PureCutCNC

PureCutCNC is a browser-based 2.5D CAD / CAM workspace for designing parts, defining machining operations, previewing toolpaths, and checking the result in 3D and simulation before export. The core focus is 2.5D, but the app also handles 3D surface machining of imported meshes (rough and finish passes).

The durable product scope, supported surfaces, terminology, and CNC safety contract are defined in PROJECT.md. Contributors and AI agents should start at INDEX.md and follow AGENTS.md.

It is aimed at the kind of work where you want one place to:

• draw or import geometry
• organize features into machinable shapes
• assign operations such as pockets, contours, carving, and V-carving
• inspect the toolpath strategy visually
• export the result when it looks right

What You Can Do

Sketch geometry

Create and edit geometry directly in the Sketch view:

• rectangles, circles, polygons, splines, and composite profiles
• text features with built-in vector fonts
• tabs and clamps
• backdrop images for tracing

• grid snapping
• feature / point / line / midpoint / center snapping
• marquee selection
• move, copy, resize, rotate, and offset transforms
• direct sketch editing with point add / delete / move and corner fillets
• on-canvas measurements while drawing and editing

Import geometry

Import source geometry and continue working with it as native sketch features:

• SVG import
• DXF import

Import 3D models

Import STL, OBJ, and STEP models to drive 3D surface machining:

• STL import (binary and ASCII)
• OBJ import
• STEP import (.step / .stp): tessellated at a surface tolerance you choose, with the units the file declares; each solid becomes its own model feature
• axis orientation swaps for parts authored in a different up-axis
• automatic silhouette extraction so the mesh appears as a sketch feature you can position, transform, and use as a region

Convert an external CAM post-processor

A standalone command-line converter turns an existing Visual Mill, Vectric/ Estlcam, ArtCAM, ECam, SheetCAM, Autodesk HSM/Inventor, or Mastercam post-processor file into a PureCutCNC machine definition, when the source's relevant behavior can be represented exactly:

npm run convert-post-processor -- --input <file> --output <file>.json

It never runs the vendor file's own scripting language, and it always produces a full report of exactly what was and wasn't carried over. See src/postProcessorConverter/README.md for flags, supported formats, and worked examples, or planning/Post_Processor_Converter_Design.md for the report contract and safety details. Review the output in the app's advanced machine-definition editor before use.

Work with text

Text is handled as an editable feature rather than exploded letter geometry.

Current text support includes:

• single-line text
• skeleton and outline text styles
• built-in font selection
• shared operation and Z settings across the text feature
• transform support through a text frame

Define CAM operations

Operations are created from selected geometry and managed in the CAM panel.

Current operation set includes:

• Pocket Rough
• Pocket Finish
• Surface Rough — rough clearing of an imported 3D mesh
• Surface Finish — finish pass on an imported 3D mesh (parallel and waterline patterns)
• Edge Route (inside / outside)
• Follow Line
• V-Carve (offset and skeleton modes)
• Drilling (simple, peck, dwell, chip-breaking)

• multiple operation targets
• tabs and clamps
• parallel and offset-style pocket / surface patterns
• tool selection and feeds
• operation visibility and selection
• toolpath debugging for selected operations where needed

Inspect the result before export

The app provides three main working views:

• Sketch

• 3D View

• Simulation

Typical Workflow

1. Start a new project and define stock.
2. Draw geometry, import SVG / DXF, or place a backdrop image for tracing.
3. Organize and edit features until the sketch matches the intended part.
4. Add CAM operations from the selected geometry.
5. Tune tooling, stepdown, stepover, pattern, and operation parameters.
6. Check the result in Sketch, 3D View, and Simulation.
7. Export once the toolpaths look correct.

Current Focus

PureCutCNC is under active development. The core workflow is already usable, but the project is still evolving in areas such as:

• additional font support and text workflows
• deeper DXF coverage
• more toolpath optimization
• richer simulation tooling
• more advanced carving and finishing workflows

Build And Run

Requirements

• Node.js 20+ is recommended
• npm

Install dependencies

npm install

Run the development server

npm run dev

Vite will print a local URL, typically:

http://localhost:5173

Create a production build

npm run build

The build includes the active-document check, lint, icon generation, TypeScript, structural tests, and the Vite production build. Documentation-only changes can run npm run docs:check first for faster feedback.

Preview the production build locally

npm run preview

CNC Safety

Preview and simulation are verification aids, not guarantees that a job is safe to run. The operator is responsible for the machine, stock, workholding, tool, controller setup, feeds/speeds, and physical test procedure. See PROJECT.md for the engineering safety contract.