News
News
We are proud to announce that WinPC-NC USB has been available for 15 years.
In the second half of 2009, we delivered the first WinPC-NC USB variants and thus laid the base for all current and modern WinPC-NC variants such as WinPC-NC Professional, USB, Light USB, Starter, USB for Stepcraft machines, USB for Hammer HNC machines and NET.
During this time, we have continuously developed WinPC-NC and the associated hardware and, in addition to many small improvements, have delivered major innovative steps with versions 2.5, 3.0, 3.1, 3.4, 4.0 and 4.1.
With all new functions and enhancements, we have always focused on full downward compatibility of our products in the past years, thus enabling all customers to easily and cost-effectively upgrade to the latest state of the art.
Many thousands of WinPC-NC licenses in the field, countless OEM projects with customer-specific solutions, the constantly positive feedback from our users and this year's awards of 1st place for “Best Service Quality” and 2nd place for “Highest Innovation” in the VTH reader survey confirm our work.
We would therefore like to thank all users, customers and partners and are offering WinPC-NC USB in our online store from 23.09.2024 at the anniversary price of 269 euros including VAT. Furthermore, we are extending the discount offer to our 3D and length probes and are offering them with a 10% discount on the gross sales price in the period from 23.09.2024 to 20.10.2024.
Order WinPC-NC USB now | Order probe now |
Plasma cutting meets rotary axis technology - with WinPC-NC and an in-house construction, our user, Vertulli Feinwerktechnik, cuts large pipes for further processing.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/d8DZ_UXjT1E?feature=shared
Today we are pleased to present you the first impressions and test reports on our latest product, WinPC-NC NET. Our testers have taken a close look at the product and are impressed by its quality and reliability. Here is some of the feedback we have received:
What our testers say about the new WinPC-NC NET:
„WinPC-NC NET runs reliably in continuous operation at our machine test station.“
– M. Pech from MechaPlus
„WinPC-NC has been upgraded with new hardware and will now also be available as a network version. I had the opportunity to test this new network version in advance and get my own opinion. My conclusion on the new net version: A great success. What I really liked was the simple and flexible connection to the network and the stable/interference-free connection.“
– UBO, CNC forum for hobby users
„So far the NET version is 100% stable, there have been no dropouts or other problems.“
– M. Zeller from KPF-Zeller
„The WinPC-NC NET version has been running very reliably and stable for weeks...“
– HubiFD, Hubis Holzstadl
„We have been using the new WinPC-NC NET for a few weeks now (30-40 hours) and there have been no faults.
The connection control to the PC is stable. We have a lot of milling work planned for the next few weeks, which we will be executing with WinPC-NC NET."
– M.Glock from MG-Produktionsfinish
This consistently positive feedback confirms us in our work and shows that WinPC-NC NET is a reliable and powerful solution for a wide range of applications.
We are proud of the result and are pleased that our testers are so enthusiastic.
Convince yourself of WinPC-NC NET now: www.Lewetz.net/red/nete
We are pleased to announce that WinPC-NC NET with ncNET module will be available from July 15, 2024.
The network version of WinPC-NC promises maximum connectivity and outstanding performance for a wide range of applications.
Innovative features and benefits:
Introductory price:
You can now pre-order WinPC-NC NET with ncNET at the introductory price of 279 Euro.
Or pre-order the upgrade from WinPC-NC USB to WinPC-NC NET at the special price of 179,- Euro.
The offer is valid until 15.07.2024. Delivery will begin on 15.07.2024.
The product is supplied with a high-quality 3m Ethernet cable and an external power supply unit and is therefore ready for immediate use.
This variant sets new standards in the WinPC-NC product family and offers an optimal solution for users who place the highest demands on connectivity and performance but still appreciate the simple and clear operation of WinPC-NC.
Further information and pre-orders are available at: https://lewetz.net/en/WinPC-NC-NET-with-ncNET/SW10110
For more information on upgrading from other WinPC-NC variants to WinPC-NC NET, go to: https://lewetz.net/en/WinPC-NC-NET-with-ncNET-Upgrade-from-other-WinPC-NC-variants/SW10114
The handwheel is equipped with an ergonomic casing that optimizes operating comfort. It has a replaceable 3 m cable with USB plug and can be ideally stowed away on your CNC machines using the mounting bracket.
