International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 4 Issue 3, April 2020 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

Operating CNC & Laser Machine Everywhere using IoT

Akash Kumar R1, Vijay Prasath P1, Bala Jambu R1, Miss. Julia Faith S2
1UG
Scholar, 2Assistant Professor,
1,2Department of IT, S.A Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Akash Kumar R |

Computer numerical control (CNC) is programmed code that represents Vijay Prasath P | Bala Jambu R | Miss. Julia
instructions for precise movements to be carried out by machines. Indirectly, Faith S "Operating CNC & Laser Machine
this code defines how to automatically create, produce, or transform a virtual Everywhere using IoT" Published in
object into a real one. Laser GRBL is one of the best Windows International Journal
GCodestreamer for DIY Laser Engraver. Laser GRBL can load and stream of Trend in Scientific
GCode path to Arduino, as well as engrave images, pictures and logo with the Research and
internal conversion tool. grbl is a fantastically simple and economical g-code Development
interpreter and CNC stepper motor controller for the Arduino, there doesn’t (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-
seem to be much information on how an average or new Arduino user should 6470, Volume-4 |
interface with it or how it works internally. Issue-3, April 2020, IJTSRD30027
pp.327-331, URL:
KEYWORDS: CNC machine, IoT, lasergrbl, grblcontroller www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd30027.pdf

Copyright © 2020 by author(s) and

International Journal of Trend in Scientific
Research and Development Journal. This
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Commons Attribution
License (CC BY 4.0)
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by
/4.0)
1. INTRODUCTION
IOT
The internet of things (IoT) is a computing concept that
Converting the CAD model into a CNC program
describes a scenario where everyday physical objects are
Setting up the CNC milling machine
connected to the internet and can identify themselves to
Executing the milling operation
other devices or processes, via an IP address. IoT is
significant because an object that can represent itself The CNC milling process begins with the creation of a 2D or
digitally becomes something greater than the object by itself. 3D CAD part design then the completed design is exported to
No longer does the object just relate to the process; it now a CNC-compatible file format and converted by CAM
connects to surrounding objects and database data, software into a CNC machine program which dictates the
permitting “big data” analytics and insights. In particular, actions of the machine and the movements of the tooling
“things” might communicate autonomously with other things across the work piece. Before the operator runs the CNC
and other devices, such as sensors in manufacturing program, they prepare the CNC milling machine by affixing
environments or an activity tracker with a smart phone. IoT the work piece to the machine’s work surface (i.e.,
has evolved from the convergence of wireless technologies, worktable) or work holding device (e.g., vise), and attaching
micro-electromechanical systems, micro services and the the milling tools to the machine spindle. The CNC milling
internet. process employs horizontal or vertical CNC-enabled milling
machines—depending on the specifications and
CNC machine introduction requirements of the milling application—and rotating multi-
Milling machine is the process of cutting and drilling point (i.e., multi-toothed) cutting tools, such as mills and
material (like wood or metal). A milling machine, regardless drills. When the machine is ready, the operator launches the
of whether it’s operated manually or through CNC, uses a program via the machine interface prompting the machine to
rotating cylindrical tool called a milling cutter. It is held in a execute the milling operation.
spindle and can vary in form and size. Like
most conventional mechanical CNC machining processes, the Once the CNC milling process is initiated, the machine begins
CNC milling process utilizes computerized controls to rotating the cutting tool at speeds reaching up to thousands
operate and manipulate machine tools which cut and shape of RPM. Depending on the type of milling machine employed
stock material. In addition, the process follows the same and the requirements of the milling application, as the tool
basic production stages which all CNC machining processes cuts into the work piece, the machine will perform one of the
do, including: following actions to produce the necessary cuts on the work

Designing a CAD model piece:

