myCNC Software Main Features

myCNC  is a multi-tasking and multi-platform CNC Control Software that can be installed on MS Windows (7, 8, 10), Linux, and Embedded Linux Operating systems. myCNC can be run on Desktop PC, Industrial PC, Laptop or Single Board Computer (SBC) like Raspberry Pi 2/3, Odroid-C2/XU4, Asus TinkerBoard, Rock64, Cubieboard2 and some others.

myCNC features a simultaneous 4-axes motion control with S-curve speed profile for smooth machine motion, G-code with Macro Language extension support, built-in PLC controllers and a built-in PLC Builder IDE for flexible peripherals control.

myCNC supports special-purpose G/M codes for a wide range of applications - mill, lathe, routers, tangential knife, plasma, oxy-fuel, laser cutting, Torch Height Control (THC), and ATC. Large G-code files of up to 1GB are also supported. myCNC also features a fully customizable GUI, an advanced 2D/3D visualization, and real-time IO monitoring.

The myCNC controllers and software provide:

  • Integrated torch height control (THC) to react to uneven cutting surface included on the myCNC-ET7, myCNC-ET10 and myCNC-ET15 controllers
  • Anti-collision system integration for metal plates
  • In-process cutting height adjustment
  • Nesting and parametric parts library with more than 70 default parts
  • Work starting search (part search) with graphical confirmation for change of starting point
  • Manual cut (A-B cutting)
  • Ability to run program both forwards and backwards for plasma/gas cutting
  • High speed simulation dryrun for confirming working area
  • Cut chart databases for popular plasma power sources with classifications for material and thickness
  • Separate easily adjustable speeds for hole cutting on 2D and 2.5D files
  • Cutting layout displayed with dynamic graphic of cutting tool
  • Probing capabilities for acquiring plate thickness, hole radius, finding surface edges, etc
  • Laser pointer for visual origin acquisition
  • Monitoring of consumables with custom alarm messages and visual popup windows
  • PLC customizable by manufacturers
  • Ability to import DXF files to convert into G-code
  • Easy program rotation/mirroring

Please consult the index on the right hand side of this page for a closer overview of some of myCNC's main features.


 


Cutcharts

The cutcharts supported by myCNC software load the cutting parameters (such as the cutting speed, cutting height, ignition and pierce height, kerf compensation and others) from the tables or G/M-codes and automatically set up CNC control and peripherals units (such as a plasma power source, an auto gas console, etc).

myCNC currently has cutcharts for the following power sources:

  • Hypertherm HPR, Powermax 105, Powermax 125, MaxPro200,
  • Elettro 735,
  • Linkoln FlexCut 125.

Cutcharts for power sources other than those listed above can be imported through a CSV file.





 

Shape Library

There are over 80 parameterized parts in the myCNC Shape Libarary. Row and column multiplication (nesting) is available to easily clone parts. The myCNC library shapes are available for different technologies, such as plasma, gas, laser or water jet cutting, engraving, and multi-pass mill cutting. New shapes can be easily added to the Shape library by customers, with examples available here.

A number of different cutting technologies are also supported by the Shape Library, such as automatic inserts, Lead-In/Lead-outs for Plasma/Gas Cutting and Multi-Pass cutting along with Engraving for Routers and Mills.










 



Row and column Nesting

myCNC software allows for easy row and column nesting, facilitating cloning and reproducing shapes (either from the Shapes Library, or those imported by the user). 

1) The program file consists of a single part:

2) The row nesting widget allows to easily clone the part into the desired number specified by column and row:


3) The parts are now cloned and can be sent to the controller:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


G-code program Rotation and Mirror transformation

G-code programs can be mirrored relative to (x=0), (y=0) or (x=y) lines, or rotated by a given angle or to angle calculated from 2 base points. This feature is widely used for heavy plasma/gas cutting machines and routers, but is also useful for mill machines in certain cases, allowing for an easy rotation of the program file to fit the working piece.

