Project update #9

Thank You for Your Support
This truly feels like a dream come true, and we couldn’t have done it without all of you.

We’ve been hard at work, primarily focusing on software development, as mentioned in our previous update.

The upcoming week will primarily focus on administrative tasks. We need to finalize some arrangements for the new year and complete a few items for last year’s accounting. As a result, our next update will likely be a shorter one.

Software Development

We decided to start fresh with the software. The previous version, as shown in one of our videos, was built by continuously adding features on top of each other. While this approach worked in the short term, it made it challenging to add new functionality and track bugs across the program. By starting from scratch and using more widely known open-source libraries, we’re investing extra time now to save time in the long haul.

We’re also planning to release two versions of the software:

User-Friendly Version : Designed to make it easy for anyone to create parts.

Community Version : Open-source, with advanced settings for those who want more control.

Our current focus is on completing the user-friendly version first, as it will serve as the foundation for the community version.

Timeline for Release

Some of you have asked when the software will be ready. While it’s hard to provide a specific date, we’re committed to releasing a version to our beta testers as soon as it meets our standards and is free of known bugs (If you’d like to become a beta tester, fill in this form, and we’ll contact you once the beta version is ready to be tested). 

Flexibility is key for us, this means when reliant on external factors like suppliers or certification offices, we prioritize those tasks. This allows us to keep moving forward with in-house production, design, and software development when delays arise elsewhere. So we are able to start shipping as soon as possible and never have to wait on external factors. 

Progress Highlights

Here’s a summary of the current progress across various menus in the software:

UI (User Interface)(still working on):
We’re developing a clean, easy-to-use interface. Currently, the program uses simple buttons and text modules for testing, but this will change significantly once we release the beta version.

Import Menu:
Allows users to select a file and converts it to a matrix format for the program. Currently supports STL files, with plans to add support for other 2D and 3D formats (e.g., DXF, STEP).

Slicing Parameter Menu:
This menu orients 3D files automatically (flat side up by default) but allows manual adjustments. The user-friendly version offers perpendicular adjustments, while the community version will include degree-based orientation. A real-time visualization updates as changes are made.

Cutting Settings Menu:
Here, users can select material, thickness, wire material, and diameter. Default settings adjust automatically, but users can fine-tune them. We’re also planning presets for each material (Precise, Basic, Fast).

Path Settings (still working on):
This is where we’re currently focusing. The software sets the top-right corner as the default origin (adjustable). Users can add predrilled holes or specify approaches to internal features.

Export G-Code (still working on):
The final step generates G-code from the points of the design, ready for machining.

Internal Workings

For those curious about how the software functions, here is a real quick overview:

STL Conversion:
The STL file is converted from triangles into a matrix containing triangle points and normal vectors.

Reorientation & Slicing:
The software calculates extreme coordinates to determine the sheet’s perpendicular axis, reorients the matrix, and slices the part into a 2D layer. Only triangles near the slicing plane are processed, optimizing speed.

Cutting settings:
After slicing, the kerf thickness is calculated and the 2D form is offset by half the kerf thickness to account for the wire diameter and spark gap. Internal features are offset inward.

Path Settings (still working on):
Paths are generated based on user settings. For predrilled holes, the software identifies accessible features, pauses the program at each point, and allows rethreading.

G-Code Export (still working on):
Points and speeds are compiled into a G-code file for machining.

Metric and Imperial Support

Although everything is currently written in metric units, we plan to add support for imperial units in future updates.

Thanks again for your continued support!