1: Mach 3 CNC Control Software
1: Mach 3 CNC Control Software
Price: $175.00
Quantity:
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PLEASE NOTE IF ORDERING A CD VERSION:  IF YOU ARE IN THE USA PLEASE CHOOSE THE USA CD VERSION AND IF YOU ARE ANYWHERE OUTSIDE OF THE USA PLEASE CHOOSE THE INTERNATIONAL CD VERSION. THANK  YOU.  

General Features for MACH 3

FREE SET OF FOUR 3D PUZZLE PROJECTS INCLUDED IN DOWNLOAD !

Control your stepper motor Based CNC Robotic tool with the best software for the job

The Mach series of software was originally developed for the home hobbyist, but has quickly turned into one of the most versatile control packages for industrial use as well.

This Product is downloadable right after you purchase and will run 500 lines of code without the license file so you can get started right away..We will email you a license file within 24 hours of receiving your payment.

If you would like the CD version with full PDF manuals and a copy of our free Makebot Router Plans as well as free 30 day trial versions of MeshCam 3d Routing software, and a set of four makecnc.com 3d Puzzle files all free just choose the CD option. You can still download right away and we will still email you your license but you will also receive the CD rom
by normal postal service as you backup.

MACH 3 is Windows based and very user friendly. It is inexpensive and versatile. Works best with older versions or Windows XP. Does Not work with Windows 10. It is not a CAD program (you do not draw parts with it)  It is a machine control program and your router cannot run without some sort of control software. If you have No budget at all take a look at EMC2. It's not Windows based its Linux based and it has a steep learning curve but hey, its free. 

For the CNC newbie this software is the best around for controlling your step and direction based CNC robot router etc. That means it uses stepper motors not servos. See our learning pages.

It will see you right through your years of CNC as both a hobbyist and into a professional envrironment.
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
This product is downloadable right after you purchase and will run 500 lines of code without the license file so you can get started right away..We will email you a license file within 24 hours of receiving your payment.
 

Wizards

Wizards are "mini-programs" that extend the capabilities of Mach3.  Wizards can be written by anybody and are designed to allow users to quickly perform routine or convenient operations without the need to have a  pre-written GCode file.  Included with Mach3 are free Wizards for such things as:

  Gear cutting

  • Digitizing
  • Holes
  • Slots and Keyways
  • Text Engraving
  • Many Standard Shapes
  • Surfacing
  • MANY MORE
 

Also available, for a fee, are the Mach3 Ad-dons for the Mill - A handy collection of Wizards designed to minimize the time it takes to go from "start to part".

 

LazyCam (BETA)

LazyCam is a beta-release free importer included with Mach3.  Its purpose is to import standard dxf, cmx, and other file types to allow those that do not use CAM programs to more easily generate Gcode to be run under Mach3. The free edition of LazyCam that is included with Mach3 carries no cost. However, there is an optional PRO level upgrade that turns on advanced features such as object offsetting, pocketing, primary foam functions, importation of DXF profiles for conversion to Lathe turning code, etc.  It is optional, but gives one the ability to do more advanced importation of objects.

 

Licensing and Updating

In the past 4 years, Artsoft has freely updated all previous versions of Mach for its customers. This policy still remains today. Any current version of Mach will be free to update for the duration of its development.

A license is only required on the computer(s) actually running the machine(s). If a computer not connected to a machine is used to test code, please use Mach3 in Simulation mode - it will remove the 500 line limit.  Simulation mode can be accessed by uninstalling (or not installing) the Parallel Port Driver.

 

Software Requirements

Keeping with our home hobbyist roots, the minimum software requirements to run Mach are very reasonable.  Below are the specifications for running Mach3 stably.

Mach3 Minimum Requirements:

32-bit Desktop (using the parallel port)

  • 32-bit version of Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 Operating System (64-bit will not work)
  • 1Ghz CPU
  • 512MB RAM
  • Non-integrated Video Card with 32MB RAM
  • Basic Computer Skills (ability to copy/rename files, browse directories, etc)

 

Laptop / 64-bit Desktop (using an external motion controller)

  • An appropriate external motion controller (options can be found on the Plugins page)
  • Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 Operating System
  • 1Ghz CPU
  • 512MB RAM
  • Basic Computer Skills (ability to copy/rename files, browse directories, etc)