JenCNC is a full-featured 3D CNC Software package designed exclusively to run Animatics SmartMotors. It combines features of both a CAD/CAM and a Motion-Control Software package into a unique graphical user interface for controlling 2 to 4 SmartMotors in true 3D coordinated motion. With real time 2D and 3D plotting to the screen, DXF-to-G-Code conversion and Conversational G-Code building; this is just the beginning to get your CNC machine up and running in no time.

JenCNC utilizes a simple Serial interface to communicate with and control SmartMotors. With custom tailored algorithms, motion is optimized for smooth control and continuous operation for all your machining needs.

With its ability to run in a constant vector velocity regardless of changes in direction, the software is ideal where dispensing or flow rate of glue or adhesives is critical to a given process. JenCNC has been built upon 3 years of in-field testing and customer feedback in real-world applications including:

• Routers (gantry machining of aluminum, foam, vinyl and wood) • Hot-wire EPS foam cutting • Plasma (oxy-fuel) cutting • Machining forms for vacuum-form molding of plastics • Milling machine retrofits • Sign making • Engraving • CNC drilling • Gasket cutting • Adhesive applicators • Quilting Machines

Our goal is to continuously add to its capabilities according to the needs and demands of customers to provide the best possible solution for any need that may arise. Custom features can be added at a competitive rate. Please consult the factory for more information.

Overview of just some of the features that aid in increased throughput and quality:

• Upon Start-up, JenCNC automatically detects motors and does a system update if any motor was changed out.
  This allows the software shortcut to be placed in the Start-up directory of Windows to allow automatic restart on loss of power making it simpler for operators.
• A full Machine settings window allows for customization to physical dimensions of the machining space.
• Machine tolerance levels can be set to ensure no product damage occurs in the unlikely event of motor drop-out or path divergence.
• Slow-down proportional-to-angle is a feature that can be tailored to minimize machining time while providing the best surface finish through sharp turns.
  
• Customizable G-Codes for user-defined tooling positions.
• Customizable M-Codes for I/O control and SmartMotor commands or subroutine calls
• Ability to call G-Code subroutines.
• Ability to repeat a section of G-code.
  
• Z-Axis (tool length) offsets.
• SAE or metric scaling.
• On-screen and keyboard real-time jogging.
• Auto-Detection of Windows compatible Joystick for Jog control.
• Menu selectable Inputs set-up window.
• Wait-On-Input definable M-Codes.
• Customizable outputs assignable to user-definable M-Codes.
• Can automatically send user defined SmartMotor commands on boot-up.
• Terminal screen diagnostics page for testing/troubleshooting.
• User selectable homing routines with configurable offsets.
• Advanced settings screen includes events set-up for E-Stop conditions.
• Simulation mode (dry run)

Machine Setup:

Users will find it quick and easy to setup machines with built-in aids to optimize to specific needs:

G-Code Code Builder:

JenCNC’s G-Code builder allows the user to fill in the blank to automatically create G-Code for:

• Rapid Moves
• Circle Cutout
• Rectangular Cutout
• Rectangular Pocket
• Drill Bolt-Hole Pattern
• Resurface Table (lap grinding)

Example Screenshot of Conversational G-Code Builder:

DXF to G-Code Converter:

JenCNC’s built-in DXF-to-G-Code converter allows the user to open up and view DXF files. Once in view, the user can select entities in the order they wish to have the motors move. The Converter includes a setup for user-specific Z-Axis G-Code, which could include I/O control, as well as Motor Control of the Z-Axis. If the user left-clicks from one entity to the next, the Z-Axis motion G-Code is automatically generated.

G-Code Modifier:

All entities connected end-point to end-point will produce a continuous path until the need of the selection is reached. If the interpreter comes to a “Y” in the path, it will choose the path of least resistance (angular displacement).

There is an additional “Join” tolerance set-up. The user can set the distance tolerance form one entity to the next in case the entities are not actually connected at their end-points. If within that tolerance, the interpreter will assume connection and continue the path through the entities as one continuous motion. This can be very useful if the original DXF file was created freehand as part of an artist rendering where O-Snaps may not have been used.

JenCNC has DXF Output too!

JenCNC allows the operator to jog to and record multiple positions while creating G-Code commands for each position automatically. The G-code can then be exported as a DXF file to be edited in AutoCAD.

JenCNC G-Codes Implementation
G-Codes not listed below are ignored by the interpreter