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
MACH CNC CONTROL SOFTWARE MAIN FEATURES AND VERSION DIFFERENCES
Standard Version Features Mach3 Mach4 Hobby Mach4 Industrial
MACH CNC CONTROL SOFTWARE MAIN FEATURES AND VERSION DIFFERENCES
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
Online Support Yes Yes Yes
Phone Support Option Available Yes
Support Priority 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. Mach4 is built as a full featured cnc controller capable of high
speed machining for servo and stepper systems. Mach3's feature set is complete, while Mach4's will continue to expand. If you are new to cnc,
Artsoft highly recommends using and learning Mach4 even if it appears that Mach3's feature set will be adequate for your needs.

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MACH3 AND MACH4?

The parallel (printer cable) port is uses the computer as its main source of pulse trains to operate the motor driver directly. Parallel ports are a direct connection from the processor commonly referred to as GPIO pins (General Purpose I/O pins) and provides a convenient and powerful way to interface with the computer. The parallel breakout board is included in those kits only to condition those signals for use with the drivers.

The USB serves at the actual controller, sending the pulse trains, but the computer sends simple human readable instructions to the USB controller to tell the controller how to send pulses.

The non-technical differences that may serve as the most important information to you is that the parallel configurations allow for a wider variety of industry standard software that can be used to control the cnc machine. The USB that we offer requires the operator to use a software called Planet-CNC software which is a very well made and feature full cnc control software.

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Additional Information:
USB Motion controller breakout board work with planet cnc software?

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PRINTER CABLE PORT AND USB MOTOR KITS

The parallel (printer cable) port is uses the computer as its main source of pulse trains to operate the motor driver directly. Parallel ports are a direct connection from the processor commonly referred to as GPIO pins (General Purpose I/O pins) and provides a convenient and powerful way to interface with the computer. The parallel breakout board is included in those kits only to condition those signals for use with the drivers.

The USB serves at the actual controller, sending the pulse trains, but the computer sends simple human readable instructions to the USB controller to tell the controller how to send pulses.

The non-technical differences that may serve as the most important information to you is that the parallel configurations allow for a wider variety of industry standard software that can be used to control the cnc machine. The USB that we offer requires the operator to use a software called Planet-CNC software which is a very well made and feature full cnc control software.

Additional Information:


Additional Information:


Additional Information:
USB Motion controller breakout board work with planet cnc software?

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PARALLEL AND USB ELECTRONICS COMBOS MOTOR KITS

We can supply all of the laser components, but you will need to determine how to mount the components.

Additional Information:
Alternatively, you can purchase our greenBull machine that has the laser/spindle combo head. You can see the laser/spindle head here: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-laser-spindle-combo-head

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Can you supply a "KIT" to convert my 4060Z CNC to a Laser Cutter? What is the difference capabilities between the 40Watt and 80Watt?

We can supply all of the laser components, but you will need to determine how to mount the components.

Additional Information:
Alternatively, you can purchase our greenBull machine that has the laser/spindle combo head. You can see the laser/spindle head here: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-laser-spindle-combo-head

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Can you supply a "KIT" to convert my 4060Z CNC to a Laser Cutter? What is the difference capabilities between the 40Watt and 80Watt?

The first number is the amount of chromium that is contained in the stainless, i.e., 18 is 18% chromium. The second number is the amount of nickel, i.e., 8 stands for 8% nickel. So 18/8 means that this stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. 18/10 is 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The higher the numbers the more corrosion resistant the material. 18/0 is a misleading designation. Both 18/8 and 18/10 contain nickel and are part of the grade family "300 series" stainless. 18/0 means that there is 18% chromium but zero nickel. When there is no nickel the stainless grade family is the "400 series". 400 series are not as corrosion resistant as the 300 series and are magnetic, where the 300 series are non-magnetic.

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ROCK CRYSTAL ?

