General Features

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.

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

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 Addons for 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. It's 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: