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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Posts
    20

    mach3 limitations?

    i have been told that i am running programs that are to big to run in mach 3. i was not given a specific reason as to why this would be an issue. so im trying to figure out what can be done ,if this is even a thing. am i limited by the software or the computer?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Posts
    1723

    Re: mach3 limitations?

    How big is your Gcode file? How many lines. A licensed version of Mach3 can run really big gcode files, the unlicensed version is only good for 500 lines of gcode.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: mach3 limitations?

    I think that mach3 can run programs up to 10 million lines. With really large files, Mach3's toolpath display can use a lot of resources and affect mach3 operation. If that happens, you can simply turn off the toolpath display, and then large files will run the same as small files.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Posts
    20
    ok, so 4 to 5 million lines shouldnt cause problems? as long as the tool path is off

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Posts
    780

    Re: mach3 limitations?

    Most problems are video-card related.
    Good video cards are much better.

    64 bit is much better.
    Faster processor is much better.

    I cannot recommend a video card.
    I use an Industrial Nvidia Quadro 2000, 5 yo, and this is likely overkill.

    Mach3 as such is perfectly stable, and runs, easily, 10M line programs for me.
    They take maybe 30 secs to load.
    I use toolpaths- zero issues.
    But the video card is determinant.

    The video issues are related to Win + M3 architecture, and will not change.
    Mach4 will not have the same problems.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Posts
    20
    Quote Originally Posted by hanermo View Post
    Most problems are video-card related.
    Good video cards are much better.

    64 bit is much better.
    Faster processor is much better.

    I cannot recommend a video card.
    I use an Industrial Nvidia Quadro 2000, 5 yo, and this is likely overkill.

    Mach3 as such is perfectly stable, and runs, easily, 10M line programs for me.
    They take maybe 30 secs to load.
    I use toolpaths- zero issues.
    But the video card is determinant.

    The video issues are related to Win + M3 architecture, and will not change.
    Mach4 will not have the same problems.

    thank you, very helpful hanermo

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