Mach3 is a program for controlling CNC machine tools. CNC programs a complete set to get started

Mach3 is a program for controlling a CNC machine tool that allows you to automate the processing of workpieces. The use of CNC machines is relevant for large enterprises and small workshops. The difference lies only in the characteristics and dimensions of the machines that are used in certain situations. Consider the use of Mach3 at the initial stages of its development.

• A modern milling machine equipped with a CNC module allows it to interact with an ordinary personal computer or laptop;
• With the Mach3 driver installed on your PC, you can develop control programs;
• After development, the program is loaded into the memory of the numerical control module;
• The task of the computer is to configure all the necessary parameters for the operation of the CNC;
• In addition to automating processes, through a PC, you can manually control the movements of the cutting tools of the machine, control their movements relative to the workpiece or desktop;
• Mach3 is based on the following scheme: computer - master - milling equipment. To carry out such control, you need the appropriate program;
• Mach3 is an excellent example of modern software that controls and sets up machines;
• Mach3 is designed to work with all Microsoft operating systems;
• The program works like a normal "window" type application;
• Mac3 has wide functionality, intuitive interface;
• At the same time, beginners for whom the CNC setting is something completely new should carefully study the instruction manual. It takes a minimum of time to adapt to CNC work through a special program. This is due to a well-designed interface and an understandable management principle.

Getting started with Mach3

Photo Mach3 - programs for controlling a CNC machine tool

Numerical control, that is, CNC, is an advanced development in the field of machine tool construction. The program simplifies management, automates all processes. Competent setting of the CNC using a program via a PC allows you to minimize the human factor, reduce the probability of errors to zero.

At the same time, it is important to understand that if the setting is performed incorrectly, you can break the cutters, incorrectly process the workpiece, damage the CNC module and other equipment components.

To avoid such mistakes and unpleasant incidents, you should start with competent preparation for the work of CNC machines.

1. Complete the machine connections. You must make sure that the machine is ready for work, and that it receives quality power from the mains. For many machines, special programs are available that allow using a PC to check the condition of the equipment, the serviceability of its individual units.
2. Install Mach3 on your personal computer or laptop. When doing so, make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements. Mach3 is not a "heavy" program, so almost any computer will easily "pull" it.
3. The program may require Russification in some cases. The licensed version is made in English, but special localizers are widely available on the Internet. It is not recommended to use pirated programs such as Mach3, as such software can contain serious errors that can damage your machine even if the setup was done correctly. The license costs about 12 thousand rubles.
4. Try to optimize the operation of the operating system by disabling all kinds of pop-up windows, unused programs. Nothing should interfere with you while working with the machine.
5. Do not run third-party programs in parallel with Mach3. This is especially true for computer games, watching movies and other content that requires impressive resources from a PC. Otherwise, the setting may turn out to be incorrect, which will affect the quality of processing and the machine itself.
6. If in parallel you want to compose control programs for a CNC machine, or use a computer not only for working with Mac3, then divide the hard disk into subsections. Install a separate operating system for CNC machine software. The logical subsection of the hard disk must be completely dedicated to the control of the machine. This will allow not to occupy the entire PC with issues of CNC control. Use this operating system specifically for the hardware settings, do not load extraneous software there, minimize the set of programs.

Working with the program

When the preparation stages are over, you will need to start directly configuring the Mac3 program.

1. Take a close look at all the buttons that are available in the Mack3 menu. Many are afraid of their huge number. But the presence of a Russified version will allow you to quickly figure everything out.
2. Depending on the type of machine, you need to open the appropriate tabs. For milling equipment, you will need tabs for motor parameters, part speeds, port parameters, spindle, etc.
3. After purchasing the licensed version of the software, you will find all descriptions of the settings in the user manual. Or it can be found on the vastness of the world wide web.
4. If you conditionally correctly performed the settings for the operation of the machine through the Mak3 program, with the commands given from the keyboard, the electric motors of the equipment will begin to rotate and move. It is important that the portal moves smoothly, neatly and freely. This indicates that the setting is correct.
5. Perform a run. This is the name of the trial manual movement of tools. The corresponding button for the run is in the Mac3 program.
6. The run is defined by the corresponding icon, which allows you to turn this test mode on and off.
7. Pay attention to the jog ball. When run, it should be highlighted. It serves to control the machine tools with the mouse. The closer the cursor is to the jog wheel when clicking, the higher the rotation speed of the electric motors will be. In addition to the mouse, you can use the keys on the keyboard to activate the tool.
8. Control of tool movements can be step-by-step and continuous. In the case of continuous, the machine tool moves continuously while you hold down the corresponding key or mouse button. The step-by-step mode assumes that after pressing the button, the portal will move to a strictly specified distance. You can set the step size yourself.

