Purpose

Mach3 is one of those narrow-profile programs that can be useful only to a specialist in a particular area. This software is used to work with CNC machines. The program supports many types of machine tools, including milling, turning, engraving, coating and others. Installing Mach3 will turn your PC to the control point, allowing to significantly facilitate the operation and automate the process.

Technical features

The use of this software has a number of their nuances. First of all, it should be noted that Mach3 will require 1 GB of free space on hard disk and RAM over 500 MB. Remember that the program does not support Windows versions released after "seven". And in view of the fact that this software is intended for commercial use to activate the entire functionality you need to buy a license. Of course, the developers took care of the presence of a demo version that allows you to arrange a test drive.

Graphic shell

The Mach3 interface is overloaded with a huge number of buttons in which it is very easy to get lost. Working with the toolkit is still complicated by the fact that the program does not support Russian. It does not matter whether the user disassembles in the subject and tolerately owns English or not - he will need time for mastering the toolkit, as well as patience to get used to the correct functioning of the program, you should pre-optimize the PC, disabling all active programs.

Mach3, unfortunately, it works only in full screen mode, but in contrast it has a fairly flexible interface that allows you to move blocks with different options in any part of the screen. It knows how to generate macros and M-codes from VB scripts, is able to carry out linear regulation (in several levels) and control the spindle rotation frequency and create a G-codes control program. Software supports imports of JPG, DFX and BMP files, as well as additionally can turn on the window that allows you to conduct video surveillance for the workflow using a remote camera.

RESULTS

• developers did not implement the support of the Russian language;
• massive toolkit in which it is not easy to figure out;
• flexible interface, adjusting to the user;
• the ability to conduct video surveillance for the work process;
• Software works only in full screen mode;
• supports Windows in the range from XP to 7.

Mach3 CNC Machine Control Program is a program designed for autonomous control machinery with numerical control. The program is equally effective for all types of machine tools, no matter what purpose the device is used: milling, engraving or turning. This program is one of the most popular developments of this type.

Purpose

The full name of the Mach3 artsoft program. It is used on computer devices connected to machines. To start the program, an operating system from Microsoft must be installed on the computer. The application and software were created by the American manufacturer. Its popularity is related to ease of use, which provides the possibility of applying both in production and in everyday life.

Preferring the control program, you can start the instruments:

• seven;
• engraving.

In order for Mach3 to be running on the computer, it must meet the minimum requirements. Windows operating system is not an old-year-old older year. The clock frequency of the processor is at least 1 gigahertz. The minimum amount of RAM is 512 megabytes. Video card memory is at least 64 megabytes. The volume of free memory on the hard disk is at least 1 gigabyte. The presence of the LPT port and at least two USB connectors.

Almost every modern device is compatible with Mach3, so it can be applied both at large enterprises and in domestic workshops.

The application is similarly controlled on the machine of different designs. The difference in the work may be associated exclusively with differences in the characteristics and dimensions of the instruments.

Features

Mach3 interacts with any machines having a system of numerical software management. The program can be launched not only on stationary computers, but also laptops. To do this, it is enough to connect the unit to the machine. The Mach3 system is a driver rather than a complex application. After installation, you can independently create control programs on your computer.

After their creation is completed, they are loaded into the modular memory with which the numeric control is connected. The main task of the computer is to configure the parameters to work with machine equipment.

Through the PC you can:

• automate the work tool;
• control his movement;
• control movement on a given trajectory.

The program works as a conventional window application, and does not overload the operating system. Before using it, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the instructions. There is no time for training.

The main advantages of Mach3 are:

• wide functionality;
• intuitive interface;
• competent management principle.

The instruction is available in various languages, including Russian. Thanks to this, it will not arise with training.

