CNC (also known as numerical control or computer numerical control) is the automated control of machining tools (such as milling machines, lathes, 3d printers, laser cutters, plasma cutters, robot arms, hexapods) by means of a computer.
A CNC machine processes a piece of material (metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, or composite) to meet specifications by following coded programmed instructions and without a manual operator directly controlling the machining operation.
In modern CNC systems, the design of a mechanical part and its manufacturing program are highly automated. The part’s mechanical dimensions are defined using CAD software and then translated into manufacturing directives by computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software.
This chart provides our verdict. We only feature open source software here.
Let’s explore the 14 tools. For each application we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources.
| CNC Software | |
|---|---|
| Universal Gcode Sender | gcode platform used for interfacing with advanced CNC controllers |
| LinuxCNC | Drive milling machines, lathes, 3d printers, laser cutters, ... |
| CNCjs | Web-based interface for CNC milling controller |
| gSender | Connect to and control Grbl-based CNCs |
| OpenCamLib | Library providing computer aided manufacturing (CAM) algorithms |
| bCNC | Cross-platform Python application for CNC machines |
| Kiri:Moto | Browser-based Slicer for 3D printers, CNC mills, and Laser cutters |
| OpenBuilds CONTROL | Connect and control your CNC, Laser, Plasma or Dragknife machine |
| Luban | 3-in-1 software tailor-made for Snapmaker machines |
| Inkcut | Control 2D plotters, cutters, engravers and CNC machines |
| Rayforge | Laser cutters and engravers tool |
| MeerK40t | Laser cutting software |
| CAMotics | 3-axis CNC GCode simulator |
| Machinekit | Platform for machine control applications |
This article has been updated to reflect the changes outlined in our recent announcement.
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As a hobbyist, I highly recommend [Redacted] to anyone looking for a CAD software that’s easy to use, yet powerful enough to create complex 3D designs.
We love receiving suggestions for new inclusions, but they need to be relevant to the article in question.
Link removed and name redacted as it’s off-topic.
Hi,
Please add Kiri:Moto, CNCjs, Snapmaker Luban and OpenBuilds CONTROL to the list.
I’ll take a look at them. Thanks
Add these app to this list now.
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