Hi,
Just curious - customize in what way?
Lets take a fairly simple example. Lets say you have a large VMC and the operator Estops it.
Because of the weight of the Z axis it slumps down under gravity, which would be VERY dangerous to the operator.
A machine builder might customize the control program such that before the power is disconnected from the Z axis
motor the brake is engaged.
Another example might be that you have an independent axis that rotates a part in discrete amounts. A machining
operation is performed and then the part is rotated another 30 degrees say before the maching operation
starts again. You could of course do that with a fourth axis but it is possible to do it with an Out-of-Band axis, of
which Mach4Hobby is allowed six. So you could have multiple OB axes manipulating parts say, or jigs or clamps...
The last feature for instance is likely to be important to a machine builder whom needs a flexible control for his new
machine....prehaps less so to you.
1) Reliable controller
2) Ability to restart a job partway through if I have to stop it for some reason
3) ability to do tool changes (manual at first, auto later maybe)
4) Has to handle homing/limit switches
5) has to support a touch probe
6) ability to control spindle speed through VFD
7) ability to turn coolant on/off
e-stop that shuts off the spindle along with the rest of it.
All of this is pretty much bog standard for any CNC solution and yes Mach4 can do it all.
Craig