Characteristics

The application is able to control simultaneously by six coordinates at once. The software is equipped with built-in software that allows you to upload files by direct method. It is allowed to download files in four formats:

If necessary, the application interface can be changed. With it, the device controls the spindle speed. Relay control is carried out on several levels. Processing is recorded by a video surveillance system that transmits an entry into a special software window. For convenience, the window mode can be switched to full screen. The created program is also compatible with modern sensory devices.

On the screen there are:

• program control buttons;
• display management program;
• axes controls;
• "Masters" buttons;
• screen control buttons.

"Masters" is one of the main advantages of the application. They are represented by minipograms to expand the possibilities of Mach3. They are intended to perform simple tasks that will allow the user to save time. It is allowed to independently create minipograms.

They are used for:

• cutting teeth;
• drills;
• denial;
• text engraving;
• samples of grooves;
• superficial processing;
• processing ordinary contours.

All information about the working tool is displayed on the screen. To adjust the spindle speed, it is enough to use the "+" and "-" buttons. Buttons and modes are signed in English, but the instructions are written their designation.

Preparation

Not only the accuracy and quality of processing, but also the safety of the equipment depends on the proper configuration of the program. If the setting is completed with errors, the result can be a broken controlled tool, a CNC module or other elements.

Preparation is performed in several steps:

• it is necessary to fully connect the machines and check their performance (the check can be performed both with the help of standard diagnostics and using various programs);
• then Mach3 is installed (before installation it should be convinced that the computer device meets the minimum requirements of the program);
• it is recommended to use licensed versions of the application (due to the high cost of licensed application and English software, pirated Russified assemblies are often used - however, they may be damaged, and can harm machine equipment);
• the operation of the operating system must be optimized (it is recommended to disable third-party applications, including those that work in the background);
• when the program is running, it is not recommended to run other applications (especially for games, because they are able to load a computer).

If the computer is planned to be used not only to work with Mach3, the hard disk should be divided into subsections. This step is necessary if the PC will be applied to the creation of managers, or other purposes. You should install a separate operating system on which the application will be operated. Other applications put on this system do not need.

Using

Before setting up the program, carefully examine the instructions, buttons and their value. Mach3 interacts with different machines, so for each type you should open your own tab with parameters. With the purchase of a licensed version, the instruction follows. If a pirated version is used, or the instruction was lost, it is possible to download it in free access on the Internet.

Before processing parts, it is required to turn on the machine and make sure it works fine. There will be no jerks and interruptions about this. Then the aggregate run is performed. The application allows you to run a run in automatic mode by clicking on a special button. With it, the trial mode can be turned on and off. You can manage the working mechanism of the device using a mouse.

Control happens two types:

• step-by-step;
• continuous.

When using the first type, the machine is driven to the operating state by pressing the key, and performs processing on a given segment. The second type is characterized by the operation of the machine until the operator clamp the key. If the key is released, the processing will stop.

Mach3. - This is a software package that works on a PC and turns it into a cost-effective control station. For Mach3, you need to have a PC on which Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows 7 32Bit operating system is installed. The program developers recommends using a computer with a 1GHz processor and at least 1GGB RAM. A stationary computer gives the best results compared to laptops and significantly cheaper. In addition, you can use this computer for other works when it is not busy with your machine. When installing on a laptop, it is recommended to hold.

Mach3 and its parallel port driver connects to the machine equipment through a parallel port (printer port). If your computer is not equipped with a parallel port (more and more computers are released without this port), you can purchase a special fee - USB-LPT, which connects to a computer via USB port, or purchase the PCI-LPT or PCI-E- port extender fee LPT.

1. After installing the Mach3 program, check the driver operation.

After installing the program, we start the driverTest.exe file, when the driver is correct, see the picture, Figure 1.

Figure 1 Checking the Mach3 driver driver.

If not, you should check the following:

1) Windows 32Bit operating system

2) Does the LPT number matches the port address and its address with the settings in Mach3, default LPT1 and port address (0x378), that is, the picture from the Start menu-\u003e Control Panel -\u003e System -\u003e Equipment -\u003e Device Manager -\u003e COM ports and LPT should be as in Figure 2.

Figure 2. View port LPT settings

Mach3 supports work only with LPT1 or LPT2 ports, if you install the LPT3 port number when installing the external board, then you need to change it in the LPT1 device manager.

The port address can be viewed in the properties (right mouse button on the selected lettering), the tab is resources.

If USB-LPT adapter is used, download the driver for the USB adapter view https://cloud.mail.ru/public/6kxs/3cddbphpg

On this setting is completed.

If you wish, you can experiment with the installation of different speeds and accelerations, choosing those that are more suitable and at which the engines rotate steadily without passing steps and twitching.

The maximum speed is approximately 500-600 mm / min for each millimeter of the screw step. Those. If your screw has a pitch of 1.5 mm, you can reach a speed of about 1000 mm / min, for the SVP, with a step of 5mm, this value is already 3000mm / min, and for Shvp1610 as long as 6000mm / min!

Having achieved the highest possible speed, keep in mind that for real sustainable work, these values \u200b\u200bare desirable to reduce by 20-40%.

You can also experiment with the speed of the current in the windings, but it is better to do on the finished machine.

In the future, use the manual program Mach3 ..

Mach3. - This is a software package that works on a PC and turns it into a cost-effective control station. To work Mach3, you need to have a PC on which Windows 2000 operating system is installed, Windows XP or 32-bit Windows Vista. (To work in the Windows Vista operating system, you can need a registry patch that you can download on www.machsupport.com.) Artsoft USA recommends using a processor with a frequency of at least 1GHz and a monitor with a resolution of 1024 x 768 Pix. A stationary computer gives the best results compared to laptops and significantly cheaper. In addition, you can use this computer for other works when it is not busy with your machine. When installing on a laptop, it is recommended to hold optimization of the system under Mach3 .

Mach3 and its parallel port driver connects to the machine equipment through one (sometimes after two) parallel port (printer port). If your computer is not equipped with a parallel port (more and more computers are released without this port), you can purchase a special fee - USB-LPT, which connects to a computer via USB port, or purchase the PCI-LPT or PCI-E- port extender fee LPT.

Mach3 generates step pulses and direction signals, executing a command of the G-code control program command (UE), and sends them to the port (s) of the computer or an external controller. The motor boards of the engines of the axes of your machine must receive step signals and direction signals (STEP and DIR) issued by the Mach3 program. So typically work all stepper motors and modern servous systems of constant and alternating current, equipped with digital encoders (position sensors).

To configure the CNC system to use Mach3, you need to install on Mach3 to your computer and correctly connect the drives of your engines to the computer port.

Mach3 is a very flexible program created to control such machines like milling machines, lathes, plasma cutters and tracers. Characteristics of machines managed by Mach3, are as follows:

· Partial manual control. Emergency stop button ( Estop.) Must be present on any machine.

· Two or three axes located at right angles to each other (denoted as X, Y, and Z)

· Tool moving relative to the workpiece. The initial positions of the axes are recorded relative to the workpiece. The relativity of the movement lies in the fact that the tool moves (for example, a milling cutting on the spindle, moves along the z axis or the turning tool, fixed in the climax, performs movement in the direction of the X and Z axes) or (2) the table and fixed On it, the workpiece (for example, on the console milling machine, the table is moved across the directions of x, y and z axes when the tool and spindle are fixed).

And additionally:

· Switches that report when the tool is in the "base" position.

· Switches defining the limitations of the allowed relative tool movement.

· Controlled "Spindle". The spindle can rotate the tool (mill) or blank (sharpening).

· Up to three additional axes. They can be defined as rotary (i.e. their movement is measured in degrees) or linear. Each of the additional linear axes may be subordinate to the x, y axis, or Z. they will move together, controlled by the pack or your manual moves, but the appeal to them is individually (for obtaining a detailed description, see paragraph 5.6.4).

