CNC settings

CNC settings decide which machine, which post and which cutters moducut writes the G-code for. They are grouped on three tabs in the CNC Settings window in the Settings menu, and changes apply instantly.

Machine and Post

• Machine. Choose your machine from the profile list. The list has moducut’s own profiles, ready machine profiles and the ArtCAM TAP (Mach) profile. Table, cutter, file and safe Z information come with the profile.
• Machine management. Add New opens an editable copy of the selected machine; you manage the copy with Rename and Delete. Ready profiles do not change; Restore Factory Settings returns the machine to its original state.
• Post template. You write the Header (G-code Header), Tool change (Tool Change) and End (Footer) lines; the [TOOL_NUM], [SAFE_Z] and [ZH] placeholders are used. The Comment mark, File extension, Line number step, Safe Z, Table Width, Table Length, Start X and Start Y are also here.
• Motion and axes. Drilling (Single plunge or Peck), Vacuum (M8 / M9), Machine zero corner, swapping X and Y, reversing the X and Y directions, Rapid move (G0) and Acceleration.
• Drilling unit. The machine’s drilling unit settings.
• Output. Choose the file extension on the Format row: .tap, .nc, .gcode, .txt or .anc.

Tool Settings

• Tool mode. In single tool mode, drilling, grooves, pockets and sizing are done with one cutter. In multi tool mode, a suitable cutter is chosen for each job; if there is no tool changer, choose the program’s behavior on the At cutter change row: Separate file, Stop (M0), M1 or Do not stop.
• Cutter at change. Waits in place or goes to the Change point; the point’s X and Y are entered in machine coordinates (G53).
• Tool length. With measurement On, you enter the measuring plate and search settings; with it Off, Z zero is set by hand.
• Pen Marking. When on, corner marks and a grain arrow are drawn on parts with a pen; the pen’s tool and depth are chosen.

Cutting Settings

• Sizing. With contour (two passes) or Without contour (single pass). With contoured sizing, the last pass leaves a thin skin that holds the part on the sheet.
• Router bit and speeds. Each cutter’s Diameter, Cutting and Plunge values, plus Drilling, Groove, Contour and Sizing speeds. As a cutter is sharpened, its diameter shrinks; enter the diameter you measure to the micron, for example 5.985.
• Hole allowance and Depth allowance. Fine-tuning allowances for holes and depth.
• ArtCAM tools. Import ArtCAM tools (.tdb) imports an ArtCAM tool database; you can remove it from the same place if needed.