@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD30027 | Volume – 4 | Issue – 3 | March-April 2020 Page 327
 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
1. Slowly feed the work piece into the stationary, rotating Arduino. If the maker movement was an industry, Grbl
tool would be the industry standard.
2. Move the tool across the stationary work piece
3. Move both the tool and work piece in relation to each Most open source 3D printers have Grbl in their hearts. It has
other been adapted for use in hundreds of projects including laser
cutters, automatic hand writers, hole drillers, graffiti
As opposed to manual milling processes, in CNC milling, painters and oddball drawing machines. Due to its
typically the machine feeds moveable work pieces with the performance, simplicity and frugal hardware requirements
rotation of the cutting tool rather than against it. Milling Grbl has grown into a little open source phenomenon.
operations which abide by this convention are known as In 2009, SimenSvaleSkogsrud (http://bengler.no/grbl)
climb milling processes, while contrary operations are graced the open-source community by writing and releasing
known as conventional milling processes. the early versions of Grbl to everyone (inspired by the
Arduino G-code Interpreter by Mike Ellery).
Raspberry pi
Arguably the most popular single board computer (SBC)
.Easy to get started with because basically every problem is
documented. Add a computer with an OS to practically
anything Support for a vast array of peripherals (thanks to
the Linux kernel).USB devices, networking, displays,
cameras, audio etc.

The Raspberry Pi is a series of small board computers

developed in the United Kingdom by the Raspberry Pi
Foundation to promote teaching of basic in schools and
in developing countries. The original model became far more
popular than anticipated, selling outside its target market for
uses such as robotics. It does not include peripherals (such 2. TERMINOLOGY
as keyboards and mice) or cases However, some accessories GRBL CONTROLLER
have been included in several official and unofficial bundles. grbl is a fantastically simple and economical g-code
interpreter and CNC stepper motor controller for the
Arduino, there doesn’t seem to be much information on how
an average or new Arduino user should interface with it or
how it works internally. So, here’s a shot at filling that gap.
(As of this writing, grbl versions are master 0.6b and edge
0.7b)

The first thing that people should know about grbl is that its
designed to be simple and barebones. It is not a complete
solution for all CNC milling, but it is rather it seems to be
intended as a starting point for anyone building a 3-axis
cartesian-type mill, router, laser cutter, 3d printer, etc. It
The first two models were developed by the Raspberry Pi started as a stripped down and general-use port of the
Foundation. After the Pi Model B was released, the ReprapArduinoGCode Interpreter, which is more geared for
Foundation set up Raspberry Pi Trading, with Eben Upton as 3d printing only.
CEO, to develop the third model, the B+. Raspberry Pi
Trading is responsible for developing the technology while Grbl works primarily through the Arduino serial port
the Foundation is an educational charity to promote the interface and needs a constant stream of g-code commands
teaching of basic computer science in schools and in sent via a computer or some other means. Grbl accepts and
developing countries. processes single g-code blocks followed by a carriage return,
ignoring gcode comments and block delete characters. It
According to the Raspberry Pi Foundation, more than 5 returns an ‘ok’ or ‘error:X’ message when it has processed
million Raspberry Pis were sold by February 2015, making it the block and is ready for more information. A simple ruby
the best-selling British computer By November 2016 they script for g-code streaming is supplied in the code base for
had sold 11 million units, and 12.5m by March 2017, making reference. Python scripts also work very well for streaming
it the third best-selling "general purpose computer "In July grbl g-code, but ultimately it’s up to the user in how to
2017, sales reached nearly 15 million. In March 2018, sales interface with it.
reached 19 million.
To get an idea how grbl works internally, there are
Most Pis are made in a Sony factory in Pen coed, Wales. Some essentially two programs running concurrently on grbl. The
are made in China and Japan. main program reads the serial port for g-code commands,
parses them, then passes it to an acceleration/feedrate
GRBL planner, and finally places the event into a ring buffer (max 5
Grbl is a free, open source, high performance software for blocks for 168 and 16 blocks for 328p Arduinos.) The other
controlling the motion of machines that move, that make program is interrupt driven and works in the background. It
things, or that make things move, and will run on a straight controls the stepper motors and sends step pulses and