· Switch or switches connected to the machine protective circuit.

· Control of the flow of cooling (liquid and / or gaseous)

· Probe - probe in a tool holder that allows digitizing existing parts or models.

· Encoders, position sensors with a glass scale that can show the position of the machine nodes

· Special functions.

In most cases, the machine connects to the computer on which Mach3 is installed, through a parallel (Printer) port (s) of the computer. A simple machine uses one port, comprehensive - sometimes two. Special features management such as LCD display, tool change, fixing axes or cutting conveyor, occurs by connecting a special MODBUS device (for example, PLC or HOMAN DESIGN MODIO controller). Also, the connection can occur through the keyboard emulator, which generates pseudo keystrokes in response to input signals. Mach3 manages six axes at once, coordinating their simultaneous movement using a linear interpolation, or carrying out a circular interpolation along two axes (from x, y and z), at the same time linearly interpolating the remaining four with the help of an angle covered by circular interpolation. Thus, if necessary, the tool can move along a tapering screw trajectory. The flow throughout these movements is supported in accordance with the value specified in your control program (UE), according to the limitations of acceleration and maximum axes. You can manually move along the axes using various methods of hand movies. If your machine's mechanism is a hand of a robot or hexapode, Mach3 will not be able to control it, because in this case the kinematic calculations will be required to relate to the "instrument" position at x, y and z points with the length and rotation of the machine. Mach3 can run spindle, rotate it in any direction and turn it off. It is also possible to control the speed of rotation (in rpm) and monitoring the angle of inclination to perform such tasks as threading. Mach3 may turn on and off two types of cooling. Mach3 is monitored by ESTOP emergency switches and controls the use of database switches, protective equipment and limit switches. Mach3 saves the parameter database to 256 units of various tools. However, if an automatic tool or store change is provided in your machine, you will have to manage it yourself. Mach3 has the ability to task macros, but to work with this
function to the user you need to know programming.

Variants of drives of movement along the axes
Stepper and servo engines
There are two possible types of driving force for axis drives
1 stepper engine
2 servomotor (post. Or AC current)
Each of them can move the axis movement through the running screws (straight or ball-screw), belts, chains, gears or worm gears. The method of transmitting the movement determines the speed and torque derived from the engine, depending on the gear ratio of the gearbox, the characteristics of the mechanical drive. Properties of a bipolar stepper engine:

· Low cost

· Simple 4 wired engine connection

· Almost does not require care

· The engine speed is limited to about 1000 turns per minute, and the torque is limited, approximately 3000 ounces per inch (21 Nm). The maximum speed is determined when the engine is operating or the drive electronics on their maximum allowable voltage. The maximum torque is determined when the engine is running on its maximum valid current (in amperes).

· For the production needs, the steps of the machine must be controlled by a micro-global controller with a step of a step that reduces the action at any speed with appropriate efficiency.

· Steps typically provide only opened cycles. This means that there is a possibility of losing steps with a large load, and this will not immediately become noticeable for the user of the machine. In practice, stepper motors provide quite sufficient performance on standard machines.

On the other hand, the servomotor is:

· Relatively high price (especially for Motors Post. Current)

· Required cables and engine and encoder

· Requires brushes (on AC motors)

· The engine speed can reach 4000 revolutions per minute, and the torque is practically not limited (as far as your budget allows!)

