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What is CAM?
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is a subsequent process after CAD. The CAD files areloaded into the CAM program, the desired machining parameters (tools, cut depths, etc) arechosen, and toolpaths (in the form of a gcode file) are created which then control ...
What is an external Motion device or Motion Controller?
Originally, Mach-series software only worked with the parallel port (via the parallel portdriver), which was a standard port on every PC. Technologies have advanced over time, andnot only is the parallel port becoming obsolete, but the Windows codebase has cha...
Do you sell Hardware?
We do not sell any hardware or packages for Mach3 or Mach4. Motion devices and other complex hardware require a ‘plugin’ (small program that linksMach and allows control of the hardware) that are written by the hardware manufacturer. The quality of your sys...
I am thinking of purchasing a machine from overseas
Mach3 and Mach4 are sold by us as DIY (do it yourself) CNC control. Most of our OEM’s anddistributors provide a high level of service and support for their hardware and softwarebundle. Our software is used on thousands of machines, each requiring specific tech...
What is a Plugin?
A plugin (sometimes referred to as a driver) allows people to add customfunctionality to Mach3/Mach4. Plugins are written as .dll files in programminglanguage in Mach3. Plugins for Mach4 include both a .sig and .m4pw file. They areprimarily used to enable Mach...
Will a USB to Parallel converter work?
No, standard USB-to-parallel port adapters will not work. Controlling a machine withMach3/Mach4 using any USB or Ethernet device will require that a plugin be developed forthat device. See “What is an external motion device?” and “What is a plugin?”
What is a Breakout board (B.O.B)?
A breakout board is a piece of hardware used to interface between the PC (or externalmotion device) and the machine I/O. Many will offer other benefits as well, such as opticalisolation.
How do I Cut my Drawings? Will I be able to load it directly into Mach?
How do I cut my drawings? Can I load it directly into MachTransforming an idea into an actual part is a 3-step process: CAD (see “What is CAD?”) –> CAM (see “What is CAM?”) –> Control. Mach3/Mach4 is the control part of the process and requires G-code files pr...
What is CAD?
What is CAD?Computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided drafting (CAD), or computer-aided designand drafting (CADD) is the process of using a computer to design and draw the parts youwould like to create. The CAD files then need to go through a CAM process to ...
What is a Coordinate System?
What is a coordinate system?A CNC machine is controlled by commanding movements and tracking the positions of theaxes. These movements are defined in terms of a coordinate system. Mach3 and Mach4 usemultiple sets of (Cartesian) coordinate systems for various t...
Mach3 What is Driver Test?
What is the driver test?Running a Driver Test is only applicable when using Mach3 with the parallel port driver. ADriver Test is performed by running DriverTest.exe (C:/Mach3) and it is used to evaluate thequality of the pulse stream being produced by the driv...
Where do I get older versions of the software?
Where do i get older versions of the software?Normally, the current version of our software located on the download page is thecorrect version that should be used.You can find older versions of our products on our FTP server atftp://ftp.machsupport.com/.
Where do I go for Support?
Where do I go for support?In general, we expect the users of Mach3/Mach4 to be familiar with theinformation contained within the product manuals. This is true in any of thefollowing situations. The way in which the Mach3/Mach4 license was purchasedwill dictate...
Licensing Policy
Licensing Policy License Maintenance and Restrictions. Who can use license maintenance?This page allows registered users the ability to resend licenses they have purchased directlyfrom this website and to create new licenses for products that use PC ID licen...
Authorized Artsoft Resellers and Distributors
The link below will take you to our Licensesed Artsoft Resellers tab on our Partnerswebpage. It will give you a sortable list of authorized resellers/ distributors so that you knowthat your license is legal and supported by us!
What is the Right Hand Rule?
What is right hand rule? The Right Hand Rule is a quick way to determine the correct positive orientations of the X,Y, and Z axes in relation to each other. To perform the maneuver, a person would first makea fist with their right hand. Then, they would hold ...
Mach3 I received a copy of Mach with a CNC Order or from an Auction Site
Mach3 has been a huge sucess though out the entire world. Unfortunately, it has beencracked or pirated many times over. Those versions are not supported, they usually havemalware, they are incomplete, and simply do not work. If you recieve a copy with a cncpar...
How do I determine my Steps Per Unit?
The steps per is a calculation that takes into consideration all the components that you usefor the axis. The link below brings you to a user support forum thread with an attachmentspreadsheet to help you determine your steps per unit. You can also read the...
Where do my Wires Go?
This is something that is beyond the scope of the software and not a question we cananswer. Whoever built the machine will have this information, though much of it can likelybe found in the documentation for the hardware or even reverse engineered if necessary...
What Hardware is Needed to convert a Machine?
This depends largely on the type of signal the axis drives will accept (step & direction vs.analog), the number of I/O points and their type (digital vs. analog), and the maximumdesired signal frequency. Chapter 4 of the “Mach3Mill Install and Config Guide” di...