The Mach3 Addons are a collection of tools to generate G-code for making parts easier. This collection makes surfacing, cutting circles, squares, and drilling patterns, etc. much easier for a typical user.
The Addons are integrated into Mach3 through the wizard feature, giving those running a machine the ability to quickly complete a task without needing Advanced G-code knowledge. Simply click the options, describing the measurements of a feature, and the appropriate G-code is created to make the cuts.
This add-on for Mach3 is sure to minimize the time it takes to go from “start to part”.
Purchase a License Download PageHow it Works
Flow Chart
Flow Chart for Mach3 Addons
Getting Started
You first select the type of material and units of measurement that you want to work with, as well as any coolant options (flood or mist) that you desire. Clicking on the Continue button brings you to…
Operation Selection Screen
…the Operation Selection screen. From here, you are presented with 12 possible Operations to perform upon your raw stock. These 15 Operations – Cut Arc, Cut Circle, Cut Keyway, Surface Material, Thread Milling, Circular Hole Pattern, Linear Hole Pattern, Rectangular Hole Pattern, Circular Pocket, Rectangular Pocket, Electrical Shapes, Cut Gear, Cut Spline, and Cut Rectangle – offer the flexibility necessary for the creation of complex parts through a combination of simple procedures.
These Operations can be run in any sequence necessary to produce your part. A simple click gets you underway!
Tool Properties
After selecting your desired operation, you are asked to enter data about the particular tool you will be using. This information, in conjunction with your previous choice of material, will be used to automatically calculate the optimal Spindle Speed and Feed Rate you should be using when you click the Calculate Speed and Feed button.
In case any adjustments are required, the calculated values can be adjusted by inputting percentages into the Overrides DROs, i.e. an 80 in the Spindle % DRO will cause the coded Spindle Speed to be 80% of calculated. You can also specify at what rate to make any required Plunge moves, by entering it as a percentage of the coded Feed Rate.
Data Input Screen No.1
You are then taken to the data input screen for the selected operation. After entering the appropriate information, you can click on the Preview button to view the generated Toolpath. If it is acceptable, clicking on Post Code will return you to the Operation Selection screen. Clicking Cancel on any screen will bring you back to the Operation Selection screen without creating any G-Code.
Operation Selection Screen No.2
After returning to the Operation Selection screen, clicking on View Toolpath will allow you to view the result of your accumulated operations. You can then select the next Operation you would like to perform, or click Exit to return to Mach3, loading your created G-Code file.
Example No.1
In the example illustrated here, the Circular Pocket, Rectangular Pocket, and Circular Hole Pattern operations were utilized to create the toolpath shown in a 6″ x 6″ x 1″ piece of Aluminum stock.
Example No.2
Graphical Representation
Shown here is a graphical representation of the part created using the tool paths shown above.
General Features
Create parts through a combination of simple operations;
- Cut Arc
- Cut Circle
- Cut Keyway
- Surface Material
- Thread Milling
- Circular Hole Pattern
- Linear Hole Pattern
- Rectangular Hole Pattern
- Circular Pocket
- Rectangular Pocket
- Electrical Shapes
- Cut Gear
- Cut Spline
- Cut Rectangle
The Mach3 Addons are a great way to extend the capability of Mach3 and take advantage of the wizard feature without writing your own wizards for doing some of the most common operations. This package is great for doing a single operation or stringing together a few operations to create a basic part.
For more advanced operations such as stringing together many operations in a sequence, with the ability to edit, save, and re-order the operation steps, take a look at the Mill Wizard.
Licensing & Updates
Demonstration versions which allow you to test the Addons and generate tool paths are included in the default Mach3 installation. They will not, however, generate a final G-code file. License this product to create the G-code and use the Addons with Mach3.
- The Mach3 Addons require a licensed copy of Mach3 release 1.0 or greater in order to function properly.
The Mach3 Addons license enables several different components: CopyCat, Multi Pass, PowerFeed XY, the Mach3 Addons for Mill, and the NFSTurn wizards, which are a solution for using Mach3’s wizard capability to simplify the creation of G-Code files.
All of these packages will minimize the time it takes to go from “start to part”. The Minimum Requirements for the Mach3 Addons are identical to those of Mach3. When updates are available, they will be included in the Mach3 program updates. The minimum system requirements are also identical to those of Mach3.
*Please see the Mach3 program details for more information as this product is an add-on.
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