List of alternatives approaches to CNC

Author: smoe

community/index.md

@@ -64,4 +64,101 @@ LinuxCNC](/docs/html/code/contributing-to-linuxcnc.html).
 * Our primary real-time chat is in the *#linuxcnc-devel* channel on [irc.libera.chat](https://libera.chat).
   You can use [web chat](https://web.libera.chat/) or
   [connect with your own client](https://libera.chat/guides/connect).
-  The chat is [logged](http://tom-itx.no-ip.biz:81/~tom-itx/irc/logs/%23linuxcnc-devel/index.html) by community member Tom L.
+  The chat is [logged](http://tom-itx.no-ip.biz:81/~tom-itx/irc/libera/logs/%23linuxcnc-devel/index.html) by community member Tom L., and historical logs from freenode are [also available](http://tom-itx.no-ip.biz:81/~tom-itx/irc/logs/%23linuxcnc-devel/index.html).
+
+## Related products
+
+LinuxCNC or its derivatives are not the only CNC motion controllers.
+There are many alternatives - coming in all shades from very Open Source to stricly commercial.
+Also, all these CNC controllers will likely be embedded in larger workflows for which these are post-processors of data from CAD/CAM software.
+And every piece of software has its very own community.
+
+### Simulators
+
+ * [CAMotics](https://camotics.org/) shows how G-code is executed
+
+### CNC controllers
+
+Controlling the motors themselves, access steppers/servos (or their drivers) directly or via non-intelligent cards like EtherCat or parallel ports.
+
+ * [GRBL](https://github.com/gnea/grbl) OpenSource, for use on Arduino
+ * [LinuxCNC](https://www.linuxcnc.org) OpenSource, for Linux, low-latency with real-time kernel
+ * [Mach3](https://www.machsupport.com/software/mach3/) non-free, low-cost, for Windows
+ * [Mach4](https://www.machsupport.com/software/mach4/) non-free, low-cost, for Windows
+ * [Marlin](https://marlinfw.org/) Open Source, for use on Arduino or the [BigTreeTech GRC](https://www.biqu.equipment/de/products/bigtreetech-gtr-v1-0-bigtreetech-m5-v1-0-11-axis-3d-printer-motherboard)
+ * [KMotion](https://www.dynomotion.com/software.html)
+ * [OpenBuilds CONTROL](https://software.openbuilds.com/#) OpenSource
+ * [RoboticSys](https://roboticsys.com/rmp-ethercat-motion-controller/)
+ * [TurboCNC](http://www.dakeng.com/turbo.html) OpenSource, for DOS
+
+In need of specialized hardware
+
+ * [Acorn CNC](https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/acorn_cnc_controller.html) non-free, low-cost, for Windows
+ * [Duet](https://www.duet3d.com/) Open Source, connects via SPI to an RPi or also features its own web interface.
+   Board includes drivers for steppers, under control of a modern TMC5160 chip.
+   Provides its own G-code interface, with changes for adapting [from a 3D Printing background to CNC](https://duet3d.dozuki.com/Wiki/Configuring_RepRapFirmware_for_a_CNC_machine).
+ * [Drufel](https://drufelcnc.com)
+ * [Estlcam](https://estlcam.de/) hardware is Open Source, software not, for Windows
+ * [EdingCNC](https://edingcnc.com)
+ * [KineticNC](https://www.cnc-step.de/cnc-software/kinetic-nc-netzwerk-steuerungssoftware/) from CNC-STEP needs ZERO-3 interface
+ * [nccad](http://www.max-computer.de/x5e/index.html) non-free, for Windows
+ * [ShopBot](https://www.shopbottools.com/support/control-software) needs a Control-Box
+
+High-end
+ 
+ * [Fanuc](https://www.fanuc.eu/de/de/cnc/cnc-system)
+ * [Heidenhein](https://www.heidenhain.de/)
+ * [Isel](https://www.isel.com) [Remote-NC](https://www.isel.com/de/remote-nc.html) and [Pal-PC](https://www.isel.com/de/pal-pc.html)
+ * [Sinumerik](https://new.siemens.com/de/de/produkte/automatisierung/systeme/cnc-sinumerik/cnc-steuerungen.html)
+
+
+### CAM
+ 
+Contol an interface that interprets its output, likely G-code, with no direct contact to the machine performing the milling
+
+ * [Alibre](https://www.alibre.com/)
+ * [Aspire](https://www.cnc-step.de/cnc-software/aspire/)
+ * [BlenderCAM](https://github.com/vilemduha/blendercam/wiki) OpenSource
+ * [BobCAD-CAM](https://bobcad.com/) non-free CAM modules for SolidWorks
+ * [CamBam](http://www.cambam.co.uk/) non-free
+ * [DeskCNC](http://www.deskcnc.com/Features.html) non-free
+ * [Dolphin](https://www.dolphincadcam.com/) non-free
+ * [EdgeCAM](https://www.edgecam.com/)
+ * [Estlcam](https://estlcam.de/)
+ * [Fusion360](https://www.autodesk.com) non-free
+ * [FreeMill](https://mecsoft.com/freemill/) free
+ * [GibbsCAM](https://www.gibbscam.com/)
+ * [MasterCAM](https://www.mastercam.com/)
+ * [MeshCAM](http://www.grzsoftware.com/)
+ * [nccad](http://www.max-computer.de/x5e/index.html)
+ * [OpenBuilds CAM](https://software.openbuilds.com/#)
+ * [OpenCAMLib](https://github.com/aewallin/opencamlib) OpenSource Python library to generate toolpaths, compatible with BlenderCAM
+ * [OneCNC](https://onecnc.net/) non-free
+ * [SprutCAM](https://sprutcam.com/) non-free
+ * [VisualCADCAM](https://mecsoft.com/visualcadcam/) non-free
+ * [WinPC-NC](https://www.lewetz.de/de/sample-sites-2/winpc-nc/uebersicht)
+
+### CAD
+
+Software that crafts something from which then CAM can generate G-code
+
+ * [AutoCAD](https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview) non-free
+ * [Blender](https://www.blender.org/) OpenSource, known for the nice movies
+ * [BobCAD-CAM](https://bobcad.com/products/cad-design-software) non-free CAM modules for SolidWorks
+ * [CorelCAD](https://www.coreldraw.com/en/product/corel-cad/) for Windows and Mac
+ * [DesKAM](http://www.deskam.com/) non-free Windows for engraving
+ * [Dolphin](https://www.dolphincadcam.com/) non-free
+ * [FreeCAD](https://www.freecad.org) OpenSource
+ * [Fusion360](https://www.autodesk.com) non-free
+ * [Moi](http://moi3d.com/) non-free
+ * [nccad](http://www.max-computer.de/x5e/index.html)
+ * [OneCNC](https://onecnc.net/) non-free
+ * [Rhino](https://www.rhino3d.com/) non-free for Windows and Mac
+ * [SketchUp](http://sketchup.google.com/) non-free
+ * [SolidEdge](https://solidedge.siemens.com/) non-free
+ * [SolidWorks](https://www.solidworks.com/) non-free, low-cost entry price, physics simulations
+ * [TinkerCAD](https://www.tinkercad.com/) free as in beer, web-only
+ * [TrueSpace](https://download.cnet.com/TrueSpace/3000-6677_4-10187286.html) free as in beer
+ * [TurboCAD](https://www.turbocad.com/) non-free
+ * [VisualCADCAM](https://mecsoft.com/visualcadcam/) non-free
+ * [Wings 3D](http://www.wings3d.com/) Open Source