Universal G-Code Sender: Mapping The Stock - 3D Probe Workflow for CNC

Download the macro to turn a points file into a 3D solid: https://ko-fi.com/s/5ccd8d158a Download the macro to select only the edges of an object: https://ko-fi.com/s/e5b7381036 In this video, I show how to use a 3D probe with Universal Gcode Sender (UGS) and FreeCAD to mill perfectly on uneven surfaces. First, we look at what happens when you try to engrave on a wavy piece of wood without probing — the results aren’t great! Then I demonstrate how to: Set the probing parameters and the Coordinates Scan the surface with UGS Export from UGS and import the scanned data into FreeCAD Adapt the toolpath to match the 3D surface Use the FreeCAD macro to get a solid out of the scanned data Run the program again in UGS and get perfect engraving results Finally, I show how you can directly adapt your toolpath inside UGS, and what happens when a small error leads to a crash — so you’ll know exactly what to watch out for. This workflow is fully open-source, using FreeCAD for CAM and Universal Gcode Sender for machine control — no proprietary software needed! If you want perfectly sized halftone dots, especially on uneven stock, combine this probing workflow with my halftone tutorial: https://youtu.be/wlumVxQ_t4o If you’re new to UGS or want to understand its basic setup before diving into 3D scanning, make sure to watch my beginner-friendly guide — Universal Gcode Sender (UGS) Beginner Tutorial. It covers everything from connecting your CNC to sending your first G-code file, and it’s the perfect foundation for using the advanced mapping and probing features shown in this video: https://youtu.be/tTeBnW-szDc If you want to learn more about the probe setup, check out CNC Tutorial: Model, Mill & Set an XYZ Probe. In that video, I explain how to design, model, and configure an XYZ touch probe in FreeCAD and UGS — step for performing accurate 3D scanning and mapping like we’ve done here: https://youtu.be/vTOKW835xuM Once you’ve mastered 3D surface mapping, take your skills to the next level with V-Carve Text on a Cylinder | 4-Axis CNC Tutorial in FreeCAD 1.1. There, I show how to create and engrave text on a cylindrical surface using the rotary axis, combining 3D geometry and precision toolpaths for advanced multi-axis machining: https://youtu.be/KGLKZohOPfQ In this video, you saw how powerful macros can be when automating 3D workflows. If you want to discover more tools that will save time and make FreeCAD CAM even smoother, watch 5 Time-Saving FreeCAD Macros I Always Needed. You’ll find free downloads and examples of macros that speed up modeling, toolpath generation, and CAM setup: https://youtu.be/3YMTcL-cbj0 00:00 – Intro 00:50 – Why Use a 3D Probe? – Benefits of 3D surface mapping before CNC engraving 01:33 – Testing on a Real Wavy Oak Board 01:48 – Importing and Preparing the SVG Logo for CNC engraving in FreeCAD 02:41 – Accurate Logo Placement using parameters and axes cross for perfect alignment 04:02 – Setting Up the CNC Job in FreeCAD (add toolbits, post-processor) 05:11 – Creating and Generating the Engraving Toolpath, then exporting G-code 06:55 – Engraving the Logo on an Uneven Surface 09:40 – Setting the 3D Probe Coordinates in UGS 15:25 – Auto-Leveler Module Setup 17:34 – Scanning the Surface with the 3D Probe 18:50 – Saving the Surface Scan (avoid freezing and data loss in UGS) 20:07 – Adapting the Engraving G-Code in FreeCAD using scanned surface data from UGS 21:07 – Fixing Issues when using Z-correction dress-up 22:58 – Convert Scan Data into a 3D Solid 24:48 – Setting toolbit Z accurately using a tool setter 26:07 – Engraving the Logo with Surface Compensation 27:20 – Adapting the G-Code to the Probed Surface in UGS 27:50 – Fixing Scan Coverage Issues 28:57 – Deep plunge issues and how to avoid them 32:27 – Final Thoughts Subscribing to my Patreon page means you also have access to this video without interruptions. You can also buy a one time support here: https://ko-fi.com/opensourcecnc My Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/OpenSourceCNC You can book a one on one session with me, to sort things out if you need help with certain projects or situations: https://ko-fi.com/opensourcecnc/commissions #ugs #CNCProbing #CNCScan #CNCmachining #Engraving #VCARVE #FreeCADCAM #CNCengraving #Gcode