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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...
What should the Steps Per Unit be?
The Steps PerUnit is a calculated value of how many step pulses are required to move theaxis one Native Unit (inch or mm). Section 5.5.1 of the “Mach3Mill Install and Config Guide”discusses the necessary calculations in great detail.In Mach4, there is a StepsP...
What is the difference between Home Switches, Limit Switches, and Soft Limits?
All coordinates on a CNC machine are based on it's "home" location, which is the origin of the Machine Coordinate (G53) system. Home switches are used to reference the machine and set this origin point. While not a necessity, they are very useful. Limit swi...
Why does the machine not move in the correct distance?
The most likely causes are: The Steps Per Unit value for the axis is incorrect. (see related article) The motor for the axis is improperly tuned (acceleration and/or velocity are too high) which causes motor stalling and lost steps. There is an electrical...
What do my settings need to be?
Mach3 and Mach4 need to be configured to match the way your machine is physically wiredand tuned appropriately for your hardware. Whoever built the machine will have thisinformation, though much of it can likely be found in the documentation for the hardware o...
Where do I start? Are there steps?
Yes! For anybody just beginning with CNC, the following steps are absolutelyessential. Even pros with many years of experience may be able to pick up a fewpointers. All machine controls are different, and even a person who has run,worked on, built, or installe...
How do I make Auto Touch Off Work?
There are many ways to implement this feature. Most are done by simply wiring a plate withone nonconductive side and one conductive side. The nonconductive side is placed on thework surface and the conductive side will wire into the breakout board (or other lo...
What do I Need to do to Enable Automatic Tool Changes?
The default setting in Mach3 is to ignore tool changes. In Mach4, using a tool change macro(M6) by default will pause the g code, prompt you to change your tool, and then allow youto resume. The endless possibilities of configurations make the ability to creat...
What Knowledge is Required to Build or Retrofit a Machine?
It should be noted that any attempt to build or retrofit a machine in a DIY manneris just that – you Do It Yourself and by no means is it plug-n-play. The instant thedecision has been made to Do It Yourself, the builder becomes the designer.Other people may be...
Mach3 What Operating Systems will Mach3 Run On?
Mach3 will run on any Windows OS from Windows 2000 through Windows 11. The parallelport driver included with Mach3 will only work with 32-bit DESKTOP computers with versionsof Windows 2000 through Windows 7. Any newer operating system and/or one that is 64-bit...
Frequent Licensing Issues
Mach4:Incorrect PCID: This is caused by, you guessed it, an incorrect PCID when attempting tolicense the software. If the PCID is even one digit off, you will get this message. Doublecheck this PCID before trying to license it again as you only have a limited ...
MachPro Plasma Setup Manual
MachPro 26 CNC Software Roadmap Configure Motion Controller Please refer to your motion controller's documentation to: Establish the network connection to the MachPro computer Connect and configure drives Connect and configure I/O Calibrate the axe...
MachPro How To Test For Backlash
Testing for backlash on a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) router is an important maintenance step to ensure accurate and precise machining. Here's how you can test for backlash: Tools and Materials: Dial indicator Magnetic base or other suitable mount ...