@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD30027 | Volume – 4 | Issue – 3 | March-April 2020 Page 328
 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
direction bits to the stepper driver pins. It sequentially 4. Command log and command return codes: show
processes through the ring buffer events, FIFO-style, until it enqueued commands and their execution status and
is empty. errors.
5. Jogging control: allow manual positioning of the laser.
For the most part, the main program will continually accept The left vertical slider control movement speed, right
new gcode blocks as quickly as it can be processed as long as slider control step size.
there is room in the buffer. If the buffer is full, the grbl will 6. Engraving preview: this area show final work preview.
not send a response until the interrupt program has finished During engraving a small blue cross will show current
an event and cleared it from the buffer. For streaming, this laser position at runtime.
means the user interface should always wait for an ‘ok’ or 7. Grbl reset/homing/unlock: this buttons submit soft-
‘error’ response from grbl before sending a new g-code reset, homing and unlock command to grbl board. On
block. Also, the data stream should be steady and the right of unlock button you can add some user
uninterrupted to minimize the chance of ‘data starving’ grbl, defined buttons.
aka emptying the buffer, which will cause unintended 8. Feed hold and resume: this buttons can suspend and
hiccups in the CNC movements. resume program execution sending Feed Hold or
Resume command to grbl board.
As for external interfaces, there are only XYZ limit switches. 9. Line count and time projection: Laser GRBL could
Other features, such as pause/halt, variable speed reductions estimate program execution time based on actual speed
for proofing, homing cycles, real-time jogging or manual and job progress.
interface, are currently not supported or are in development. 10. Overrides status a control: show and change actual
It should be noted that some of these features are left to the speed and power override. Overrides is a new feature
user to decide to add, mainly to stay with the vision of of grbl v1.1 and is not supported in the older version.
simplicity and portability. Canned cycles and tool radius
compensation/offsets are not supported, but this may be 3. PROPOSED METHODOLOGY
handled by an external preprocessor that has yet to be LASER GRBL
written. Also, there is currently no protocol in querying or PWM SUPPORT
broadcasting the current status of grbl, as in the size of the If your Laser does not support power modulation via ttl-
ring buffer, distance to go on current block, and current pwm with S code, but only ON-OFF operation by M3-M5,
position. please uncheck this flag.

For all the cool stuff that grbl can do, there are also still some
bugs that are being ironed out. G02/03 arcs are not
supported by the acceleration planner and intentionally
forces the ring buffer to empty, causing some short motion
hiccups when the main program has to process a new g-code
block to fill the ring buffer and weird accelerations coming
into and out of an arc. Although, there has been a lot
development here to solve this problem recently and should
be ironed out soon. The same could be said of the
acceleration planner itself in terms of improving speed and
robustness. G04 dwelling forces the ring buffer to empty as
well, but doesn’t really pose too much of an issue other than
having to re-fill an empty buffer upon resuming.

Regardless of its minor ‘issues’, grbl has a lot of potential and

creates a wonderful and economical introduction to a large All Laser GRBL feature that require power modulation will
potential audience of makers and DIYers into the world of be hidden, and laser control will be done only via M3-M5
CNC. Even then, the possibilities for other applications, such instead of S command.
as expanding to 6-axis hexapods or robotics, are very
exciting. Anyhow, for about 95% of things that any home LASER MODE
user would want to do with grbl, it will work as is. For the Starting from GRBL v1.1 there is a new feature of GRBL
other 5%, like precision machining or production, there is called “Laser Mode”. If you have “Laser Mode” enabled in
still a ways to go, but it’s getting there. your arduino, all the G0 rapid movement will be executed
with laser turned off.
Laser GRBL
1. Connection control: here you can select serial port If “Laser Mode” is enabled in your hardware please check
and proper baud rate for connection, according to grbl this flag, so Laser GRBL will render G0 movement correctly,
firmware configuration. also with external generated gcode files.
2. File control: this show loaded filename and engraving
process progress. The green “Play” button will start PROTOCOL
program execution. LaserGRBL can connect via standard USB/Serial protocol but
3. Manual commands: you can type any G-Code line here also via WebSocket or Telnet using a small WiFi module that
and press “enter”. Commands will be enqueued to act as bridge.
command queue.
Read WiFi with ESP8266 for more information and
instruction.