Mach3 is offered to buyers with detailed operating instructions. Based on the official manual, you can adapt the program to a particular machine. Proceed strictly according to the factory instructions. Only they make it possible to perform a competent setting of parameters for the operation of CNC equipment. If the setting turns out to be correct, the compiled control program will allow you to automate the machine, adapt it to perform certain operations with workpieces.

Any CNC machine owner is faced with the choice of software. The software used for such technological equipment should be multifunctional and easy to use. It is advisable to purchase licensed software products. In this case, programs for CNC machines will not freeze, which will increase the efficiency of production processes.

CNC software suite

The choice of software largely depends on the type of equipment and the tasks that the user intends to solve. However, there are universal programs that can be used for almost all types of CNC machines. The most widespread are the following products:

1. ... This software package was developed for the simulation and design of products manufactured on machine tools. It is equipped with the function of automatically generating models from flat drawings. The ArtCAM software package contains all the tools you need to design creative products and create complex spatial reliefs.
It is worth noting that this software allows you to use three-dimensional templates to create projects for future products from simple elements. In addition, the program allows the user to insert one relief into another, as in a 2D drawing.

2. LinuxCNC universal control program. The functional purpose of this software is to control the operation of a CNC machine, debug a part program and much more.
A similar software package can be used for machining centers, milling and turning machines, as well as machines for thermal or laser cutting.
The difference between this product and other software packages is that its developers have partially combined it with the operating system. This makes LinuxCNC more functional. You can download this product for free on the developer's website. It is available both as an installation package and as a LifeCD.
The user interface of this software is intuitive and accessible. For the smooth functioning of the software, the computer hard disk must have at least 4 gigabytes of free memory. A detailed description of the LinuxCNC program can be found freely available on the Internet.

3. ... This software has a huge army of fans all over the world. The software is used to control milling, turning, engraving and other types of CNC machines. This software package can be installed on any Windows computer. The advantage of using this software is its affordable cost, regular updates, as well as the availability of a Russian version, which makes it easier for an operator who does not speak English to use the product.

4. Mach4. This is the latest development from Artsoft. Mach4 is considered the successor to the popular Mach3 program. The program is considered one of the fastest. Its fundamental difference from previous versions is the presence of an interface that interacts with electronics. This new software can handle large files on any operating system. The user has access to a manual for using the Mach4 program in Russian.

5. MeshCAM. This is a package for creating control programs for CNC machines based on 3D models and vector graphics. It is noteworthy that the user does not need to have extensive experience in CNC programming to master this software. It is enough to have basic computer skills, as well as to accurately set the parameters for processing products on the machine.
MeshCAM is ideal for designing double-sided machining of any 3D model. In this mode, the user will be able to quickly machine objects of any complexity.

6. SimplyCam. It is a compact and multifunctional system for creating, editing, saving drawings in DXF format. This software generates NC programs and G-codes for CNC machine tools. They are created from mortar patterns. The user can create an image in one of the graphics programs on his computer and then upload it to SimplyCam. The program will optimize this drawing and convert it into a vector drawing. The user can also use a feature such as manual vectorization. In this case, the image is outlined with standard tools that are used in AutoCAD. SimplyCam creates product paths on CNC machines.

7. CutViewer. This program simulates material removal machining on two-axis CNC machines. With its help, the user can get visualization of the processed workpieces and parts. The use of this software allows you to increase the productivity of the technological process, eliminate existing programming errors, and also reduce the time spent on debugging. CutViewer is compatible with a wide range of modern machine tools. Its powerful tools allow you to detect serious errors in the technological process and eliminate them in a timely manner.

8. CadStd. It is an easy to use drawing program. It is used to create projects, diagrams and graphics of any complexity. With the help of the extended set of tools of this program, the user can create any vector drawings that can be used for the design of milling or plasma processing on CNC machines. The generated DXF files can then be loaded into CAM programs to generate correct toolpaths.

The work is greatly facilitated when using programs for CNC plasma, the creation of drawings in this case is faster. The main thing is to set the parameters correctly and understand how the technology works.

