Plugins
Plugins are expansion modules written for Mach3. The Plugins on this page are the work of their respective authors, and not necessarily written (or supported) by ArtSoft USA.
Barcode Scanner
Author:
Brian Barker
Version:
1.2
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Loads a program via Barcode ID
CandCNC DTHC (Digital Torch Height Control)
Download:
Author:
M. McKnight/T.Caudle
Version:
1.2
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Plug-in support for DTHC Expansion Module. (Upgrade for UBOB cards)
3rd Generation design with advanced features allows precise control of the plasma cutting process.
Embedded high speed processor and A/D gives quick response for accurate Torch Height tracking and advanced communications to MACH3
On-screen Popup with CUT PROFILES. User adds and edits. Store EVERY cut parameter for all types of metal and tips.
Control ALL of the DTHC functions on the Mach3 screens.
New “TIP SAVER” mode locks head moves that would cause the head to dive when crossing a void or at the end of a cut.
Adjustable Fault values and fault actions (Torch OFF on Fault, etc)
New Auto THC ON feature.
Works with MACH versions 3.042.020 and up.
Does NOT need an added parallel port.
CandCNC MPG101B 28 Function Hand Controller
Download:
Author:
M. McKnight
Version:
2.1
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Proportional 2 axis 360 deg Jogstick
Not a keyboard emulator
3 jog modes: Fast, Slow, Single Step
User configuration for button functions (8 buttons) allows access to dozens of MACH internal commands
Buttons for Jog Types and Run, FeedHold, & Stop
Buttons for Feedrate Override and Outputs On/Off
Automatic SETUP and RUN keyboard shift
Button push on jogstick switches jogstick control from XY to ZA
One-finger control (no rotary switches or knobs to twist)
CandCNC Universal Breakout Board (UBOB)
Download:
Author:
M. McKnight/T.Caudle
Version:
2.10
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Supports UBOB hardware with TDM port expansion
9 Fully Isolated inputs for Homes, Limits, Probes and Expansion card signals
8 High Speed S & D outputs. 4 independent Axis. Hardware slaving for 5th axis.
6 High current (double buffered) outputs for relays
2 Internal Outputs for DTHC and Spindle Speed Expansion Modules
CSMIO/IP-M 4 Axis Ethernet Motion Controller
Download:
Author:
CS-Lab Electronics Partnership Co.
Version:
Hardware v1.0
Firmware v1.201
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
CS-Lab Electronics Partnership Co.
Special Features:
PC connection via Ethernet
4 axis controller
12 digital inputs and 6 digital outputs (full optical isolation, short circuit and thermal protection on digital outputs)
4 analog inputs / 2 analog outputs (0-10V).
Max. STEP frequency of 125kHz with a 50% duty cycle
Ability to connect the CSMIO-MPG module
CSMIO/IP-S 6 Axis Ethernet Motion Controller
Download:
Author:
CS-Lab Electronics Partnership Co.
Version:
Hardware v2.0
Firmware v1.2
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
CS-Lab Electronics Partnership Co.
Special Features:
PC connection via Ethernet.
6 axis controller.
STEP frequency to 4MHz (differential outputs, very resistant to interference).
Extremely stable machine speed control, thanks to the FPGA and advanced control algorithms.
32 digital inputs and 16 digital outputs (possibility to extend to 192 inputs / 96 outputs through additional modules).
4 analog inputs / 2 analog outputs (0-10V).
All I/O are optically isolated, protected against short circuit, overheating, industry standard - 24V.
Up to 3 slave axis support, machine geometry correction.
Spindle inverter control through analog outputs.
An extension of functionality through additional CanOpen modules. Currently available modules:
- CSMIO-IO – module of 16 additional inputs and 8 outputs (24V, optical isolation, overload protection). Possible connection to 10 modules like these.
- CSMIO-MPG connection modules – smooth control of the machine motion, automatic switching between speed and position mode.
- Work is underway on the CSMIO-SCAN module - to operate a laser scanner.
Solid aluminium enclosure that discharges the heat very well and perfectly protects the electronics of the device.
Comfortable Din-rail mounting.
Succesfully developed software and the ability to update by yourself.
Ability to control all digital and analog signals by VisualBasic macros.
Support for the FAULT signals of the servodrives – immediate machine stop in case of failure on any axis.
RESET support for the axis drives.
Readable LED controls on the front panel for easy installation.
Future updates will support screw mapping and threading.
