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CNC Software for Linux with DXF programming!

The AjaxCNC control software is a user-friendly platform designed by machinists, for machinists. Our graphical setup menus and conversational part programming will have you making chips the very first day. And, our part program graphics ensure your part is programmed right the first time without wasting valuable time and materials.

Our latest software release for Linux also features a new high-resolution (1024x768) display for today's LCDs and monitors.

Below you can find the basic PC requirements for our Linux based control platforms as well as a detailed description of each of the key areas of the AjaxCNC control including part and tool setup menus, part program graphics, and our conversational programming package.

Click here for details about our new DXF file programming!

Minimum PC Requirements for Linux Control Software:

Basic Requirements:

  • 1 GHz Processor (2 GHz or better recommended)
  • 256 MB RAM (1GB recommended)
  • 1 GB Flash Disk and IDE reader (supplied with control)
  • 640 x 480 Resolution (1024 x 768 recommended)
Tested Motherboards:

The following is a current list of motherboards that have been tested with CNC Linux. These motherboards have network devices that are supported by CNC Linux. CNC Linux should work with other motherboards provided they satisfy the basic requirements listed above. The motherboards listed below are out of production. We recommend the current version of the MSI, VIA, and AAeon motherboards for use with CNC Linux.
  • MSI MS-6368, MS-6787
  • MSI K9VGM-V w/VIA K8M890
  • MSI K9N6GM w/nVidia GeForce MCP61[v/s/p]
  • VIA Epia M10000 Mini-ITX
  • AAeon PCM-6890-B10
  • Gigabyte GA-M61SME-S2 (for use with 2.61 software only)
Tested Network Cards:
  • VIA Rhine series
  • RealTek RTL-8139, RTL-8129, RTL-8130
  • Inter EtherExpress Pro, EtherExpress Pro 100, EtherExpress 10
  • 3com 3c509, 3c529, 3c579 "Etherlink III"
  • 3com 3c515 ISA "FAST Etherlink"
  • SIS 900, SIS 7016
Our system is NOT compatible with Dell, Compaq, and IBM PC's.

What is Linux?

Linux is very stable operating system, including features like true multitasking, virtual memory, shared libraries, demand loading, shared copy-on-write executables, proper memory management, and TCP/IP networking.

Because it is extremely stable as an operating system, Linux is used mainly for high-reliability, high-performance systems.

Why Linux for CNC Controls?

From an engineering standpoint, Linux has better hardware support than DOS, making your Network Adapters, CD-ROM, and PCI more stable. Also, Linux allows multitasking and better memory management, which means fewer errors and greater speeds.

What that means for you is the ability to multi-task on your control, which will save you time and money, by allowing you to cut a part while editing or programming another job.

AjaxCNC Main Control Screen
  1. Status Window – This area of the control screen informs the operator of the current job loaded, tool number and offset, feedrate, spindle speed, along with a part counter and timer.
  2. Message Window – The message window informs you of the current state of the machine, as well as informs the operator of any errors occurring during operation.
  3. DRO – This shows the operator the current position of any axis at any given time. The DRO can also be used for manual operations.
  4. Axis Load Meters – These display the power being sent to each axis drive during a move. These meters reflect what the control uses to determine if the motors are operating within safe limits.
  5. Program Running Window – When running a part program, this area displays a total of 11 lines of G-code program while highlighting the current line being processed. Additionally, the distance to go for each axis in a line of program can be displayed along with the G-code itself.
  6. Options Window – Here you will find a list of all options currently available. This area is dedicated to navigation and programming of the control.
 
Part Setup Screen
  1. Status Window - Displays current job loaded.
  2. Setup Graphics - This portion of the part setup menu helps users eliminating any confusion associated with setting part zero positions by illustrating exactly how to set up a given axis.
  3. Part Setup Configuration - This area is where the user selects which axis they are setting up, what diameter edge-finder they are using, and what orientation they are approaching a given part. By changing the orientation, the setup graphic changes accordingly.
  4. Options Window - Here you will find a list of all options currently available.
 
Tool Setup Screen
  1. Status Window - Displays current job loaded
  2. Setup Graphics - This area gives the user an illustrated explanation of each tool parameter.
  3. Tool Offset Library - The tool library is represented here is table form displaying both the tool height and tool diameter for each tool in the library. These parameters can be set manually or automatically with the help of the TT-1 tool length measurement.
  4. Options Window - Here you will find a list of all options currently available.
 
2D / 3D Part Program Graphics
  1. Status Bar - Displays the current job being graphed along with type of graph (2D / 3D) and the estimated time to machine part based on programmed feedrates.
  2. Graph Area - This area displays the G-code program back-plot graph. Rapid moves are shown in red, tool centerline is shown in yellow, and the cutter compensated tool path is shown in gray. In 2D mode a scale is also present to verify part dimensions before wasting valuable time and material.
  3. Time Estimate - This displays a time estimate for your part program based on programmed feed rates. This feature makes it easier to estimate bids for jobs.
  4. Options Window - Here you will find a list of all options currently available.
 
Intercon Conversational Programming Main Screen
  1. Program Display - This area indicates which part program is currently loaded into Intercon.
  2. Intercon Program Window - This window displays each line of code present in any given part program. Both the type of operation and the end position for each move are displayed for the programmer.
  3. Status Window - This window displays the current tool association and setup for each line in the part program.
  4. Options Window - Here you will find a list of all options currently available.
 
Intercon Programming Example
  1. Program Display - This area indicates which part program is currently loaded into Intercon.
  2. Conversational Program Input - This section contains a list of conversational parameters the programmer enters from his print to complete a program operation. In the example, you can see that very little information needs to be input to not only cut a circular pocket, but also to program the roughing and finish pass all in one step.
  3. Intercon Program - In the Intercon program window, the current operation being inserted into the program or edited, is highlighted to eliminate any confusion.
  4. Options Window - Here you will find a list of all options currently available.


   
  AjaxCNC    P.O. Box 9012 Milesburg, PA 16853
Sales (814)-360-0279   Fax (413)-793-4886 		  info@ajaxcnc.com
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