About special programs and working with drawings

Thanks to modern laser machines, as well as programs for CNC plasma and the creation of drawings, it is possible to process workpieces from any material without problems, ensuring a high process intensity along with quality. But modern technologies have by no means contributed to the fact that a person is completely excluded from the technological chain.

Operators are only freed from participation in the process of making blanks.

To obtain the required result for CNC, it is required to comply with the main conditions, consisting in the proper level of production preparation, the development of machine control programs.

The essence of any software used in control is the creation of a set of codes that are converted inside the CNC microcontroller, and then become pulses when they arrive at the execution mechanisms. The function of the latter is transferred to stepper motors or servo motors. But the latter option is used only for some machine models. It is important to choose the right program for creating the drawing.

Electric motors are used in the course of the conversion of pulses, after which the latter become mechanical movements for the instrumental part. A carrier spindle with a cutter is involved in the same process. A kind of route is laid inside the program, which is then realized by the machine. How the cutter moves relative to the future workpiece depends on this.

Thanks to modern technologies, it becomes easy to provide the required speed and cutting force. Flame treatment also makes the process easier.

A separate file is created inside the control program, which must be processed further. Which implies the choice of modern software. But it is necessary to create a preliminary sketch of the future product, because the route cannot appear from scratch.

Processing program

Products are created on the basis of sketches, the role of which is transferred to three-dimensional models of a mathematical type. The participation of the plasma cutter is organized at later stages. This name was given to an exact copy of the structure, which is recreated in virtual space.

In a way, 3D models are like assembly drawings. These models are based on “flat” 2D models. For example, which are part drawings. It is their construction that becomes the main function for special CAD programs. The AutoCad suite of functions is a typical example of such solutions, involving processing using plasma cutting.

Such solutions can be described as automated design systems. In industry and design bureaus, this tool has long become an indispensable assistant. The entire cycle that makes up the process of developing documents for designers is facilitated and simplified thanks to packages of similar software solutions. This also applies to the creation of sketches for parts using plasma cutting, modeling technology in a three-dimensional plane, the development of parts for assembly.

The so-called CAD packages are the basis for creating control programs, sending the results to the machines themselves, which allows you to start production. Further, plasma takes part in the processing.

Features of working with equipment

A typical strategy for using CNC milling machines when creating products can be described as follows:

1. Stage devoted to the creation of a sketch or drawing.
2. Previous work becomes the basis for the development of 3D models.
3. Setting the route using the software. The three-dimensional model now becomes the basis on which this very route is created.
4. Then they proceed to exporting the control program using a special format. The main thing is that the format is self-explanatory.
5. Loading the control program inside the device memory. Then the processing program starts.

First stage

At the first stage, you cannot do without a thorough study of the design content documentation. It is assumed the use of drawings for small components and assembly units, a large number of materials in the development of detailed drawings. On the drawings, specialists will indicate the types, cuts, sections, and put down the required dimensions. Plasma cutting makes it easier to get the desired result.

A few years ago, production conditions involved the creation of flow charts for the construction of future products. They were intended to effectively organize the work of specialists with manual milling machines. But when automatic equipment appeared, it was no longer necessary to create such maps.

Detailed drawings in most cases support the electronic format from the very beginning, are created with its active use. Two-dimensional sketches, among other things, are easy to do by digitizing a paper drawing. Created in the program, such a picture will speed up the processing.

Second phase

The second stage creates parts in a 3D plane. This task is also carried out using the CAD environment. This makes it possible to visualize the skeleton of parts, assemblies for assembly, the whole product. An additional possibility is to carry out calculations based on stiffness with strength.

The three-dimensional model that has become the basis is a mathematical copy of the product, as it should be in the finished form. To bring the project to life, it remains only to release a part with the required characteristics. Plasma cutting results in faster results.

Stage three

It is to obtain the desired result that the third stage is applied. It involves the development of a route for future processing using plasma equipment. This work belongs to the technological part of the process. It affects several parameters as a result:

• The quality with which the products are manufactured.
• Cost level.
• Processing speed.

If we talk about, on which cutting is carried out, then in this case the three-dimensional sketch is converted. This means that the following actions are performed:

1. The processing area is limited.
2. Definition of transitions, finishing and roughing.
3. Selection of cutters with specific dimensions.
4. Programming of modes in which cutting is carried out.

There is special software - post compressors. They allow you to export the data described above in a convenient format, which is easily accepted in the controller for a CNC machine representing a particular model.

Stage four

The fourth stage ends with the design of a working control file that allows you to create the required part. After that, everything is done by the plasma cutters themselves.