From 24.11.2023 until Cyber-Monday (27.11.2023) there are discounts on the following items in our online store, www.Lewetz.net:
WinPC-NC USB in combination with the pendant HR-10 for 448 € instead 548 € - You save 100 €*
WinPC-NC USB in combination with the 3D-Probe and Z-Probe Bundle for 438 € instead 528 € - You save 90 €*
3D-probe 3D-Probe for 126 € instead 149 € - You save 23 €*
3D-Probe and Z-Probe Bundle for 206 € instead 229 € - You save 23 €*
Pendant HR-10 for 226 € instead 249 € - You save 23 €*
Simply add the desired items to your shopping cart in our online store on Friday, 24.11.2023 and the discount will be deducted automatically!
*All prices in euros and including VAT. The sales price on which the discount is based is the regular sales price charged by us outside of the discount promotion. The discounts are valid from 25.11.2023 to 27.11.2023 and are automatically deducted in the shopping cart and at the checkout in our online store at www.Lewetz.net. The discounts cannot be combined with other vouchers. Only one discount can be applied to an item. No cash payment. If one of the combined items is returned in order to obtain the discount, the discount loses its validity and the regular price for the goods remaining with the customer will be charged.
Discover WinPC-NC's compatibility with a wide range of machine manufacturers such as Stepcraft, CNC-Modellbau / MechaPlus, Sorotec, Haase, CNC-Step, GoCNC, Bulldog CNC, Hammer HNC, ISEL, StepFour and many others. WinPC-NC gives you a seamless connection and a perfect user experience.
For many of the machines from these manufacturers, we have predefined parameter sets, which makes switching or commissioning much easier.
Get access to this world-class software now and experience the ultimate control of your CNC machine!
We are pleased to present the new version 4.1 of WinPC-NC. The new version offers numerous new functions and enhancements that make your work with WinPC-NC even easier and more efficient.
The update to the new version 4.1 is free of charge for all users of version 4.0 and possible directly via the download area of our website. Detailed instructions for the update can be found here.
We have summarised the new functions of version 4.1 for you again in a video. You can find the video here on our german Youtube channel.
The new features at a glance:
-Scanning of non-planar surfaces and projection.
-Definition of critical or protected areas
-Ethernet connection of the CNCCON axis controller instead of serial and USB
-Easy moving of NC data within machine working area
-Test measurements for tools -Tool breakage control
-Output signals when axes are in certain positions
-Fixed surface probe and definition of material thickness
-User management and password protection
-Minor changes and enhancements
The new functions are summarised here with pictures as a PDF.
We are pleased to inform you that we now offer a newsletter. With this, we would like to keep you up to date on news, offers and promotions.
As a newsletter subscriber, you will now also receive regular information on current topics from our company by e-mail.
If you are interested in our newsletter, you can easily register.
Register now for the newsletter in our online shop*.
Of course, the registration is free of charge and without commitment.
Should you no longer wish to receive news from us, you can easily unsubscribe at any time.
*You will be redirected to the registration form.
The sensors 3D-Probe and Z-Probe in a bundle
- reach new demensions in nautomated measurement.
Automated measuring for better work results with the 3D-Probe and Z-Probe Bundle.
Use the 3D-Probe to comfortably set up your workpiece or to measure and compensate a not even surface.
Measure the Z zero point of your workpiece with the flying Z-Probe or use the probe fixed mounted on your CNC machine to compensate different tool lengths.
Both probes are conveniently connected with a magnetic clip and the same cable and thus require one input only.
Highlights of the 3D-Probe and Z-Probe:
Measure lengths and positions easily with the 3D-Probe and the Z-Probe now!
Directly available in our online shop: 3D-Probe and Z-Probe Bundle
We have new "How to" available for you.
Please have a look and see if there is any help for you.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a good start into a successful new year 2023.
