Introduction
FluidNC is a CNC firmware optimized for the ESP32 controller. It is the next generation of firmware from the creators of Grbl_ESP32. It includes a web based UI and the flexibility to operate a wide variety of machine types. This includes the ability to control machines with multiple tool types such as laser plus spindle or a tool changer.
Firmware Architecture
- Object-Oriented hierarchical design
- Hardware abstraction for machine features like spindles, motors, and stepper drivers
- Extensible - Adding new features is much easier for the firmware as well as gcode senders.
Machine Definition Method
There is no need to compile the firmware. You use an installation script to upload the latest release of the firmware and then create config file text file that describes your machine. That file is uploaded to the FLASH on the ESP32 using the USB/Serial port or WIFI.
You can have multiple config files stored on the ESP32. The default is config.yaml, but you can change that with $Config/Filename=<myOtherConfig.yaml>
AI Config File Helpers
Writing a config file by hand (or with the help of an AI assistant) can be error-prone given how many sections and fields FluidNC supports. The tools/ directory has a formal spec, a JSON Schema, a command-line validator, and an MCP server that an AI assistant can call directly to check its own work. See AI Config File Helpers on the wiki for details.
Basic Grbl Compatibility
The intent is to maintain as much Grbl compatibility as possible. It is 100% compatible with the day to day operations of running gcode with a sender, so there is no change to the Grbl gcode send/response protocol, and all Grbl gcode are supported. Most of the $ settings have been replaced with easily readable items in the config file.
WebUI
FluidNC includes a built-in browser-based Web UI (Esp32_WebUI) so you control the machine from a PC, phone, or tablet on the same Wifi network.
Wiki
Check out the wiki if you want the learn more about the feature or how to use it.
Credits
The original Grbl is an awesome project by Sungeon (Sonny) Jeon. I have known him for many years and he is always very helpful. I have used Grbl on many projects.
The Wifi and WebUI is based on this project.
Discussion
We have a Discord server for the development this project. Ask for an invite
Donations
This project requires a lot of work and often expensive items for testing. Please consider a safe, secure and highly appreciated donation via the PayPal link below or via the GitHub sponsor link at the top of the page.