· Used control of closed cycles, so the drive position should always be correct (otherwise the signal will be filed)

Transverse carriage mill
Let's start checking the minimum possible movement distance. It will be an absolute limit on the accuracy of the work machine. After we check the accelerated moving and torque. Suppose, for example, that you created a milling machine with a transverse carriage (Y axis), and the course of the transverse carriage is 12 inches. You are going to use a screw with a thread in one thread, with a step at 0.1 inch and a ball nut. Your goal is to achieve the minimum movement at 0.0001
inches. One full screw turnover in increments of 0.1 inches gives a movement by 0.1 inches, so moving on 0.0001 inches is 1/1000 part of it. This is 1/1000 motor shaft turn, if it is directly connected to the screw. Using a stepper motor. The minimum step of the stepper motor depends on how it is controlled. Typically common stepper motors have 200 full steps to turn, but controllers also provide micro-step modes. Microloge modes help to achieve smooth movement on the highest value of the feed rate, and many controllers allow 10 micro-shots to one complete step. 200-step engine with 10 microsters per complete step
provides 1/2000 turn, as the minimum step. As shown in the example above, two micro-steps will give the desired minimum movement by 0.0001 inches. This, however, should be considered with some reservations. While the number of microshops on one step grows, the torque falls quickly. Depending on the load, which lies on the engine, may not be sufficient torque for the actual motion of the motor per microsg. It happens to do
several microshers before the sufficient torque appears. In general, to obtain accurate results, use non-microscopic mode. The main advantages of the micro-drive mode are a reduction in mechanical interference, smoothing start-up and reducing resonant problems. Now pay attention to the possible speed of accelerated movements. Suppose at a minimum that the maximum engine speed is 500 revolutions per minute. In our example with
the running screw with increments of 0.1 inches, 500 revolutions per minute will give the speed of accelerated movements of 50 inches per minute, or about 15 seconds to overcome 12 inches of the length of the guides. This result is satisfactory, but not impressive. At this speed of the electronics of the engine micro-drive drive, 16,667 (500 rpm / min is required. * 200 steps per revolution * 10 microchps per step / 60 seconds per minute) pulses per second. On a computer with a frequency of 1 GHz, Mach3 can generate at the same time 35,000 pulses per second for each of the 6 possible axes. So, with such a task, she will cope without problems. Now you should define the torque required for the machine, which will set the parameters of the requested engine. One way to measure it is the installation of the machine to the hardest cut, which, as you think, will ever have to do, applying the greatest tighten (say 12 ") on the manual wheel used on the guides by spinning to the failure of the balancing spring (or adapt Under these goals spring from kitchen scales). Torque for this cut (in ounces-inches) - the balanced balance (in ounces) x 12. Another way is to use the information about the caliber and the engine parameters, which, as you know, stands on the same machine with the same guides and screw . Since the stepper motor can "lose steps" with an error ragging, better use a lager-caliber engine with a marker in a torque. You can also increase torque with a gearbox. If the calculated speed of accelerated movements is within reasonable limits, you can consider the option of reducing the transfer ratio to 2: 1 (applying, say, shogging belt transmission), which should double the torque on the screw. This will allow using a smaller caliber engine (and, consequently, cheaper).

Portal trace drive drive
For the portal tracer, it may be necessary to move at least 60 inches along the portal axis. The screw of the ball-screw pair for such a length is too expensive and a difficult solution, since, among other things, it is hard to protect it from dust. Many developers come to the use of transmissions by chains or gear wheels. Choose a minimum step at 0.0005 inches. The leading gear with the 20th teeth and the incision of ј inch gives the portal moving 5 inches on the turn of the gear. Stepper motor (ten microshop) gives 2000 steps to turnover, so that the gear engine and the gear shaft requires a reduction of 5: 1 (using a belt or gearbox) and with a transfer ratio of 5: 1 one
the turnover of the stepper engine will result in 1 inch moving. With such a design, if we get 500 revolutions per minute from the headship, moving will be 500 inches per minute or 8.33 inches per second. Accelerated moving to 60 inches, without taking into account the acceleration and deceleration, will take 7.2 seconds. Calculation of torque on this machine is more complicated than on a fluser with a transverse carriage, taking into account the mass of the portal moving, inertia, the duration of acceleration and slowdown, which is probably more important than the power of the cut. Alien experience or independent experiments will be for many better solutions.