CSMIO-IO Expansion Module (additional I/O for CSMIO/IP-S-A)
Author:
CS-Lab Electronics Partnership Co.
Version:
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
CS-Lab Electronics Partnership Co.
Special Features:
It can be connected only to CSMIO controllers (the controllers are designed to automatically detect connected expansion modules)
An extension module with 16 additional digital inputs and 8 digital outputs
Communicates with CSMIO/IP via CAN bus
Possible to connect to the expansion bus up to 16 CSMIO-IO modules for a maximum of 288 digital inputs and 144 digital outputs
All module inputs and outputs work with standard industrial 24V power supply voltage and have full optical isolation with additional protection against short circuit and overheat.
CSMIO-MPG Expansion Module (for CSMIO/IP-S-M-A)
Author:
CS-Lab Electronics Partnership Co.
Version:
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
CS-Lab Electronics Partnership Co.
Special Features:
The module can be connected only to the CSMIO controller(s)
MPG (JOG) support module for manual axis operation
Equipped with 3 digital multiplier inputs (x1 x10 x100), 6 digital inputs of controlled axis selection, 2 independent inputs, 2 independent outputs, 2 analog inputs to connect potentiometer for feedrate correction and spindle speed correction, input and output of the emergency STOP
Digital inputs and outputs are inside optically isolated and filtered. All is closed in a compact cover mounted on a DIN-rail, what means that the mechanical and electronic installation in the control cabinet takes less time and is simpler.
Communicates with CSMIO/IP via CAN bus
CSMIO-MPG requires standard industrial 24V power supply voltage
CONTEC PIO
Author:
Steve Murphree
Version:
1.0
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Plugin support for the CONTEC PIO series I/O PCI cards.
Support for up to 4 cards.
The number of inputs and outputs are dependant on the PIO card model(s) used.
DSPMC/IP Motion Controller
Download:
Author:
Vital Systems Inc
Version:
Check Vendor Website
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
6 Axis Servo Control (±10V, 8 Channels).
6 Hardware Differential Encoder Inputs, 4 MHz Max freq.
Encoder Resolution Magnify by 4 in Hardware
3 Soft Encoder Inputs (eg. MPG input).
MPG Control using Electronic Gearing for quick response.
Probing.
Lathe Threading.
Backlash compensation.
Homing Using Home Sensor and/or optional Index Pulse.
Rotary Axis Homing with Index pulse.
Use One Home Sensor Input for all axis, or separate Home Sensors for each axis.
Option to use Limit switches as homing sensors.
Feedrate Override above 100%.
FeedHold uses ramping up/down to start and stop the machine.
Slave Axis Support.
5KHz PID Servo Loop for each axis.
PID Tuning Graph.
0-10v Spindle control.
Fast 10/100 MB Ethernet Communication with PC.
High Speed 3D machining support.
Digital 64 Inputs, 32 Outputs.
dspMacro - Basic Macros for fast I/O logic programming.
Engraving Trigger for Laser or Impact
Download:
Engraving Trigger Source - Source code for the Engraving Trigger plugin. Feel free to download and modify as needed to fit your application.
Author:
Art Fenerty
Version:
2.00.076
Status:
R & D
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Imports Photo and outputs DigTrigger at variable number of 5us pulses to trigger laser to grayscale output of image during X motor output
Flash
Download:
Author:
Art Fenerty
Version:
2.00.038
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Allows use of Flash screensets
G100
Download:
Motion Plugin - v3.037 (March 5, 2008)
I/O Only Plugin - This plugin does not move motors, it allows a G100 to be used in conjunction with the printer port or some other motion device. The G100 is available as Port 3 Inputs/Outputs and analog IO Only.
The G100 is old hardware, and these plugins are provided "as-is" with *NO* support. These plugins may not fully function with versions of Mach3 released after the plugin release date.
Author:
Art Fenerty / Steve Hardy
Version:
2.03.000
Status:
BETA
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
4Mhz pulsing engine
16 Outputs/ 22 Inputs
4 analogue ins/outs
Ethernet connection
Analog spindle only - No step/dir
The G100 requires no license, and is no longer supported.
Galil DMC Series
Author:
Brian Barker / Steve Murphree / Kenny Crouch
Version:
4.4 / 4.5
Status:
Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
3Mhz pulsing engine/ closed loop
4ms Trajectory planning
Ethernet or PCI models supported
GX-USB
Author:
Nevex Tecnologia
Version:
2.1
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
email: info (at) nevex (dot) com (dot) br
Website:
Special Features:
USB Motion controller.
