MACH CNC CONTROL SOFTWARE MAIN FEATURES AND VERSION DIFFERENCES
Standard Version Features
Number of Planners
Number of Axis
Out of Band Axis (OBA)
Slave axis (uses up coordinated axes)
Slave motors (does not use up coordinated axes)
API Interface - Open to All Hardware
Extended Plugin Support
User customizable GUI
Unified (GUI) Interface - PLC, CNC, etc..
Unlimited IO
Modbus PLC
PMC (Ladder Logic addressing for cnc/plc)
Unlimited File Size
Tool Path Display
Tool Path Speed & Quality
Scripting - Customization
LUA Scripting - simple, fast, cross-platform
- Lua sockets (ftp, http, smtp,..)
- SSL (security layer)
- LFS (manage large files and data storage)
- Seriel port
- Enraving of part numbers / serial numbering of parts
- Plugin panel objects
IPC Library for Data Sharing/tracking (Interprocess communication)
Full Feature Screens/Controls Per Machine Type
Currently Availabe: Mill, Router, Lathe, 3d Printer
Multiple gcode Interpruters (Per Machine Type)
Probing - Intergrated in standard screens
Simulated 3d Machining (with additional plugin license)
Tool Life Management (G10 L3 command)
Screw Mapping
Professional Screen Designer (advanced G.U.I.)
- Screen Animation Control
- Screen Integrated Tool Table Control
- Screen Integrated Work Offset Control
- Screen Integrated gcode editor
- Screen Artsoft Wizard Package Integration
Macro B gcode Programming (#variables)
- User definable gcodes via marco calls
- Macro Calls: G65, G66, G66.1
- gcode via marco call (custom G codes via macro B)
- mcode via macro call (custom M codes via macro B)
- mcode via sub code (custom M code via sup program)
- Conditional gcodes
- set VN call - define variable names
gcode Editor Included
Scripted M code (custom M code via LUA script)
Variable Speed Spindle
Spindle Relay
Coolant relay
Mist Relay
Threading
Rigid Tapping
Single Block
Block Delete
Optional Stop
Mach3
1
6
0
Mach4 Hobby
1
6
1
Mach4 Industrial
1
6
6
3
N/A
Yes
Yes
Yes
N/A
4 per Axis
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
High
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
N/A
4 per Axis
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
High
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Low
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
MACH CNC CONTROL SOFTWARE MAIN FEATURES AND VERSION DIFFERENCES
Standard Version Features
Mach3
Mach4 Hobby
Mach4 Industrial
Cutter Comp
Fanuc Type C Cutter Comp
Fixture Offsets
G51 Scaling
G92 Offsets
G52 Offsets
Event Driven
Multi Line MDI
Subs In MDI
OpenGL Optimization
Multi-platform OS Compatibility Option
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Online Support
Phone Support Option Available
Support Priority
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Available to End Users as "Do-it-yourself"
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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.