Limit switches (Limit) and Base Switches (Home Switches)
Limit limit (limit) are used to not give axes to move too far and thereby avoid possible damage to the machine. You can use the machine and without them, but a small error in the calculations may entail a lot of damage, the elimination of which will cost quite expensive

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Mach3 (Mach3) 2.63

Mach3. - This is a program that is designed to help the engineer in the complex CNC control machinery, whether laser and plasma plotters, sewage machines, high-speed woodworking milling machines, as well as turning, milling, engraving, plasma and laser machinery. The program is installed on a regular computer, which in turn connects to the control unit used in the work of the CNC machine. After this manipulation of PC turns into a working full-fledged station with six-sighted machines. The Mach3 program was developed in the United States, and is used both on conventional machines and on expensive professional installations.

Mach3 As a specialized program during its existence, he had a well-deserved authority and therefore is the most common choice of majority engineers who work at least someone is associated with CNC (machine with numeric management). The year of birth of the program can be considered 2001, it was then that she first appeared on the market.

To work the program, you need to install Windows, initially Mach3 runs on 32 bit systems, if you want it to work for 64 bit, then you will have to deal with USB-LPT adapter, if there is no parallel port on your computer, and this is found Now everywhere, because Iron manufacturers refuse to produce components with this port. But you, in turn, can buy special USB-LPT cards, PCI-LPT or PCI-E-LPT.

When using the program in the work, all that are not recommended to occupy your personal computer with some other applications. To make Mach3 in Russian exist special cracks for this utility.

Separately, it is necessary to say about the masters - built-in mini-programs that are designed to increase the capabilities of the program, and to carry out standard processing design operations without using specialized CAD / CAM applications. In addition to the already built-in, free in the program of masters, engineers themselves can create additional masters.

Mach3 is used everywhere in the following types of work:

• • Turning works
  • Milling
  • Laser and plasma sharp
  • Processing standard contours
  • Engraving
  • Dental
  • Woodworking
  • Drilling holes
  • Surface treatment
  • Sample of grooves and slots

Program version: Mach3 2.63
System: Mach3 for Windows 10, 8, 7, XP
Language: Russian, English
Size: 7.6 MB

Setting the torch height in Mach 3 for plasma

The torch height setting (THC MODE) is possible exclusively when current license Mach3!

To connect the control mode and the THC torch settings, follow these steps:

1. Go to the menu ( Menu.) -\u003e Management of plugins ( Plugin Control) -\u003e Basic configurations: ESS ( Main Config: ESS) -\u003e Activate the torch height setting mode by putting a tick opposite the "Torch height setting" window ( THC MODE.)

2. Go to the menu ( Menu.) -\u003e configurations ( Config) -\u003e Inputs / Outputs ( Ports & Pins.) -\u003e Incoming signals ( Input Signals.).

You need to resolve the following three incoming signals, assign the number of input and output, and activate a high / low state.

* THC ON. (Torch is connected). Incoming arc signal.
* THC Up. (Torch up). The signal that gives the z axis command to rise.
* THC DOWN. (Torch down). A signal that gives the Z axis command to descend.

Connect "Allow the control of the torch direction up / down even when the THC mode is turned off" ( ALLOW THC UP / DOWN CONTROL EVEN IF NOT IN THC MODE) Only if you control the height of the torch manually. Never choose this feature in the standard THC torch control mode.

4. In the pop-up Mach3 window, you will see the following:

Button "TORK ON / OFF" ( Torch ON / OFF) Allows you to turn on or off the torch (also this feature will be active when using the assigned spindle output or G-codes). The torch must be enabled if you want to allow it to be active, and the signal (switching from the on-off mode and vice versa) will proceed from the torch controller.

Function "MIN torch" and "Max torch" ( THC MIN / THC MAX) Allows you to set the minimum and maximum height of the Z axis. This means that when you reach the established limits, any commands indicating the direction coming beyond the maximum and minimum height will be ignored.