Please note that not all software is available for macbook users. I recommend you bring a windows laptop (10 or 11) and make sure it has at least 1x USB-A port, again not REQUIRED but you will need it if you want to be able to run the CNC.
ALL THE SOFTWARE WE USE IS FREE. NEVER PAY TO DOWNLOAD ANYTHING.
Please follow direct links provided as there are a lot of fake websites for this type of software.
I wrote this during class so there may be errors/broken links/missing info. Tag me in slack and I can help you out.
Mach3
Mach3 Screenset
Carbide Create
Fusion360
3D Printer slicer
Mach3 Is a motion control software. It uses your laptop to stream commands one by oneĀ to the cnc controller. It is free for hobby use, do not pay for anything. Download using the link below.
In order to communicate with the machine you need to install two files.
Once downloaded follow theses instructions.
Setup Instructions:
Copy and paste the RnRMotion.dll file into your Mach3 Plugins folder (C:/Program Files/Mach3/Plugins).
Connect the USB Board: Ensure the board is connected to the PC via a USB cable. It should automatically recognize the USB device.
Open Mach3 and select the "RnRMotionController" driver when prompted.
Check the "Don't ask me again" option to ensure seamless communication between the board and Mach3.
Load the Mach3 Config File: Save the file in your Mach3 root folder.
NOTE: When downloading the RnRMotion file you may get a warning from your webrowser, the file is safe to install. VirusTotal Check.
Mach3, as good as it is looks horrendous and has a terrible user interface. To fix this users have created their own "themes" called screen sets. We will be using the following screenset on our machine so it is recommened to install the same one on your personal laptop so you become familiar with the style, alyout and UX.
Carbide create is used to program the parts we want to cut. There are three versions please install version 6.52 for either Windows or macOS.
Version 7 requires converting each file you want to cut via an online service.
Version 8 has the same limitiation and is currently still in beta.
Please head over to https://www.autodesk.com/ca-en and create a student account.
A student account wil grant you access to the machining extensions and some other features, mainly HSM for SolidWorks.
3161 Members: We use Solidworks+HSM, but also F360 please make a student account.
9098 Members: We use Fusion360 standalone, you should be fine to create a personal account and use your personal email.
Please choose one of the following slicers
Orca slicer, SuperSlicer, Prusa slicer
Only use Bambu Studio if you have a Bambu printer.
Coming soon.