CNC Control Software

• Overview
• V4.0 Highlights
• V4.0 Features
• Software Feature Videos

Version 4.0 New Feature List:

Motion Control

• Full 5-axis support (simultaneous or indexing toolpaths)
• Ability to jog an axis while G-Code is running
• Advanced contouring (smoothes tangential line-arc transitions and multiple lines)
• Automatic smoothing of linear move sequences in point-to-point G-Code files
• Configurable automatic delays at corners
• Option to automatically raise Z axis after feed hold
• Support for G93/G94 (feedrate interpretation)
• Added safe move performed at specified feedrate (G29.1)

Machine Configuration

• Configuration wizard makes setting up your machine very easy
• New Drive Parameters configuration panel with detailed settings per drive mechanism type
• Support for hotwire and wire EDM machines

I/O Control

• M-Codes automatically executed:
• At the beginning/end of motion
• At the beginning/end of ramping
• Before/after homing each axis
• When specific input lines are tripped
• When connecting/disconnecting with the Signal Generator
• Support more wiring options for home/limit switches such as 2 switches in series on one axis

Programming

• DXF import improvements
• Smart application of cutter compensation
• Smart cutting order (cut innermost features first)
• New options for assigning program zero location relative to DXF coordinate system
• G90 vs. G91 style G-Code
• Option to combine DXF layers into single layer
• Option to return to program zero or not at end of file
• Option to turn off most controls and displays on main screen
• Teach controls for teaching a series of points
• Cycles control panel provides simple CAM dialogs for:
• Pocketing
• Facing
• Engraving (any TrueType font)
• Drilling/punching holes
• G-Codes for engraving, including support for custom-designed fonts (G140/G141)
• Branch G-Code based on state of input lines (using IF-THEN blocks)
• Any custom cycle added to the system as a plug-in (written in any .NET language)
• Improved support for Fanuc G-Code

User Interface – Instant Information

• Very accurate runtime estimate
• Viewport improvements
• Mouse wheel support
• Right mouse click menu
• Clear Trace menu command
• Zoom window command
• Direction arrows
• Option for output lines always displayed on main screen
• Counters available in G-Code (e.g. to count parts made, G150/G151)
• User variables (editable on main screen, used in G-Code files)
• Main screen display units (English/metric) may be different than configuration units
• Support for "hidden" axes (eg. rotary axis used in tool changer doesn't appear on main screen)

 

User Interface – Fingertip Control

• Run G-Code file backwards
• Option for main screen buttons that run G-Code macros
• Spindle speed slider active while file is running

 

Machining

• Tool life management
• Support for restricting motion to a safe working envelope defined within the machine envelope

 

Homing / Sensing / Video

• New G-Code for tool length sensing (G120)
• Independently home multiple motors driving a single axis (Independent Gantry Homing)
• Single-direction 3D scanning (previously only supported zigzag pattern)
• Homing switches can be anywhere in the machine envelope (don't have to be at boundaries)
• Video position correction system

 

File Management

• Load and run huge files much more efficiently (loads faster, uses much less RAM)
• More information displayed when file exceeds machine envelope (display G-Code line number, coordinate, distance beyond envelope)
• Recent Setup & Tooling files on File menu
• Improved firmware updating scheme

Windows Management

• Support for 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7
• .NET remote interface (e.g. load and run a file, move to a point, etc. from another program written in any .NET language)