We would like to thank all our users, customers and partners for the good cooperation in this difficult year. This year some new features were released in version 4 of WinPC-NC and major further developments were started.
Our office will be closed from December 23rd to January 9th and we will not be reachable by phone during this time. However, your e-mail inquiries will be processed as soon as possible during this time.
Burkhard Lewetz and team
This year the readers of Maschinen im Modellbau magazine were again surveyed and at this year's award ceremony we achieved second place three times with our WinPC-NC in the categories "Highest Innovation", "Highest Product Quality" and "Best Service Quality".
We would like to thank all readers of the magazine and our users for this evaluation and assure you that we will continue to work for you and WinPC-NC with all our commitment in the future.
Computers with ARM processors such as laptops or development boards with Windows installation are currently being offered more and more frequently by various suppliers. However, these computers only run a special version of Windows which only rudimentarily and inadequately integrates the necessary drivers.
For our WinPC-NC USB, a widely used driver from FTDI is used for the hardware connection. Despite the provision of a variant for ARM processors, we were currently unable to find a Windows installation on an ARM computer in our test laboratory with the real-time requirements and driver support necessary for CNC machining.
We therefore advise against the use of computers with ARM processors and recommend the use of an Intel or AMD processor.
WinPC-NC Professional is executable under the Windows variant for ARM processors.
Nevertheless, we still recommend the use of a standard computer with a suitable Intel or AMD processor due to the usually lower computing power.
Despite generally known supply problems for electronic products, we are still able to deliver and can supply almost all of our products from stock through forward-looking procurement of important parts.
Especially our standard products WinPC-NC USB and WinPC-NC Professional with the controllers in various housings and expansion stages are available at short notice or directly from stock.
As an alternative to our proven HR-10 pendant, we offer the KP-10 keypad, a low-cost solution for setting up your CNC machine with WinPC-NC. The Keypad KP-10 is perfect for all users who do not need a handwheel for setup. The Keypad KP-10 is connected to the control computer via Bluetooth and can be integrated directly into WinPC-NC.
The meaningful lettering on the keys is printed directly on the keys for maximum abrasion resistance.
The functions and keys are based on the instructions for making your own keypad that were made available several years ago.
You can find the keypad KP-10 with further information in our shop.
To control the HAMMER HNC 47.82 and 47.82 HF with our WinPC-NC, we have developed an adapted control box based on our ncUSB module.
The software and hardware does not differ from the widely used WinPC-NC USB software and has been adapted to the special pinout of the HAMMER HNC machine.
The necessary and optimised machine parameters were determined by us and are included in the scope of delivery.
On the hardware supplied, a switch can be made between outputting the control signal for spindle speed control as a PWM signal or a 0-10V analogue signal. This means that both Hammer HNC 47.82 and Hammer HNC 47.82 HF versions can be used.
WinPC-NC USB also supports the control of an additional 4-axis and offers 3 more inputs and 4 more outputs at the add-on connector for the connection of external components.
You will find the WinPC-NC USB for HAMMER HNC in our shop with additional information.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our users, customers and partners for the good cooperation this year. We have released many new functions and the new version 4 of WinPC-NC this year. Next year you can look forward to many new functions and enhancements.
We wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a good start into the new year 2022.
Our office will be closed from 23 December to 10 January and we will not be available by phone during this time. Your enquiries by e-mail will be processed as quickly as possible during this time.
Burkhard Lewetz and Team
Microsoft published the new operation system Windows 11 on the 5th october 2021 for end- and business customers.
We tested the new Windows 11 with our WinPC-NC and the current version 4 of WinPC-NC is completely compatible with Windows 11. You can change to the new operation system or buy new hardware with Windows 11 pre installed without any concerns.
All current versions of WinPC-NC are delivered with external hardware which solves the real time tasks. That allows you to change the operation system without any big changes.
We are looking for two software engineers to support and complete our team.
You are the right candidate for the job, if you are interested in CNC technics, model construction, Maker projects as well as in professional automation. Preferably you are experienced in programming with Visual Studio, Embarcadero RAD-Studio and C++. Specific qualifications concerning Embedded, programming micro-controllers and fieldbus interface are also required. If you want to realize your know-how in our innovative team, please send us your full application by mail to application@lewetz.de. We offer an interesting and varied job in one of the leading tourist regions in Germany – on Lake Constance.
Please contact us for specific job details by mail or phone without any obligation. We will be pleased to provide further detailed information.
Right in time to the introduction of the latest WinPC-NC version 4, one of our power users, UBO from UBO-CNC, captured in short on video the innovations of the user interface. We express our sincere thanks to UBO for this presentation and the excellent timing.
As of today, the new version 4 of our WinPC-NC control program is available and ready for delivery. Based on an intensive development period and extensive tests during more than 2,5 years and by integrating the latest technical and engineering know-how, we are pleased to present WinPC-NC Professional, WinPC-NC USB, WinPC-NC Light with nc100 adapter and WinPC-NC Starter in a new design together with innovations and improved features.
Besides the well-known user interface of version 3, version 4 provides advanced settings with permanent side panel for direct machine operation and set-up as well as a touch screen optimized view with a new operational concept.
WinPC-NC touch-optimized user interface
WinPC-NC classic view with new side panel
Here are the most important new features:
Detailed information concerning the new functions and descriptive illustrations can be obtained as PDF for download here.
The update can be directly ordered by a click here in our german online shop. Otherwise the update can be ordered via e-mail at info@lewetz.de. Subsequently the update is available by a download link including set-up instructions and information on features of the new version. Please note: The previous or existing software is compatible to the new version and parallel operation does not cause any trouble. Personalized parameters can be easily transferred via profile after installation without the necessity of being set up again. Detailed information on parameter transfer can be obtained in the category HowTo with WinPC-NC as PDF for download.
Despite various options concerning parameter settings and potential applications of our standard products, we are sometimes contacted by customers regarding specific applications. In the last years we managed to satisfy most of these inquiries by creating customized solutions with minimum efforts and by extending our standard products. Generally, it concerns specific positioning and production procedures with path-controlled mechanics and CNC machines or it is intended to integrate them into a sophisticated complete system.
For integrating path-controlled motions or CNC operation into a production process, we standardly provide some options for synchronization. The spectrum ranges from control commands concerning operation, automated background processing up to the programming interface of our WinPC-NC Professional axis controller.
We are pleased to present in short some of our latest projects in order to outline additional options of our standard products WinPC-NC and WinPOSI and to illustrate the variety of functions for realizing individual projects.
CNC control unit with four Z-axes
We developed and manufactured a complete control system with 8 motor drivers for a CNC machine with four Z-axes based on the approved and tested CNCMAX. For this control unit we produced an intelligent board which manages administrative tasks and the change-over of different Z-axes. Synchronization of the individual Z-axes, inclusively homing and selection is comfortably made by macros which are applicable in many cases in WinPC-NC. Each of the four Z-axes are equipped with various tools and can be used fully automatically within a job.
Industry 4.0 projects with integration of the WinPC-NC system to higher-level control systems
In the last years there was a constant increase of projects which have been realized by using the well-known keywords Industry4.0 and interconnection of production. This means integration of CNC operation into a complex job process. Applications comprise the automatic feeding, external production steps and specific host applications for individual processes and customer machines.
Laser cabin with laser marker
Recently we supplied a position controller and control interface for a laser cabin intended for automatic marking of single components. The used laser is equipped with a reflecting mirror for covering independently a wide workspace. The supplied unit controls the communication between laser control and position and moves along the defined positions according to the program settings. Due to simple programming with plaintext commands and non-cryptic G codes it is quite easy to refine or customize the products later on – and this is explicitly requested.
Are you interested in customized solutions for realizing specific projects?
Do you have to manage positioning tasks or intend to centralize various operational steps and create an all-in-one concept?
Do you wish any further information on the presented projects according to your requirements?
Please send a mail to Info@Lewetz.de by indicating basic information on your system and version. We would be pleased to submit a customized solution as soon as possible.
Sometimes we are faced with queries and reports concerning irregularities with previous versions. In most cases we managed to eliminate these failures before the request and ask our customers to download the current version of the update.
