ShopBot Announces Open-Syntax Format for Machine Control Code
Durham, NC (April 20, 2009) - ShopBot Tools, a world leader in the design, manufacture and sale of affordable, high-performance CNC systems, has announced an open-syntax format for machine control code - OpenSBP®.
OpenSBP® is a syntax standard for the toolpath and instruction code used to control CNC machines and digital fabrication tools. It is in the public domain and freely available for use on any equipment. It may be generated and exported by any software for use on digital fabrication tools.
"For many years, outsiders have claimed that our tools ran on a proprietary language and suggested that CAD/CAM companies might be afraid to develop posts for ShopBot because of that allegation," said Ted Hall, ShopBot president. "With OpenSBP we make it clear that our language is not proprietary - but open - and has many advantages that are available to be embraced by others in the industry."
The core coding format for OpenSBP® was developed by ShopBot Tools, Inc. for use on ShopBot CNC routers. It has become attractive to other developers because of its simple, straightforward and human-readable approach to machine control. ShopBots read G-code as well as OpenSBP, but ShopBot believes that OpenSBP is the most useful and efficient format for anyone not dependent on G-code for legacy reasons.
"ShopBot decided (wisely I feel) to create their own command structure," said Jeffrey McGrew, long-time ShopBotter and co-owner of design/build firm Because We Can (www.becausewecan.org, www.twitter.com/becausewecan). "OpenSBP, as it's called, is very easy to use, to write or deal with and to read, and it has all the things one would want in a proper computer language such as subroutines, loops, inputs and more."
ShopBot has contributed the syntax, along with full documentation and support resources, to the public domain and it is available at www.opensbp.com. ShopBot encourages the use of OpenSBP® in any CNC tool or digital fabrication product and will continue to work with the OpenSBP Group and community of users on its development. The OpenSBP Group plans to develop an Advisory Board to establish general guidelines for using and expanding the OpenSBP® format and syntax, for managing certification, and for developing supporting documentation including helpful documentation for creating post-processors for OpenSBP®.
The OpenSBP Group
The OpenSBP Group is composed of CNC software companies, CNC tool manufacturers and users supporting the development of this open syntax standard for the toolpath and instruction code used to control CNC machines and digital fabrication tools. The group seeks to develop a standard syntax that is easy for human users to read, is readily implemented by different controllers and offers more flexibility and extensibility than legacy G-code. OpenSBP® is freely available for use in any CNC or digital fabrication system and companies. The current certification process is described on the Licensing page. All users are invited to participate in the OpenSBP Group community.
About ShopBot Tools, Inc
ShopBot Tools, based in Durham, N.C., designs and manufactures low-cost, high-value Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) cutting machines. ShopBot was founded by CEO Ted Hall, Ph.D., a Duke University professor of neuroscience, who developed the tool while building plywood boats as a hobby. After several years of development, the company began shipping tools in 1996. With more than 6,000 ShopBots in 54 countries, ShopBot is one of the largest producers of CNC routers for woodworking and plastics in North America. The company employs 25 people in the Durham, N.C. area. For more information, visit www.shopbottools.com or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/shopbot.
Dave Minella
Public Relations/Advertising
ShopBot Tools, Inc.
3333 Industrial Drive
Durham, NC 27704
919-680-4800
919-680-4900 (fax)
www.ShopBotTools.com
www.ShopBotBuddy.com
Dave.M@ShopBotTools.com