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
STREAMING MODE

Buffered [recommended]: implement the “character-
counting” streaming mode, as documented in grbl
reference. Buffered is more optimized since it send more
than one command to grbl/arduino queue preventing
dead times.

Synchronous: implement the “simple-send-response”
mode. Synchronous send one command, wait for the
complete execution and response (either ok or error)
then send the next command.

Repeat On Error: is the same of Synchronous but add the
feature to repeat command if grbl report error (max 3
times). Some time could be useful with electrical noise 4. LITERATURE SURVEY
on USB/serial line. The expansion in the fast development of innovation
altogether expanded the use and usage of CNC machines yet
THREADING MODE is costly. This paper examines the outline viewpoints and
Laser GRBL claim to be faster than any others gcode mach inability investigation of low cost CNC machine cum
streamer. Unfortunately not all hardware support all this engraver which is fit for 3-axis synchronous operation with
speed. If you experience issues with your controller you can less complexity. The additional Bluetooth highlight makes
set slower modes. the machine more easy to use to work utilizing a cell phone

[Slow] StatusQuery = 2000, LongSleep = 15, ShortSleep separated from USB. The lower cost is accomplished by
=4 interfacing standard PC with microcontroller based CNC

[Quiet] StatusQuery = 1000, LongSleep = 10, ShortSleep framework in an Arduino based embedded system. After the
=2 completion of machining, experimental trials to define

[Fast] StatusQuery = 500, LongSleep = 5, ShortSleep = 1 machining parameters were held. The purpose of the Self-

[UltraFast] StatusQuery = 200, LongSleep = 1, Guided CNC project is to construct a functional CNC type
ShortSleep = 0 machine capable of tracking lines on and object to guide the

[Insane] StatusQuery = 100, LongSleep = 0, ShortSleep = armature in cutting the piece correctly. The device would be
0 capable of functioning independent of off-board computers
for both operation and determining cutting paths. The goal is
GRBL CONTROLLER not only high-precision cuts but also design and plot.
Preparing

Power up Arduino and shield Nowadays with a digital control it’s become more and more

With motor off, manually position milling bit over origin useful to use such machine tools with simple a coded
(0,0) on the work piece. The origin is the intersection of software. This paper will present the design and fabrication
X and Y on your CAD drawing. of Laser Powered 3-axis computer numerically-controlled

Start Grbl Controller (CNC) machine which comprise the use of a graphical user

Select COM port and open interface (GUI) and Arduino micro-controller to produce
pulse-width modulation (PWM) outputs in order to run the
Adjusting stepper motors that will be used in this work. A simple mini

Choose appropriate step size (start with 1) 3-axis CNC is previously used precisely surfaced designed for

Press the Z down button, the milling bit should move snapping of wood, plastic sheet and thin sheet of metal alloy
down towards the work piece 1 mm. The Z jog speed can by using a rotating drill bit which its accuracy is much lesser
be adjusted in menu Tools -> Options than using a lesser cutter techniques this machine tool is

Repeat until the the bit is almost touching portable and it’s controlled by computer (PC). Design and

Turn on motor Fabrication of mini CNC with works pace of 130mm x

Press Grbl Controller’s Reset button to zero the Arduino 130mm using a precision Stepper motors that combined
Grbl code with belt & pulleys help in moving the axis smoothly on
linearity bearings that increases a more precisely results
Sending G-code obtained.

Choose Send GCode radio button

Open desired file, usually .nc Downward trend in laser technology price and increase of

Press Begin. If for some reason there is a long, slow the accuracy achieved has allowed it to acquire a new
traverse, the controller may time out. Increase timeout dimension in recent times. This paper proposes, with a
value in Tools -> Options practical approach, focusing on the RF field, the use of an
innovative low-cost laser technology as part of the practical
Finish syllabus of an Advanced Electronics Prototyping Techniques

Turn off motor when milling is complete course or similar.

