C# WPF CNC Router Interface

I’m building a desktop application in C# with WPF that will become the main human-machine interface for my CNC router. The immediate focus is a smooth, modern UI that drives fully automated routing operations and can later be wired to my Beckhoff controller.

Scope of work
• Create a WPF desktop application (targeting .NET 6 or later) with a clear, touch-friendly layout.
• Implement workflow screens that guide the operator through job selection, automatic tool-change, start / pause / stop, and real-time progress feedback.
• Architect the code so that all machine calls are abstracted behind a service layer; I will plug this layer into the Beckhoff PLC via ADS or another Beckhoff-compatible protocol after the UI is finished.
• Include basic safety interlocks (e.g., block “Start” until guard door closed) as placeholders that I can later map to PLC bits.

Nice-to-have (future phases, not mandatory now): manual jog controls, alarm history, and on-screen G-code preview. If you have experience with those, mention it so we can plan the next milestone.

Acceptance criteria
1. Compiles and runs on Windows 10/11 without external dependencies other than .NET runtime.
2. Demonstrates a full automated routing cycle in simulation mode using mocked data classes.
3. Clean MVVM structure and commented code so my team can extend it.
4. Handoff includes Visual Studio solution, XAML, resources, and a short README explaining how to switch the simulator to live PLC calls when we connect the Beckhoff.

If you’re comfortable with WPF, MVVM, and industrial automation workflows, let’s talk.