for OnShape, implemented in FeatureScript.

Use the Camel FeatureScript library to generate tool paths from a PartStudio to drive a 3-axis machine such as a CNC router. Use Camel’s companion app to download toolpaths or simply copy/paste them from the FeatureScript notices panel.

Refer to the included documentation for more details about what Camel can do how to use it.

Features:

• Define tool: Add a tool to the tool library, such as an endmill.

• Import tool: Import a tool from another document.

• Machine setup: Describe the work coordinate system for machining operations.

• Profile: Make a toolpath that follows contours along edges or around faces.

• Drill: Make a toolpath that plunges into the workpiece at one or more points.

• Post process: Generate G-Code ‘.nc’ files from toolpaths in the Part Studio.

What Camel looks like:

Why Camel?

I start writing Camel earlier this year before I had read about CAM coming to OnShape for real following PTC's acquisition of CloudMilling.  I needed CAM software to generate tool paths for my new CNC router and I thought it would be fun to try to get OnShape to do it all for me without ever having to leave the comfort of my Part Studio.  So I created Camel as a fun hobby project and I'm releasing it open source under the MIT license in the hopes that others may have fun with it as well.  If you have suggestions or would like to contribute some code, please let me know.

Cheers!
Jeff.

MichaelPascoe

Wow, this is intense! Thanks for sharing! 

jeff_brown304

Here's a screenshot with the new icons.

CAM features can be parameterized, configured, and patterned like everything else in a Part Studio.  So if you have a whole bunch of holes to make, you can define one drilling operation then use a Linear pattern to make more of the same holes elsewhere.

bryan_lagrange

This is amazing!

emagdalenaC2i

Great project @jeff_brown304

nick_papageorge073

Wow. I read through all the documentation on the shared document and it’s impressive. I have not actually tried it yet. Will soon. 

Marc_Miller

Very cool, Jeff. Great work.

jeff_brown304

Out of curiosity, have you folks played with Camel much?  I've made a few simple projects on my CNC router with it so far and even in its early state it's proven to be quite handy.

nick_papageorge073

Not me unfortunately. My cnc is still on my living room table, but haven't used it in months. ha ha.

Urs_Egger_REACT

Oh wow, that's very impressive!

MichaelPascoe

@jeff_brown304 Currently don't have easy access to a cnc router. Been pretty busy working on Unity game dev stuff.
This probably would have won the FeatureScript contest last year.

EvanReese

MichaelPascoe said:

This probably would have won the FeatureScript contest last year.

Hey! I'm right here.... but I agree.

MichaelPascoe

Oh.. hey @Evan_Reese! Didn't see you there.  

I use your Freeform spline almost every day. It's probably the feature I incorporate most in all of my workflows for people. Well, besides @Konstantin_Sh's Measure value. That one is the king of features.

EvanReese

@MichaelPascoe I'm just ribbin' ya. Not offended at all. I think there was decent luck and timing involved with winning that. Jeff should go for gold if they have another FS competition.

jeff_brown304

D’awww.  Thanks for the encouragement folks!

wout_theelen541

I've been taking a look. Overll very nice. I hope CAM studion has incorporated a few of your ideas like using tools to create variables. This will definetly save me a few hours going back and forth between OnShape and Fusion for basic prototype parts.

steven_holmes

I recently looked for this in the 'app store' but couldn't find it.  Am I missing it or is it no longer on there?

jeff_brown304

@steven_holmes It's only visible if you're a member of the beta group.  Send me an email as described in the documentation and I can add you to the group.

steven_holmes

it's sent.