The frame size difference of the NEMA 23 and 24 is very slight and, depending on the motor mount both will most likely fit. The bigger difference between these stepping motors is the torque. Make sure that the motor that you purchase has the appropriate torque for the axis that it will move.

Is is safe to go with the higher torque? Or if the torque is too high for what i need is that bad?

You can use a motor with higher torque. Just make sure to select the correct driver for that motor.

Additional Information:
The frame size has nothing to do with torque. Nema 23 means a 2.3" frame. Nema 24 means a 2.4" frame. That's all. Either could have more or less torque depending on speed and power.

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What is the difference between a NEMA 23 and NEMA 24 motor? can I use either one on a machine?

The frame size difference of the NEMA 23 and 24 is very slight and, depending on the motor mount both will most likely fit. The bigger difference between these stepping motors is the torque. Make sure that the motor that you purchase has the appropriate torque for the axis that it will move.

Is is safe to go with the higher torque? Or if the torque is too high for what i need is that bad?

You can use a motor with higher torque. Just make sure to select the correct driver for that motor.

Additional Information:
The frame size has nothing to do with torque. Nema 23 means a 2.3" frame. Nema 24 means a 2.4" frame. That's all. Either could have more or less torque depending on speed and power.

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What is the difference between a NEMA 23 and NEMA 24 motor? can I use either one on a machine?

The parallel (printer cable) port is uses the computer as its main source of pulse trains to operate the motor driver directly. Parallel ports are a direct connection from the processor commonly referred to as GPIO pins (General Purpose I/O pins) and provides a convenient and powerful way to interface with the computer. The parallel breakout board is included in those kits only to condition those signals for use with the drivers.

The USB serves at the actual controller, sending the pulse trains, but the computer sends simple human readable instructions to the USB controller to tell the controller how to send pulses.

The non-technical differences that may serve as the most important information to you is that the parallel configurations allow for a wider variety of industry standard software that can be used to control the cnc machine. The USB that we offer requires the operator to use a software called Planet-CNC software which is a very well made and feature full cnc control software.

Additional Information:


Additional Information:


Additional Information:
USB Motion controller breakout board work with planet cnc software?

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what is the difference between parallel and USB electronics. I have a laptop that will run the mach3 program.

Stepper motors are designed to move in specific increments; these increments are called "steps". For example, a common standard is for 200 steps per full revolution. Microstepping is a method to send signals to the motor to move only a fraction of a full step at a time. For example, if a motor has 200 steps per revolution and is microstepped 1/16, then effectively there are 3200 small step movements (microsteps) per revolution instead of 200 larger ones. This makes the motion of the motor much smoother and more precisely controllable, at the cost of decreased holding torque.

Here are is a good references for stepper motor theory: http://users.ece.utexas.edu/~valvano/Datasheets/StepperMicrostep.pdf

And Wikipedia has a good overview as well:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stepper_motor

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I am looking at 2 of your drivers. 1 is the 1/64 step and the other is 1/256. What is the difference between the two?

Stepper motors are designed to move in specific increments; these increments are called "steps". For example, a common standard is for 200 steps per full revolution. Microstepping is a method to send signals to the motor to move only a fraction of a full step at a time. For example, if a motor has 200 steps per revolution and is microstepped 1/16, then effectively there are 3200 small step movements (microsteps) per revolution instead of 200 larger ones. This makes the motion of the motor much smoother and more precisely controllable, at the cost of decreased holding torque.

Here are is a good references for stepper motor theory: http://users.ece.utexas.edu/~valvano/Datasheets/StepperMicrostep.pdf

And Wikipedia has a good overview as well:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stepper_motor

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I am looking at 2 of your motor drivers. 1 is the 1/64 step and the other is 1/256. What is the difference between the two?

The parallel (printer cable) port is uses the computer as its main source of pulse trains to operate the motor driver directly. Parallel ports are a direct connection from the processor commonly referred to as GPIO pins (General Purpose I/O pins) and provides a convenient and powerful way to interface with the computer. The parallel breakout board is included in those kits only to condition those signals for use with the drivers.

The USB serves at the actual controller, sending the pulse trains, but the computer sends simple human readable instructions to the USB controller to tell the controller how to send pulses.

The non-technical differences that may serve as the most important information to you is that the parallel configurations allow for a wider variety of industry standard software that can be used to control the cnc machine. The USB that we offer requires the operator to use a software called Planet-CNC software which is a very well made and feature full cnc control software.

Additional Information:


Additional Information:


Additional Information:
USB Motion controller breakout board work with planet cnc software?

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WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PARALLEL BREAKOUT BOARD AND USB ITERFACE?

An axis is a direction of motion controlled by the CNC machine control. It can be linear (motion along a straight line) or circular (a rotary motion). The number of axes a machine has determines it's machining capabilities. A 2.5 axis machine really has three moving axes, but only two axes can move together (most machines sold today are full three axis machines). For machining centers, a three axis machine will have three linear axes. A four or five axis machine will have three linear axes as well as one or two rotary axes.

Note that 2.5 versus 3 axis has yet another context. 2.5 axis machining requires that the machine have three axes, but only two axes must be moving simultaneously at any one time. (Simple operations, like drilling and most milling, fall into this category). On the other hand 3-axis machining requires that all three axes be moving at the same time (More complex operations, like the machining of sculptured surfaces required in molds and airfoils, fall into this category.)

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN A 2.5 AXIS MACHINE?

The parallel is the most versatile breakout board we have and will work with most of the software out there, but many computers are not equipped with parallel connectors anymore. Parallel adapter cards are available if you don't have a parallel connection on your computer.

The USB interface must be used only with the planet-cnc software, which is great software, but you are still limited to only that software application. This is actually the least expensive option unless you use linux and go with the above option.

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WHATISTHE DIFFERENCE WTIH THE PARALLEL BREAKOUT BOARD AND USB BOARD?

If you read the description the first uses a parallel interface for computer hookup. The second uses USB interface for computer hookup. The third utilizes an integrated computer which is built into the package thus you do not need an external computer.

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What is the difference between the 3 Blacktooth laser packages offered? Specifically, one with/without a computer? Why do I need one? Also, is the $2100 assembled vs the $1700 which is not? What am I paying $400 more for?

Drawing Cartoons

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WHAT COMMON BETWEEN KUTTY, SHANKAR, LAXMAN AND SUDHIR DAR?

You will need a USB cable to connect the computer and the Mach3 USB. The 64-bit operating system must be Windows and you will need the Mach3 CNC control software installed on the operating system.

You will need to install the USB driver called RNRMotion.dll. You can find the driver here: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

Move the file to your Mach3 Plugins folder Example: "C:/Users/ProgramFiles/Mach3/Plugins"

Mach3 will prompt you to select a driver and this is where you can select the "RnRMotionController" and check "Don't ask me again". This will allow your board to communicate with Mach3.

You will also need the xml file found on this page: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

On that page, you will need to download the XML Mach3 Config File by right clicking on the link and selecting "save as". Save the Mach3Mill.xml file in your Mach3 root folder.

That file is the main configuration file for the Mach3 board. It has all of the typical settings that the Mach3 board needs.

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I have a 64 bit operating system and the Mach3 usb control board. What do i need to communicate between the two?

For our greenLean CNC vertical machine, was built and controlled using 2 651-oz in motors/425 oz-in motor.
The 651-oz motors runs both the x/y axis, as our 425-oz motor controls the z axis.

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What size motor is powering the y axis on the greenLean CNC machine?

Depending on the size of your CNC machine, it will vary the length required for your application.
Please verify the CNC machine, and we can go into detail on the specific lengths or methods for the linear guide mechanics.

We sell our ACME Screw (1/2" per inch), also our longest length of ACME Screw is 76-3/4".

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Hi, I need the lead screw and bearings for x/y/z axis of the CNC. What is the length of "1/2" Lead Screw per inch (Steel)"?