1) A plasma cutting program is loaded, that needs to be rotated by a set degree (3.5°), potentially due to a large metal sheet not being perfectly aligned as it was set down onto the machine.


2) The rotation window is opened and the program is rotated by 3.5 degrees to accommodate for the metal sheet misalignment:

 

3) The program is ready to be used:

 


DXF/HPGL import and conversion to G-codes with multi-head technology support

Every layer of DXF file (or every Pen for HPGL) can be assigned to a different technology, and myCNC control will generate the G-code accordingly:


The DXF import allows to:

  1. Add Lead-in/Lead-outs for Plasma-Gas-Laser cutting
  2. Add Lift Up/Cut down Tool commands for each Engraving contour
  3. Add Several Cut Passes for Multi-Pass Mill
  4. Generate Pockets for Pockets Layer
  5. Add Knife Lift Up/Cut down codes for the Tangential Knife Layer
  6. Add Computer Vision codes for Camera Layer

Even more importantly, myCNC allows the user to easily combine different tools and use cases by allowing to quickly assign different DXF/HPGL layers to different technologies. For example, a user can use a tangential knife and a marker, or a creasing wheel along with a half-knife and a spindle, all within the same job and all from using the same DXF file. All tool change and tool lift macros are automatically generated by the myCNC application, allowing the operator to have an all-in-one solution for any job they might require. You can read more about the DXF import and different DXF settings on our documentation wiki page.


Tangential Knife support

If Tangential Knife Control is activated, myCNC control software will automatically add the Knife Lift Up/Down and knife rotation to follow path direction functions, so standard 2D (or 2.5D) G-code programming is enough to run a tangential knife with myCNC.

The tangential knife setup also allows for a camera and multiple other tools (such as a creasing wheel and a half-knife) to be used on the same machine by specifying their offsets from the original knife. Tools which do not require tangential cutting support can also be used in the same job (such as spindle, camera, etc, marker, etc).


Multi-Tool support. If several tools are installed on the machine head, myCNC control software can handle the tool switching procedure and can apply tool offsets just like the standard M6/Tool change procedure.

ATC (Automatic Tool Change) is also supported for any myCNC control board. myCNC contains a Macro Wizard to generate tool change macros for different kinds of tool changers (linear, drum/rotary, chain).

The multi-tool support is illustrated in the video below, showing two spindle router with a pneumatic switching system being used with a myCNC control board:

 


CNC Vision

myCNC software allows the user to set up a series of markers on the working material which the software is then calibrated for. If the working material has then been shifted or distorted during the process of laying it down on the working table, the software uses the markers to automatically adjust the program file to account for the shift.

Please consult the CNC Vision page for a full feature overview.

 


Fly Cut

myCNC software allows for a fly cut in laser cutting/engraving when thin materials are involved. The laser is moved over the working material without stopping or braking the machine, but instead rapidly turning the laser on and off at the exact time required without having to split the cutting process into separate contours. This is done without sacrificing precision by synchronizing the cutting and movements commands on the fly, allowing for accurate positioning within a fraction of a second and drastic reduction of machining times. Unlike many conventional systems which begin to lose precision as the machine speeds go over a few meters/minute mark, the myCNC FlyCut solution allows for precision cuts of up to 0.1 mm at working speeds of up to 100 meters/minute.


Laser Strength Adjustment

myCNC software allows the user to adjust the laser strength depending on the speed with which the laser beam is moving across the surface of the material. This is highly useful to eliminate overheating from the laser beam that would otherwise occur at corners and parts of the program where the beam slows down.


Wireless Pendant control support

myCNC supports a number of Wireless Pendant Controls. The full list of the Wireless Pendant Controls that are currently supported is available on the landing page of the website.
xhc-4.jpg

 


Tool Radius and Kerf Compensation

myCNC allows for Tool Radius compensation specified in the G40-G42 codes and the Tool Table, and is able to show these compensation results using a visualization of this compensation for quick visual control.