200 khz step frequency.
4 axes.
12 Digital inputs.
6 Digital outputs.
2 relays.
HiCON Motion Controller
Download:
Author:
Vital Systems Inc
Version:
Check Vendor Website
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
6 Axis Step/Direction with 2MHz Max Step Frequency
Optional Encoder Feedback for all 6 Axis
9 Hardware Differential Encoder Inputs, 4 MHz Max freq.
Encoder Resolution Magnify by 4 in Hardware
High Performance MPG Control
Probing
Lathe Threading
Backlash compensation
Homing Using Home Sensor and/or optional Index Pulse
Rotary Axis Homing with Index pulse
Use One Home Sensor Input for all axis, or separate Home Sensors for each axis
Option to use Limit switches as homing sensors
Instant FeedHold with Decel
Slave Axis Support
Smart Spindle: 0-10v / +-10v / GCode Axis as Spindle
Fast 10/100 MB Ethernet Communication with PC
High Speed 3D machining support
Digital 52 Inputs, 30 Outputs
HiCON Basic Macros for fast internal I/O logic programming
iMach Screen Plugin
Download:
Author:
VistaCNC
Version:
1.00
Status:
BETA
Feedback:
email: support (at) vistacnc (dot) com
Website:
Special Features:
iMach pendant operation
iMach Screen
JCode
Download:
Author:
Brian Barker
Version:
1.0
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Jog to GCode recording
JoyPad and Game Device Plugin
Author:
Joakim Hjort / Nader Atifeh
Version:
JoyPad Plugin 2.0 JoyPadSetup Program 2.0 JoyPad User Manual 2.0
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
USB JoyPad and Game Device Plugin 2.0
Website:
Special Features:
Continuous and step jogging with joysticks (up to 6 axis)
Scaling, inverting and mapping of any axes to any Mach3 axes
Precision jogging with third order dynamic speed control
Multi axis simultaneous or intelligent single axe jogging
Build in safety buttons to prevent accidental machine movements
Mach3 parallel port and SmoothStepper 1.2 (SS) support
Hardware button mapping to support different devices
Build in standard button layout templates for:
- Foam Cutter
- 2 Axes Laser Cutter
- 3, 4 and 5 Axes Milling
Full macro programming support for buttons (VBScript)
Button assignment and templates via the JoyPadSetup program
192 button combinations possible on standard game device
Full features list available in the manual
Joystick
Download:
Author:
Art Fenerty
Version:
2.00.035
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Works with any Microsoft compatible Windows JoyStick
dual axis control
Buttons mapped with joystick software to Mach3 buttons on screen
May not work with newer releases of Mach3
Joystick (Updated)
Download:
Author:
Queiroz Junior
Version:
1.04
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Compatible with Mach3 R2.009+
May not work with newer releases of Mach3
KFlop
Author:
Tom Kerekes/Werner Schrall
Version:
4.xx
Status:
Beta
Feedback:
email: info (at) dynomotion (dot) com
Website:
Special Features:
KFLOP1.2 GFLOP Motion Controller
High step rates (8 Step/Dir outputs 2.5MHz)
Kanalog option supports Analog Drives
8 Axis Closed Loop Servo Controller. 11 KHz Update
8 Channels Servo Drive Analog Outputs, Range ±10V
8 Channels Analog Inputs, Range ±10V
8 Relay Drivers/8 Opto Outputs/8 Opto Inputs
Mach MAD (Maintenance and Diagnostics)
Download:
Cost is $10.00/Mach3 installation. Payments can be sent via PayPal to PoppaBear (at) hughes.net. Please be sure to include your name or company when registering. The installer will be sent via email, so please include an alternate address if you want it sent somewhere other than the address payment was received from.
Author:
Scott “Poppa Bear” Shafer
Version:
3.8
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Real Time Monitor and Diagnostic tool, targeted at the OEM manufacturer, retrofitter, service, Mach3 screen designer, or Mach3 Customizer.
12 screens allow you to look at, change, or press any OEM button, OEM/User LED, OEM/User DRO, Serial Modbus Local Variable, or TCP Modbus Local Variable and Read all the Smart Labels, Read/Set all the User Labels and Tickers. (Note: you cannot change Mach OEM Read-only DROs/LEDs)
All 12 screens can be resized and minimized, allowing for interaction with your Mach screen while watching the results on the Mach MAD screen (and vice versa).
