LinuxCNC

LinuxCNC is an open source software system for computer control of machines such as milling machines, lathes, plasma cutters, robots, and more. It can control up to 9 axes of motion with sub-micrometer resolution.

System & Hardware Machine Control

cnc milling lathe plasma-cutting robotics motion-control

LinuxCNC alternatives ➤

LinuxCNC: Open Source Computer Control for CNC Machines

What is LinuxCNC?

LinuxCNC is an open source software system for computer control of machines such as milling machines, lathes, plasma cutters, laser cutters, water jet cutters, routers, robots, hexapods, and more. It can control up to 9 axes of motion with sub-micrometer resolution.

LinuxCNC takes advantage of the real-time capabilities of Linux to deliver high performance and accuracy. It interfaces with a wide variety of hobbyist and industrial grade motor drives, servo drives, stepper drives and IO cards. Stepper motors, servo motors, relay cards, etc. everything needed to control your machine is supported one way or another.

LinuxCNC is suitable for machining parts, making your own CNC machine, doing photochemical machining, sculpting foams, organic materials, wax, wood, plastics and metals, abbreviated as the Other Machine Tool (OMT). It can run 3d printers, foam cutters, machine vision systems, robot arms and crank operated machines as well.

The LinuxCNC development team focuses on code quality and stability over new feature development. It aims to provide the best stability and most accurate performance from your hardware.

LinuxCNC Features

Features

Controls CNC machines like mills, lathes, plasma cutters, laser cutters, robots, etc
Supports up to 9 axes of motion with sub-micrometer resolution
Realtime control allows precise timing for smooth motion and accuracy
G-code support for compatibility with CAM software
Modular architecture allows customization and adding new features
Graphical user interface for visualizing toolpaths
Kinematics support for non-cartesian coordinate machines like delta robots
Remote control and monitoring through network interface
Extensive hardware support through HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer)

Pricing

Open Source

Pros

Free and open source software

Highly customizable and extensible architecture

Large community support for help and new features

Runs on standard PC hardware for low cost

Powerful realtime control for precision machining

Supports wide variety of CNC machines and tools

Cons

Steep learning curve for new users

Limited built-in CAM features compared to commercial options

Requires Linux which some users may not be familiar with

Hardware support dependent on external contributions

Lacks some polished UI/UX refinements of commercial software

Official Links

Official Website
https://www.linuxcnc.org/

The Best LinuxCNC Alternatives

Top System & Hardware and Machine Control and other similar apps like LinuxCNC

Here are some alternatives to LinuxCNC:

Mach3

Mach4

Mastercam

Blender CAM

PyCAM

Edgecam

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Mach3

Mach3 is a feature-rich CNC control software that runs on Windows PCs and is commonly used to control CNC mills, lathes, routers, laser cutters, plasma cutters, and other machine tools. It works by connecting to the motor drivers and other hardware through the computer's parallel port.Some key features and capabilities...

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Mach4

Mach4 is a feature-rich CNC control software solution for hobby and DIY CNC machine builders. It is compatible with a wide variety of CNC motion controllers and can drive machines with up to 6 axes of motion.Some key features of Mach4 include:Intuitive Windows-based interface for ease of useG-code sender for...

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Mastercam

Mastercam is a powerful computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software designed specifically for programming computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. It provides an integrated solution for manufacturing technologies such as milling, turning, routing, plasma cutting, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, wire EDM, and more.Mastercam allows users to design 2D and 3D parts from...

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Blender CAM

Blender CAM is an open-source CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) toolset that runs inside Blender to generate machining paths and g-code from 3D models. It integrates CAM capabilities like visualization, path simulation, and g-code generation into Blender's 3D modeling and sculpting workspace.Blender CAM aims to provide a low-cost, easy to use CAM...

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PyCAM

PyCAM is an open-source computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) application for programming CNC machine tools. It allows users to import 3D models, simulate toolpaths, and generate G-code to machine parts on CNC routers, mills, lathes, laser cutters, plasma cutters, and more.Key features of PyCAM include:Cross-platform support for Linux, macOS, and WindowsImport CAD...

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Edgecam

Edgecam is a feature-rich CAD/CAM solution tailored for CNC machining workflows. Developed by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, it enables manufacturers to efficiently program toolpaths and simulate machining operations for milling, turning, mill-turn, rotary milling, wire EDM, and other advanced CNC tasks.Key features of Edgecam include:Comprehensive modeling capabilities for creating or working...

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SolidCAM

SolidCAM is a leading CAD/CAM solution that efficiently supports all manufacturing processes performed on CNC machine tools including 2.5D, 3D milling, turning, mill-turn, and wire EDM. Developed by SolidCAM Ltd, it helps machinists and programmers deliver precision components faster and more efficiently.SolidCAM features a user-friendly interface and advanced tools to...

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