Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: garyhlucas on February 19, 2017, 12:23:28 PM
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On the pro forums mention of Mach3,4 often brings a derisive response. There are things Mach3 can do that the pro machines often can't, like run a million line program, and store every program you have ever made right on the machine, and tailor the CNC to a configuration that does something special the machine builder never envisioned. The most qouted issue is that it is not a closed loop control. However my homebuilt milling machine was cutting all day yesterday at 200ipm with 300 ipm rapids and when I check position it certainly hasn't missed any steps.
So with that said, I'm willing to bet the number of Mach 3 users may be a really large percentage of all CNCs in use. Anyone know?
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My opinion: since Mach3 is an older system most likely there are more users with Mach3. But giving time I'm sure Mach4 users will be more
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I am sure there are more Mach3 users than pro system users, it was the only system that was available to small machine builders, home users, specialist developers etc. It has been adapted for many machines - mill, lathe, plasma, drag cutters, 3d printers and many more and has had new screens developed for it - how many pro systems can switch screens in seconds?
It has weaknesses, many of them, but i think it still stands up as an excellent system even in the face of offerings like linuxcnc which is gaining acceptance now.
Mach4 has a long way to go yet i feel.
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I currently use Mach3, my next step will probably be the mid-priced standalone Chinese controllers which look like they'll be a better solution than PC +Controller Software+Controller Hardware within the next year or so.
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Anyone know?
Have never seen an statistics in my time.
RICH
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Excellent for general use with old type parallel port connection. Still imperfections in ESS connection, using 3 parallel ports in ESS, using more I/Os, reading some VB commands, buttons, screensets, these occur in more advance use...
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I meant the above comments is for Mach3.
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Well, I wouldn't bet the farm on that. Mach CNC has a great following in the hobby world, however, FANUC, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Yasakawa dominate the industrial world. At one point in time in the late 90's FANUC had more installed CNC controls in the world than all other CNC control manufactueres combined.
Mach is great and opened the door for a lot of hobbiests to CNC, but the industrial world is a VERY large market.
Chris D