Choices are easily selectable from drop down menus.
A “Quick Pick” page has listings for Buttons, DROs, LEDs, and it has an “MDI” line for sending code to Mach3.
Other pages are dedicated to specific Objects: Buttons, DROs, LEDs, Serial MB, TCP MB, Labels/Tickers.
Trigger Macro Page: This can trigger up to 15 Macros from a User LED, the Macro will run ONCE per change of state from off to on.
Trigger User Labels Page: This can trigger up to 6 User labels from a User LED, you can put a message for LED On, and one for LED Off.
Trigger Ticker Page: This can trigger up to 6 Ticker labels from a User LED, you can put a message for LED On, and one for LED Off.
VB Command Page allos you to send standard VB commands to Mach3.
Message DROs: Display the status and/or error codes from high-end programmable drives. Works for all 6 axes as well as the spindle. The codes are read over Modbus and can have user messages that translate that code to "English", which are displayed on 1-7 tickers, for advanced drive status/diagnostics.
A User LED can be set to show the Mach MAD dialog from Mach’s screen.
Flash driven “Help/Setup guide”.
ncPod
Author:
Art Fenerty
Version:
3.00.00
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
USB pulseing engine, 75Khz
6 inputs, 4 outputs
PWM spindle control
Slaving, softlimits
May not work with newer releases of Mach3
PLCM Series Devices
Download:
Author:
PureLogic RnD
Version:
Check Vendor Website
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Ethernet or USB Full-speed connection
Up to 6 axes, 100kHz pulsing engine
PWM spindle control
Probing
Torch Height Control
Slave Axis support
Soft limits
Easy firmware update
DB25F connector to reproduce standard LPT connection
PoKeys Plugin
Download:
Author:
PoKeys
Version:
.01
Status:
Alpha Release for Testing
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Support for PoKeys55, PoKeys56U and PoKeys56E devices
Multiple PoKeys devices supported
Usage of PoKeys Pulse engine (available on PoKeys56U and Pokeys56E devices) as external motion controller for Mach3 – 3 axes, each up to 25 kHz step frequency
Mapping of PoKeys digital inputs (up to 55 inputs) to Mach3 OEM LEDs and OEM buttons
Mapping of Mach3 OEM LEDs to PoKeys digital outputs (up to 55 outputs)
Mapping of Mach3 OEM LEDs to PoExtBus devices (up to 80 outputs)
Mapping of PoKeys encoders (up to 26 32-bit encoders with selectable hardware pulse multiplication) to Mach3 DROs
Support for matrix keyboard (in sizes up to 16x8) with mapping to Mach3 OEM LED or buttons
Support for kbd48CNC keyboard with mapping to Mach3 OEM LED or buttons and mapping of Mach3 OEM LEDs to kbd48CNC LEDs under keys
Ability to import/export settings of the plugin for sharing the plugin configuration or deployment
PowerMate
Download:
Author:
Art Fenerty
Version:
2.00.046
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Jogs any axis at Jog% speed setting. Press button to switch axis, press for 1/s second to enable/disable.
May not work with newer releases of Mach3
ShuttlePRO
Author:
Art Fenerty / Scott Shafer
Version:
3.00
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Pendent Control / jog device
15 buttons
2 jog wheels
Pro & Xpress models supported
SmoothStepper
Download:
Author:
Art Fenerty / Greg Cary
Version:
1.19.xxx
Status:
BETA
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
4Mhz pulseing engine
Dual Printer Port
TC-Emulator Board
Author:
Queiroz Junior
Version:
Status:
Full Release
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
32 Optically Isolated Inputs
Torch Height Control
Download:
Author:
Brian Barker
Version:
1.0A
Status:
Experimental - Unsupported
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Uses any analog input to do torch height control
Video WebCam Point Cloud Scanner
Download:
Author:
Art Fenerty
Version:
2.00
Status:
R & D
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Scans table with WebCam and Laser Line to create point clouds
Meshing program in development
Xbox 360 Controller
Author:
Lee Davis
Version:
2.3.8.0
Status:
Release - Limited Support
Feedback:
Website:
Special Features:
Run your mill with an Xbox 360 Controller
Requires XINPUT1_3.DLL to function (can be downloaded from Microsoft as part of a DirectX redistributables package)
If not connected to the internet, requires XBox360_32Eng.exe driver file