Fifth stage

The work is being completed at the fifth stage. It assumes that the program file is loaded into the memory of the CNC machine. The processing itself is performed. The first sample of the released part must be checked. If errors are found, then corrections are made in the electronic documentation.

Conclusion. Some features of plasma cutting

Plasma cutting is one of the most efficient methods for processing metal. But such power is difficult to manage, only masters of sufficiently high qualifications can cope with this. Only they can be allowed to control the plasma cutter.

Some details may show minor defects, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. You just need to take into account the peculiarity of each of the bases used in production. The minimum hole size when using this technology also has its own characteristics. For example, if the diameter of the metal is 20 millimeters, then the maximum value for the hole itself is 15 millimeters. This must be taken into account when working with a program for CNC plasma, the creation of a drawing will only be accurate in this case.

Depending on the thickness of the sheet, a current with different characteristics must be used. For example, sheet products of 40 millimeters or more are cut with a current of 260 amperes. But 30 amperes will be enough if the thickness is only 2 millimeters. The strength of the current affects the thickness of the sheet. It is also necessary to take into account what shape the part retains in each area. The result also depends on this.

Modern equipment is characterized by a high level of accuracy. But small deviations are perfectly acceptable if they do not exceed existing standards.

ArtSoft Mach3 software is designed for CNC machine control. The program is installed on an IBM compatible personal computer connected to the control unit. Mach3 was developed by American programmers for both professional and amateur use, making it the most widely used CNC software in the world. With Mach3, you can control the following types of machines: turning, milling, routers, laser and plasma plotters, engraving and gear cutting. In order to work with the Mach3 program, you need a personal computer with the following parameters:
operating system Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / Seven;

Characteristics of ArtSoft Mach3 software "

Description of the Mach3 program interface

Program start window (PROGRAM RUN)

The main window for working with the program in the PROGRAM RUN mode.

Operating mode selection buttons

These buttons switch between the operating modes: PROGRAM RUN, MDI (Manual data entry), TOOLPATH (Tool movement), OFFSETS (Tool binding), SETTINGS, DIAGNOSTICS (Diagnostics).

Program control buttons

Pressing the CYCLE START button starts the program. Note: Please note that the CYCLE START button generally starts the movement of the spindle and axes. It should always be configured to operate with "two keys", and if you are configuring your own hotkeys, it should not trigger on a single key press.

The program can be paused by pressing the FEED HOLD button. The FEED HOLD button will stop the execution of the control program as soon as possible in a controlled manner so that it can be started with the CYCLE START button. The spindle and cooling will remain on, but can be manually stopped if necessary. When FEED HOLD is active you cannot overtake axles, change broken tools, etc. If you have stopped the spindle or cooling, then before continuing you may want to turn it back on before continuing. Mach3 will remember the positions of the axes when FEED HOLD is activated and will return to them before continuing with the program.

STOP stops the movement of the axes faster. This can lead to lost steps (especially on axes with stepper motors) and restarting may not be correct.

When the control program is loaded, press the EDIT G-CODE button in order to change the control program, the Notepad program will be loaded (by editing the program, you can change it in the settings).

SINGLE BLOCK locking button with LED indicator. In SINGLE BLOCK mode, pressing the CYCLE START button executes one next block of the NC program, then enters FEED HOLD.

REVERSE RUN latching button with LED indicator. It should be used after FEED HOLD or SINGLE BLOCK, pressing CYCLE START will cause the program to start in reverse order. This is sometimes useful for getting out of a lost arc when plasma cutting or broken tools.

BLOCK DELETE locking button with LED indicator. If BLOCK DELETE is on, then G-code frames that start with a slash (/) will not be executed.

M1 OPTIONAL STOP latching button with LED indicator. If M1 OPTIONAL STOP is on, the operation will stop when an M01 or M00 command is received. Press CYCLE START to continue.

FLOOD (Cooling)

Control program display screen

The loaded control program is displayed on the screen.

Axis controls

These elements control the current position of the tool, are responsible for its positioning and provide information about its location in the selected coordinate system.

Digital indication of coordinates (DI)

The values \u200b\u200bin the DRO windows are displayed in the current units (G20 / G21), if the option to enter units in the DRO is locked in the “Menu”, “Config Logic” dialog. The coordinates of the control point in the selected coordinate system are displayed here. Typically, this is the coordinate system of the current work offsets (starting 1 is G54) plus any offsets in the G92 code. But you can also switch to reflection of absolute coordinates - machine coordinates. You can enter new values \u200b\u200bdirectly into the boxes of THESE axes. This will change the current work offsets by giving the control point the coordinate values \u200b\u200byou entered in the current coordinate system.

