On: Using Python to produce "pixel" gcode for a CNC router

[tgflynn]

This is an area I've been curious about.

Is it currently possible to generate CNC instructions automatically from a 3D model or are manual steps required ?

[VBprogrammer → tgflynn]

Tool paths are generated from a 3d model. Generally there is some degree of manual intervention to determine order of operations or choosing the correct tool path algorithm.

The below is a good read if you are particularly interested.

http://lcamtuf.coredump.cx/gcnc/

[robotico → tgflynn]

I would agree with VBprogrammer's response - "Automatic" tools are available, but generally it takes some work to get everything correct.