Emergency It provides with conceptual understanding on industrial

Press the Reset, Stop or Close button on Grbl Controller manufacturing limitations while studying different materials
– the steppers should stop within a second or two. If not, engraving, professional software suites and PCB Exposure, in
power off your shield contrast with the expensive CNC milling methods typically
used, an alternative cheaper laser engraving technique.

@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD30027 | Volume – 4 | Issue – 3 | March-April 2020 Page 330
 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
G-CODE Low-cost CNC Plotter Using Spare Parts” International
draw a text file or design a circuit layout by the CNC plotter Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT),
firstly the files need to be converted into G-Code. G-Code is a 6 -January 2017.
set of instruction that contains number of X, Y, Z, coordinates
[4] Student, EXTC Department, DES’s COET Dhamangaon
depending on the file. G-Code instructs X axis of the machine
Rly, India “Arduino Based Cost Effective CNC Plotter
to travel from X1 to X2 points with a specific speed and same
Machine” International Journal of Emerging
is true for Y axis, but for Z axis the coordinates are fixed
Technologies in Engineering Research (IJETER)
because only vertically up & down movements are involved.
February (2018).
5. Advantages [5] Rajesh Kannan Megalingam1*, Shree Rajesh Raagul

Operate from various locations using IoT Vadivel2, Sreekumar S3, Swathi Sekhar4, “Design and

Picture engraving with grayscale conversion Implementation of CNC Milling Bot for Milled Circuit

Picture engraving with dithering conversion Board Fabrication “International Journal of Engineering

Image vectorization Technology.

Perfect cut with Laser GRBL [6] Jose carlos Martinez durillo1*, Andres roldan Aranda

Custom buttons “low-cost Laser Cutter and PCB exposure” TAEE 2018.

Faster Image Import
[7] Raja Ganapathi Kamal Prasath Balaji “A Build-Your-Own

Grayscale conversion parameters
Open Source CNC Milling Machine Fabrication and User
Manual” MHRD Teaching Learning Centre for Design
6. CONCLUSION
and Manufacturing –December 2016.
Thus from our system, the user can control COMPUTER
NUMERICAL CONTROL Machine & laser machine from [8] subaneshan, Aravind “Getting started with CNC LASER
various locations using IoT. Using this system the small scale Engraving Machine” MHRD Teaching Learning Centre
Industries can make huge profit since they are controlling for Design and Manufacturing –June 2018.
the machines from remote locations. we hope that in future
[9] Rajesh Kannan Megalingam1*, Shree Rajesh Raagul
using the same technology many applications Can be
Vadivel2, Sreekumar S3, “Design and Implementation of
developed to controle various other machines.
C Milling Bot for Milled Circuit Board Fabrication
“International Journal of Engineering & Technology.
7. REFERENCES
[1] Rashid Khalid Hilal Al Habsi and G. R. Rameshkumar [10] Abhinav Gandhi and M. Sangeetha “Development of an
“Design and Fabrication of 3-Axis Computer Numerical Image Processing Algorithm for Smart CNC Machines
Control (CNC) Laser Cutter” INTERNATIONAL “IEIE transactions on smart processing and computing-
JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES AND June 2018.
ENGINEERING, JUNE 2016.
[11] Tanzim Ahmed Khan, Mohammad Samiul Haque Samiu,
[2] Infantantoabishek.J1, Nandhagopal.V.S1, Kesavan.S1 “A Micro-Controller Controlled 3 Axis CNC Machine for
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Technology (IJARBEST), March 2018.
[12] Supriya Firangi, Megha BS, “An Automated CNC
[3] Mohammad Kamruzzaman Khan Prince1, Mukaddem Machine” International Journal of Scientific Research &
Ansary2, Abu Shafwan Mondol3 “Implementation of a Engineering Trends May-Jun-2019

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