lathecode

Text format for lathe parts and other objects with circular symmetry. Defines stock dimensions and substractions that should be made from it right-to-left just like a part is processed in a typical lathe. Allows to specify tools, pass depths and speeds.

Supports conversion to STL. When stock size and tool is specified, supports conversion to GCode. Try it in the online editor.

Examples

Smallest possible lathecode file describing 7mm long ø6mm pin can be read as "Length 7mm, Diameter 6mm":

L7 D6

Smallest possible lathecode to cut same pin from ø10mm stock with a 3mm wide parting blade:

STOCK R5
TOOL RECT R0.2 L3
L7 R3
L3

Tool is assumed to be zeroed on the centerline, right corner of the stock. Default pass depth is 0.5mm, cutting speed 50mm/min, parting speed 10mm/min, move speed 200mm/min. This can be adjusted with a FEED line.

To make a cone, specify start and end diameter or radius. MT2 to B16 arbor can be specified like:

L80 DS14.9 DE17.78
L2 D15.733 ; spacer
L24 DS15.733 DE14.5

Adding INSIDE line makes all the following lines describe inner material removal.

Here's the full expressive power of the format, X stands for a number:

; part name / title
; other description lines
UNITS MM|CM|M|FT|IN ; default mm
STOCK RX[ AX] ; radius and optional #angles for rectangular or hex stock
TOOL RECT|ROUND RX[ LX][ HX] ; lathe cutting tool radius, width, height
FEED[ MOVEX][ PASSX][ PARTX] ; feed in units/min

LX
LX RX|DX ; cylinder with given length and radius/diameter
LX RSX|DSX REX|DEX ; cones and chamfers
LX RSX|DSX REX|DEX CONV|CONC ; for concave or convex arcs (quarter-circle)

INSIDE
LX ...

PEG.js grammar

start =
comment* units?
comment* stock?
comment* tool?
comment* depth?
comment* feed?
(comment* lathe)*
(comment* inside (comment* lathe)+)?
comment*

units = "UNITS" spaces unitType comment
unitType = "MM" / "CM" / "M" / "FT" / "IN"

stock = "STOCK" spaces stockParams comment
stockParams = ("R" / "D") float ("A" float)?

tool = "TOOL" spaces toolType spaces toolParams comment
toolType = "RECT" / "ROUND"
toolParams =
("R" float)?
("L" float)? // length
("H" float)? // height

depth = "DEPTH" spaces depthParams comment
depthParams = ("CUT" float)? ("FINISH" float)?

feed = "FEED" spaces feedParams comment
feedParams = ("MOVE" float)? ("PASS" float)? ("PART" float)?

inside = "INSIDE" comment

lathe =
"L" float comment /
"L" float ("D" / "R") float comment /
"L" float ("DS" / "RS") float ("DE" / "RE") float curveType? comment
curveType = "CONV" / "CONC"

comment = spaces a:(";" (!eol .)*)? eol { return text().substring(1).trim() }
float = digits ("." digits)? spaces { return parseFloat(text()); }
digits = digit+
digit = [0-9]
spaces = space* { return null }
space = " "
eol = ("\r")? "\n"

Development

If you'd like to edit the online editor code e.g. to modify the online editor, use npm run dev for local runs, npm test to run tests and npm run build to build the docs/index.html all-in-one editor webpage.