Mach3
Mach3 turns a typical computer into a CNC machine controller. It is very rich in features and provides a great value to those needing a CNC control package. Mach3 works on most Windows PC’s to control the motion of motors (stepper & servo) by processing G-Code. While comprising many advanced features, it is the most intuitive CNC control software available. Mach3 is customizable and has been used for many applications with numerous types of hardware.
General
General Features
The Mach series of software is one of the most versatile CNC control packages.
Here are some of the basic features and functions provided by Mach3:
- Converts a standard PC to a fully featured, 6-axis CNC controller
- Allows direct import of DXF, BMP, JPG, and HPGL files through LazyCam Visual Gcode display
- Generates Gcode via LazyCam or Wizards
- Fully customizable interface
- Customizable M-Codes and Macros using VBscript
- Spindle Speed control
- Multiple relay control
- Manual pulse generation
- Video display of machine
- Touch screen ability
- Full screen eligibility
Mach3 has successfully been used to control the following types of equipment:
- Lathes
- Mills
- Routers
- Lasers
- Plasma
- Engravers
- Gear
- cutting
Software Requirements
Mach3 Minimum Recommended Requirements:
- Requirements if using the parallel port for machine control:
- Desktop PC (Laptops are not supported) with at least one parallel port
- 32-bit version of Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 (64-bit versions will not work)
- 1Ghz CPU
- 512MB RAM
- Non-integrated Video Card with 32MB RAM(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)
Requirements if using an external motion device for machine control:
- An appropriate external motion controller (options can be found on the Plugins page)
- Desktop or Laptop with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
- 1Ghz CPU
- 512MB RAM
- Video Card with 32MB RAM(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)