Scale factors for all axes can be specified with a G51 command and canceled with a G50 command. If a scaling factor (other than 1.0) is entered, then it is always next to some G-code (for example, with X, Y, etc.). The scale LED blinks to remind that the entered scale is for an axis. The value of the G51 coefficient is displayed in the scale DRO and can also be entered in the DRO box. A negative value for the scaling factor causes the corresponding axis to be inverted (i.e., this is how you can specify a mirror finish along that axis). Unscaling is performed by the G50 command, scaling by 1.0 in all axes.

Rotary axes can have a workpiece size defined using the rotation diameter control group. This dimension is used when calculating the mixed feedrate in all axes, including rotary ones. The LED indicates that a nonzero value has been entered.

Wizard Buttons

Pressing the CONVERSATIONAL button opens a dialog window for working with the "Wizard" for creating a control program.

Wizards are built-in mini-programs that extend the capabilities of Mach3 and allow you to quickly perform common routine machining design operations without using specialized CAD / CAM applications. Wizards can be created by users themselves. The Mach3 distribution includes free Wizards that program the following operations:

Gear cutting
Digitization
Drilling holes
Sampling of grooves and splines
Engraving text
Processing standard contours
Surface treatment (leveling, flat slide)
And many many others.

Screen control buttons

JOG FOLLOW latching button with LED indicator. Press the JOG FOLLOW button to follow the movement of the instrument on the 3D screen.

3D screen

Information display and tool control screen

The screen displays information about the number, diameter, length of the tool and buttons to control them. On the screen there is a fixing JOG ON / OFF button with an LED indicator, it is designed to turn on and off the manual movement of coordinates.

Information display and feed control screen

The screen displays information about the feed status and FEED RATE OVERRIDE control using the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons.

Display screen and spindle control

The screen displays information about the state of the spindle and control of the rotation speed using the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons. SPINDLE CW button (turn on the spindle clockwise), with this button you can manually turn on and off the spindle or by using the M-code M03.

Information display panel and information buttons

STATUS is a line window that displays the execution actions of the Mach3 program and displays program errors.

Manual Data Input (MDI)

The MDI (Manual Data Input) mode is for manual data input. In this window, there are axes control limits and a digital indication of coordinates, a screen on which the tool paths are displayed in three-dimensional space, screens for displaying information and controlling the tool, feed, spindle, and a screen for manual data entry.
OFFSETS mode is intended for tool binding.

When you press the Tab button on the PC keyboard, the control panel will open with which it is possible to control the coordinates of the machine, the JOG buttons of the corresponding coordinates or by MPG (Manual Pulse Generator).

Nizh you can download the Manuals from the server for Mach3 and download the torrent of the program itself.
Various Screensets for Mach3 you can
Various plugins for Mach3you can

Parts processed on a CNC machine can be viewed as geometric objects. During machining, the rotating tool and the workpiece move relative to each other along a certain path. UE describes the movement of a certain point of the tool - its center. The tool path is represented as consisting of separate, passing into each other sections. These sections can be straight lines, circular arcs, curves of the second or higher orders. The intersection points of these sections are called anchor, or nodal, points. As a rule, the UE contains the coordinates of the control points.

Let's try to write a small program for machining the groove shown in Fig. 3.4. Knowing the coordinates of the control points, it is not difficult to do this. We will not consider the code of the entire NC in detail, but pay special attention to writing lines (NC frames) that are directly responsible for moving through the pivot points of the groove. To machine a groove, you first need to move the cutter to point T1 and lower it to the appropriate depth. Next, you need to move the cutter sequentially through all the anchor points and bring the tool up from the workpiece material. We will find the coordinates of all the anchor points of the groove and for convenience we will place them in the table. 3.1.

Table 3.1. Groove anchor points

Let's bring the cutting tool to the first anchor point:

The next two blocks force the tool to sink to the required depth into the workpiece material.

N60 G00 Z0.5
N70 G01 Z-l F25

Once the tool is at the desired depth (1 mm), you can move it through all the anchor points to machine the groove:

N80 G01 X3 Y3
N90 G01 X7 Y3
N100 G01 X7 Y8

Now you should remove the tool from the workpiece material - raise it to a small height:

Let's put all the frames together, add a few auxiliary commands and get the final version of the program: