The "Industrial" version lets you customize your software as per your need and you can get on-time support from the Artsoft provider if any software problem occurs. It has enough features you may need for your operations. Mach4 can also run machines with 6-axis but are available in many different versions as per your need of usage.įor hobbyists and small businesses, you can go for the "Hobby" version of Mach4. Laz圜AM plug-in will help you build G-code files directly from. Mach3 is a feature rich program which is also easy to use. Mach3 works on most Windows PC’s to control the motion of motors (stepper & servo) by processing G-Code. Mach3 is one of the most popular CNC Controllers for both DIY and Industrial machines. You also have an option to add Laz圜AM as an add-on plugin. Mach3 CNC Controller software will convert your PC into a fully functional 6 axis CNC Controller.
Like Mach3, Mach4 can also import and edit G-code files from most of the CAD software to control your CNC machine.
You can also overcome the parallel port requirement by using the Smoothstepper mechanism to connect with your laptop or desktop without a parallel port.
If you're using your computer itself as a controller, you'll need to use a PC with a parallel port and have to install the 32-bit version of Mach4 in such a case. There is also an SDK (Software Development Kit) available for Mach3 here. When using an external motion controller, you can work with a laptop or desktop of your choice using a USB connection. Find the latest versions of Mach3 here as well Mach3 Plugins, Screensets and Laz圜am. But Mach 4 has a smoother UI than Mach3, which requires at least 512MB of graphics memory and 1GB of RAM for the program to load.
It's made from scratch and Artsoft claims that Mach4 only uses less than 1% of Mach3's original program code. Mach4 is the latest version available in the Mach series and is made to stay on par with time by providing the users with more simplified controls.