Hardware plugins (drivers) are created and supplied by the hardware manufacturer. Mach3 drivers and code are Not compatible with Mach4. Make sure the devices you will use have plugins available for Mach4.

Licensing Instructions

• Install the Demo on the Actual Machine it will be used
• Run the demo and go to the Help/about screen in Mach4
• Use the PC ID code from the Help/About screen at checkout to license this single computer.  Additional licenses can be created after the initial purchase from within your account.

The license is linked to a specific PC, requiring a different code for each PC. Use the ‘About’ screen, accessed by the ‘Help’ menu to get the PC code. You must have this exact PC code from the actual PC you wish to license and generate G-code. To obtain your license key, Click the ‘copy ID to Clipboard’ button in the ‘about’ dialog box when running the software in demo mode and paste this ID number in the appropriate location on the website when purchasing your license.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The LICENSE will only work for the Computer for which you supplied the PC ID. Each PC has a unique ID code and the license works in coordination with this code.

If you upgrade or exchange your PC, it will be necessary to contact the distributor you purchased the license or create a new license yourself by logging into your account and using our website license maintenance feature.

Software Requirements

Mach4 Recommended Requirements:

PREFERRED: 32 or 64-bit Laptop or Desktop – Using an External Motion Controller

• Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• An appropriate external motion controller
• Mach4 Plugin for the selected Motion Controller
• 2Ghz CPU
• 1GB RAM
• Video Card with 256MB RAM(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)

*Use of Parallel Port for machine control only with desktop style computers with 32-bit versions of windows 7 and below.

32-bit Desktop – Parallel Port Recommended Requirements

• 32-bit version of Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
• Mach4 Parallel Port Legacy Plugin (cost applicable)
• 2Ghz CPU
• 1GB RAM
• Non-integrated Video Card with 256MB RAM(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)

Modular Design

Mach4’s modular design allows features to be added and removed without affecting the systems operation. This aspect greatly enhances the flexibility for different applications, machines and uses.

- Different modules of the core can be removed, added, or created to create a custom software package for OEM’s, re-sellers, and educational organizations.

- Everything is customizable, Make the software your Own

• Create Proprietary add-ons for your version
• Custom Installers
• Rapid Application Development (RAD) with our Screen Design Mode
• Increase or decrease functionality with Plug Ins and Add-ons
• Customizable M Codes for Machine Specific Functions

- No fixed amount of IO

• IO registered to system without any software interference between devices.

Mach4 Motion

Mach4 can control CNC machinery, PLC equipment, and robotics. The core is a full featured ‘brain’ that ensures all input and output devices are coordinated with motion.

- All Motion control calculated in the core = less dependence on hardware and associated software driver.

- Motion Device Drivers (Plug Ins) have standard format = common level of functionality between components, less complexity, easier and less costly to troubleshoot and support.

Motion Control at the Core:

All motion control calculations are completed in the core. Mach4’s core adapts to the speed (frequency) of the motion controllers attached. Mach3 software relied on the hardware plug-in software and complex buffering schemes to ensure accuracy and coordinated motion. This redesign has several advantages:

- Up to 100x faster response from button click to machine action.

• Machine hold or speed changes happen as quickly as GUI buttons are selected on the screen.

- Improved Backlash Control & more accurate screw mapping = less jitter and more accurate cuts

Higher quality manual pulse generator (MPG) = very smooth jogging and positioning without lag time.

Some New Features

– Type C (Fanuc) cutter compensation standard in Mach4.

• More accurate tool path compensation for different size tools
• Improved Anti-gouging

– Synchronous Motion of up to 6 completely separate coordinate systems (instances) at the same time.

• Multiple heads, machines and processes to produce complex parts.

– Asynchronous Motion (out of band axis) to control uncoordinated motion.

• Pre-change tool changers
• Robotic Loaders
• Torch height manual compensation control

– Multi-Axis Work Shifts and Head shifts to offset cutting tool path for multiple work piece holders and fixtures.- Remote Control of machinery (IPC)

• Control or track CNC equipment from a remote location
  • Greatly expanded troubleshooting
  • Track the operation of equipment
• Link information between other computer applications
  • Excel, etc…

– New Dynamic tool path display

• View, rotate, pan, and scale the tool path quickly and easily to ensure G-code is creating the path you expect.

– Improved screen layout and easily customizable screen modification tool.

• Change buttons, displays, and indicators easily, quickly, and on the fly!

Mach4 Lite – A basic solution with limited support for OEM’s who manufacture small CNC machinery for the consumer market. This software is geared toward 3-axis, desk top machines that are sold with configured, customized software, for a machines specific purpose. Support for this product will be online and in coordination with the OEM. This software will also be integrated into some hardware devices that are connected to PLC’s or CNC controllers. This is not a retail product and does not have a retail price.

Mach4 Hobby – A full featured software version to be marketed toward those interested in using CNC machinery for their own personal /non-business use. End-user support is limited to e-mail and online forums. Add-ons, expandability, and updates will be available. This version is the direct replacement for Mach3. The price is $200.

Mach4 Industrial – A full featured software version with greatly expanded customer support, including phone support for customers in a manufacturing environment where every second counts. The expected retail price is $1,000 – $2,000 depending on if/how we develop a service contract.

> Because these products are completely new and took extensive development, we are unable to offer an upgrade from Mach3.

*Customized or OEM versions will be offered for each of the products listed above.

contact us (support@cnc-soft.com)