Mach3 control software by the ArtSoft® Company
The software has developed over many years, and during these years, it gathered many users. For the relatively low price, we get the complete solution for multi-axis CNC machining. Key benefits of the program are:
Flexibility – the ability to create own user interfaces, transparent and suited to specific machine applications. There is a special visual editor where you can create the Mach3 interface design from the beginning or use already existing project. On the internet, there are many quick solutions. Ability to self-extend the functionality of the program through macros, written in simple and known by many people – VisualBasic®. It allows you to implement a variety of measurement probes, automatic tool length measurement, automatic storage of tools in many variants, etc. Plug-ins support, which further extends functions of the software and allows for cooperation with external motion controllers. Connection with CSMIO/IP-S controller is provided by this plug-in by CS-Lab company.
Easy to use – those, who are already little familiar with CNC machines can learn all the general functions and rules of using the Mach3 program – within one day. The configuration of the key parameters is transparent and intuitive so that they can be quickly adjusted to the requirements of a specific machine.
Dynamic analysis of the trajectory – CNC program is analyzed in advance, so it allows for optimal adjustment of motion speed at every point of the path. Thus, the program is done quickly, but with the full smoothness of the motion.
How to get the license?
To download Mach3 software and manuals go to the Download section (above). To have a full version you have to buy a Mach3 license. CS-Lab Company is an authorized distributor of Mach3 software. After we receive your payment, you will get your license file attached to an e-mail message from CS-Lab. When placing your order, please enter information for license personalization (company name or your first and last name) into “COMMENTS” area at the bottom of an online store form.
Please note that the Mach3 program is only to operate the machine – it is not possible to design, draw, etc. Indeed, some functions allow for generating the CNC code for simple operations, but it is better to have CAM types program, like e.g., ArtCam, MasterCam, etc.
MACH CNC control software main FEATURES and VERSIONS DIFFERENCES
| Standard Version Features | Mach3 | Mach4 Hobby | Mach4 Industrial |
| Number of Planners | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Number of Axis | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Out of Band Axis (OBA) | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| Slave axis (uses up coordinated axes) | 3 | N/A | N/A |
| Slave motors (does not use up coordinated axes) | N/A | 4 per Axis | 4 per Axis |
| API Interface – Open to All Hardware | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Extended Plugin Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| User customizable GUI | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unified (GUI) Interface – PLC, CNC, etc.. | Yes | Yes | |
| Unlimited IO | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Modbus PLC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PMC (Ladder Logic addressing for cnc/plc) | Yes | Yes | |
| Unlimited File Size | Yes | Yes | |
| Tool Path Display | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tool Path Speed & Quality | Low | High | High |
| Scripting – Customization | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LUA Scripting – simple, fast, cross-platform | Yes | Yes | |
| – Lua sockets (ftp, http, smtp,..) | Yes | Yes | |
| – SSL (security layer) | Yes | Yes | |
| – LFS (manage large files and data storage) | Yes | Yes | |
| – Seriel port | Yes | Yes | |
| – Enraving of part numbers / serial numbering of parts | Yes | Yes | |
| – Plugin panel objects | Yes | Yes | |
| IPC Library for Data Sharing/tracking (Interprocess communication) | Yes | Yes | |
| Full Feature Screens/Controls Per Machine Type | Yes | Yes | |
| Currently Availabe: Mill, Router, Lathe, 3d Printer | Yes | Yes | |
| Multiple gcode Interpruters (Per Machine Type) | Yes | Yes | |
| Probing – Intergrated in standard screens | Yes | Yes | |
| Simulated 3d Machining (with additional plugin license) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tool Life Management (G10 L3 command) | Yes | ||
| Screw Mapping | Yes | ||
| Professional Screen Designer (advanced G.U.I.) | Yes | ||
| – Screen Animation Control | Yes | ||
| – Screen Integrated Tool Table Control | Yes | ||
| – Screen Integrated Work Offset Control | Yes | ||
| – Screen Integrated gcode editor | Yes | ||
| – Screen Artsoft Wizard Package Integration | Yes | ||
| Macro B gcode Programming (#variables) | Yes | ||
| – User definable gcodes via marco calls | Yes | ||
| – Macro Calls: G65, G66, G66.1 | Yes | ||
| – gcode via marco call (custom G codes via macro B) | Yes | ||
| – mcode via macro call (custom M codes via macro B) | Yes | ||
| – mcode via sub code (custom M code via sup program) | Yes | ||
| – Conditional gcodes | Yes | ||
| – set VN call – define variable names | Yes | ||
| gcode Editor Included | Yes | ||
| Scripted M code (custom M code via LUA script) | Yes | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Spindle | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spindle Relay | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coolant relay | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mist Relay | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Threading | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rigid Tapping | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Single Block | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Block Delete | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Optional Stop | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cutter Comp | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fanuc Type C Cutter Comp | Yes | Yes | |
| Fixture Offsets | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| G51 Scaling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| G92 Offsets | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| G52 Offsets | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Event Driven | Yes | Yes | |
| Multi Line MDI | Yes | Yes | |
| Subs In MDI | Yes | Yes | |
| OpenGL Optimization | Yes | Yes | |
| Multi-platform OS Compatibility Option | Yes | Yes | |
| Available to End Users as “Do-it-yourself” | Yes | Yes |
Summary – Mach3 versus Mach4 :
Mach4 Hobby is the closest comparable version to Mach3, yet it is still much more advanced. The price point of these versions is nearly identical. Mach3 is very popular for hobby enthusiest and is used in highly modified form by some great OEM’s. In general, Mach4 is more complex than Mach3 and follows cnc industry standards. Mach3 has many customizations to make it easier for hobby users, but can lead to difficulties if users plan to apply their knowledge to more advanced systems.
