Transcription of Mach Differences Web version - machsupport.com
1 Standard version FeaturesMach3 Mach4 HobbyMach4 IndustrialNumber of Planners111 Number of Axis666 Out of Band Axis (OBA)016 Slave axis (uses up coordinated axes)3N/AN/ASlave motors (does not use up coordinated axes)N/A4 per Axis4 per AxisAPI Interface - Open to All HardwareYesYesYesExtended Plugin SupportYesYesYesUser customizable GUIYesYesYesUnified (GUI) Interface - PLC, CNC, IOYesYesYesModbus PLCYesYesYesPMC (Ladder Logic addressing for cnc/plc)YesYesUnlimited File SizeYesYesTool Path DisplayYesYesYesTool Path Speed & QualityLowHighHighScripting - CustomizationYesYesYesLUA Scripting - simple, fast, cross-platformYesYes - Lua sockets (ftp, http, smtp,..)YesYes - SSL (security layer)YesYes - LFS (manage large files and data storage)YesYes - Seriel portYesYes - Enraving of part numbers / serial numbering of partsYesYes - Plugin panel objectsYesYesIPC Library for Data Sharing/tracking (Interprocess communication)YesYesFull Feature Screens/Controls Per Machine TypeYesYes Currently Availabe.
2 Mill, Router, Lathe, 3d PrinterYesYesMultiple gcode Interpruters (Per Machine Type)YesYesProbing - Intergrated in standard screensYesYesSimulated 3d Machining (with additional plugin license)YesYesTool Life Management (G10 L3 command)YesScrew MappingYesProfessional Screen Designer (advanced )Yes - Screen Animation ControlYes - Screen Integrated Tool Table ControlYes - Screen Integrated Work Offset ControlYes - Screen Integrated gcode editorYes - Screen Artsoft Wizard Package IntegrationYesMacro B gcode Programming (#variables)Yes - User definable gcodes via marco callsYes - Macro Calls: G65, G66, Yes - gcode via marco call (custom G codes via macro B)Yes - mcode via macro call (custom M codes via macro B)Yes - mcode via sub code (custom M code via sup program)Yes - Conditional gcodesYes - set VN call - define variable namesYesgcode Editor IncludedYesScripted M code (custom M code via LUA script)
3 YesYesVariable Speed Spindle YesYesYesSpindle RelayYesYesYesCoolant relayYesYesYesMist RelayYesYesYesThreading YesYesYesRigid TappingYesYesYesSingle BlockYesYesYesBlock DeleteYesYesYesOptional StopYesYesYesMACH CNC CONTROL SOFTWARE MAIN FEATURES AND version DIFFERENCESS tandard version FeaturesMach3 Mach4 HobbyMach4 IndustrialMACH CNC CONTROL SOFTWARE MAIN FEATURES AND version DIFFERENCESC utter CompYesYesYesFanuc Type C Cutter CompYesYesFixture OffsetsYesYesYesG51 Scaling YesYesYesG92 OffsetsYesYesYesG52 OffsetsYesYesYesEvent DrivenYesYesMulti Line MDIYesYesSubs In MDIYesYesOpenGL Optimization YesYesMulti-platform OS Compatibility OptionYesYesOnline SupportYesYesYesPhone Support Option AvailableYesSupport PriorityYesAvailable to End Users as "Do-it-yourself"YesYesSummary - Mach3 versus Mach4 :Mach4 Hobby is the closest comparable version to Mach3, yet it is still much more advanced. The price point of these versions is nearly identical. Mach3 is very popular for hobby enthusiest and is used in highly modified form by some great OEM's.
4 In general, Mach4 is more complex than Mach3 and follows cnc industry standards. Mach3 has many customizations to make it easier for hobby users, but can lead to difficulties if users plan to apply their knowledge to more advanced systems. Mach4 is built as a full featured cnc controller capable of high speed machining for servo and stepper systems. Mach3's feature set is complete, while Mach4's will continue to expand. If you are new to cnc, Artsoft highly recommends using and learning Mach4 even if it appears that Mach3's feature set will be adequate for your needs.
