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What is a Macro, M-Code?
A macro or m-code is a small program that has been written as an easy way to perform afunction (or functions). Macros can range from very simple (e.g. turning an output on/off) tovery complex (e.g. running a tool changer). In Mach3/Mach4, we create macros usin...
Mach3 What is an XML?
It is a Mach3 configuration file. Every Mach3 profile stores its settings in an XML file locatedin the Mach3 installation directory (C:\Mach3, by default). If Mach3 is loaded using the“MyMill” profile, those settings would be stored in MyMill.xml. The name of ...
Mach4 What is an INI?
It is a Mach4 configuration file. Every Mach4 profile stores its settings in a Machine.ini filelocated in the Mach4 profiles directory (C:\Mach4\Profiles, by default). If Mach4 is loadedusing the “MyMill” profile, those settings would be stored in C:\Mach4\Pr...
What is a Profile?
A profile is a configuration file which is used to store the various settings for a machine. AMach3/Mach4 profile has to be created and configured for each machine it controls. Mach3uses XML files to store this data (see “What is an XML?”) while Mach4 uses INI...
What is a Screen Set?
A screen set is the file (and associated graphics) that makes up the GUI (graphical userinterface). In other words, the set of files that comprise what is seen on the screen. Ascreen set can change not just the appearance of Mach3/Mach4 but also the functional...
Mach3 What files should I backup?
At a minimum, any license files and profile XMLs (as well as any custom macros, screensets, or brains used by those profiles) should be backed up. In practice, it may be easier tokeep a current backup of the entire Mach3 directory as this ensures everything ne...
What else can the computer running the machine be used for?
CNC controls require critical timing. When a computer has been chosen to be used as amachine controller, it should be dedicated to that task / not used for anything else. Addingadditional software and processes to a machine controller can adversely affect perf...
What is G-Code?
Used mainly in automation, G-code is the common name for the most widely usednumerical control (NC) programming language, which has many implementations. G-code issometimes called G programming language.
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/.