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In the beginning, this software is developed for the home hobbyist, but has quickly turned into one of the most multipurpose control packages for industrial use as well and
capable of running many different kinds of CNC machinery. Mach3 is not only recognized as being extremely affordable to the hobbyist and industry alike, it has
continued to pioneer with new features and industry-leading development. According to ArtSoft Corporation, more than 10,000 users of Mach3 grateful to the creators for
simplicity, ease of use, excellent technical features, and professional support.
Since it is the most popular controller software, the software is available with an optional CAM and milling add-on packages. Although the software runs on a PC-
controller operating system, it can operate up to six axes at the same time and has considerable built-in functionality. These allow users to modify the design and undergo
of the application to suit the needs.
As a end-users who wish to use open source software with the new technology development, the familiarisation on the Mach3 CNC software will be the main objective
of this project. The project begins with information seeking, familiarise the function and designing the part by using CATIA. Later, the project will be continued with generating
NC code for part programming using Mach3, and finally is to machine the part using CNC machine provided.
1.2 Problem Statement
In the era of modernization, the use of CNC controller software in the industry was growing rapidly. Mach3 is one of the updated technologies adopted by the CNC
machining industries. Mach3 is an open source software and freely to be downloaded and to be used. If it is downloaded as a free user, the software can support up to 1000
lines of G-code only in which this code will give many benefits to the user, small hobbyist or industries. Since this software is quite new, the skillful person is less. The
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purpose of this project is to expose the student on the software based on industrial requirement by familiarises. The familiarisation until machining will be the main issue
that will be discussed. In this project, student can undergo the application through familiarise and at the same time, give experience by doing the machining via the
software.
1.3 Objectives
The ultimate goal of this project is to familiarise the Mach3 CNC machine software. The specific objectives that need to be achieved until the machining operation consist of:
Enable to apply the method of CNC programming,
To generate NC code for part programming, and
To produce the part by machining using Sherline 3-Axis CNC Milling Machine via Mach3 CNC software.
1.4 Scope of Work
One of the first and most important steps in a project is to flesh out a scope which identifies and describes all work necessary to produce the final part. The project
emphasized on Mach3 CNC machine familiarisation software and machining with using 3-axis Sherline Milling machine. All of the planning steps involved are listed in
methodology. The discussion on this project are analysed based on the result obtained.
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1.5 Structure of Dissertation
This report consists of five chapters which is covered on Projek Sarjana Muda I PSM I and Projek Sarjana Muda II PSM II. The dissertation is structured into three chapters
during the PSM I and two chapters of PSM II. The first chapter is an outline of the overview project, problem statement, objectives, scope of work and the structure of the
report. Chapter 2 comprises information on the literature review of Mach3 software and CNC machining. This chapter discusses the integration of CAx chain, CNC control
software available in the market, and overview of Mach3 software. In a literature review, the data in this section mainly from several sources include journals, internet
websites and books.
Next, chapter three explains the project methodology during undergoing the study, the action plan, and process flow of the project to complete this project. The methodology is
performed to ensure this project is successfully completed on the specified time. Meanwhile, PSM II is continuity of PSM I which covered chapter four and five. The
PSM II is more to the experimentation to produce the final product. In chapter 4, all of the results obtained were presented and discussed in this section. Finally, the Chapter 5
is regarding to the conclusion whether the project is successful or not based on the objectives and added with future suggestion in order to improve this project.
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CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter explains the literature review of the integration of CAx chain, CNC controller software evolved in the market, CNC machine and others. In CAx chain, the
integrated is constructed consist of development of CAD, CAM, CAPP and CNC technologies. Besides that, the theory of CNC machines is also explained and illustrated
in this chapter. In addition, the review is based on the searching information from other sources which is comprised into three main sources such as internet websites, book, and
journal or article. Suitability is required to make sure information obtained is adaptable and beneficial for the further step.
2.1 Overview