Therefore we kindly ask you, to check our homepage from time to time for new versions in the category Service-Downloads.
Updates within the major versions V2.xx or V3.xx are still available for free and can be easily loaded and set up by oneself. Brief instructions are always available in the README file.
In WinPC-NC the actual used version is indicated in the “Help” menu ‘About WinPC.NC’.
We provide a varity of signal adapter to adjust the signals to extern components for different applications. The adapters are optionally available with DIN rail mount kit.
Adapter-C |
Junction of clock pulse signals and directional signals may be required for retrofitting Mach3 control units |
SMC-Adapter |
Conversion of clock pulse signals and directional signals into current application pulse for common SMC stepper motor cards |
Double axis |
Controlling parallel arranged X or Y axes with automatic alignment on two separate reference switches |
PWM-Adapter |
Conversion of the PWM signal into a real analog signal 0-5V or 0-10 V |
Adapter-422 |
Conversion of simple clock pulse signals and directional signals into difference signals according to RS422 |
Boost-Adapter |
Amplifying all output signals up to 50mA, alternatively with level for 24V power stage outputs |
Most of these adapters are combinable and can be plugged in a row. Please do not hesitate to contact us for your specific requirements. We are gladly prepared to assist you in realizing your individual projects.
We wish all partners, clients and friends merry christmas after this challenging year 2020 and a good start into the new year 2021.
Our office is closed from the 21th december to the 6th january. Your e-mail requests will be answered as soon as possible during this time.
Burkhard Lewetz und Team
A customer from Russia uses our WinPC-NC software to control his new glass cutting machines.
The video shows a test run in a mirror production facility with mirrors in different shapes.
WinPC-NC controls the 3 cartesian axes and the tangential knife to cut the glas plates. The plates can be cutted in different shapes from simple DXF drawings with more than 1m/sec speeds.
To improve the cutting result WinPC-NC controls a special liquid with its powerfull macro functions before the tangential knife is moving.
After the automatic cutting process the mirrors are seperated and sorted by hand.
Please note that previous versions of WinPC-NC could use SMC signals as well as the common clock pulse interface and directional interface for controlling power stages concerning the communication between CNC control and stepper motor power stages. The current versions WinPC-NC USB and WinPC-NC Professional do not support these old SMC signals automatically.
In the past SMC signals have often been used and there are still some mail order houses or specific shops where power stages can be purchased. SMC800 and SMC1500 from the Emis company are well-known examples for SMC power stages.
Up to now these users have been forced to replace the SMC power stage and to use a power stage with integrated clock pulse signal and directional signal, if they wanted to use another version of WinPC-NC or after loading an update. Our Step3S is perfectly made up for replacing SMC stepper motor power stages and provides some additional features and benefits.
As we are always focused on best support of our customers, we developed a specific adapter, called SMC800/1500 adapter. This adapter is especially designed for users with SMC stepper motor cards and it allows a change to current versions of WinPC-NC without the necessity of purchasing a new stepper motor driver card. This device is available since this year. The adapter converts the clock pulse signals and directional signals into SMC signals. Additionally, the adapter provides terminals for 5 digital inputs of the 25pin interface of WinPC-NC, and, for example, it is possible to connect reference switches or height sensors.
The SMC800/1500 adapter is plugged between the 25pin interface of the WinPC-NC hardware and the 25pin connector of the SMC stepper motor driver card.
Contrary to the SMC800/1500 stepper motor cards which merely can be used by an input frequency of 5kHz, the SMC adapter allows independent and individual step resolution. By defining the number of steps per revolution of 200, 400 and 800, the user can define and obtain the perfect setting between rapid speed and position.
Happiness is the only thing that doubles when you share it.
We wish alle clients, partners and friends merry christmas and a perfect start into the new year 2020.
Please note that our office is closed from 23th december to the 6th january. During that time we are trying to answer your requests fast via e-mail.
Burkhard Lewetz
New version 3.40 of WinPC-NC has some brand new functions and a lot of minor fixes:
In 2D-CAM functions you can define aproach and leaving vectors for found contours.
We have just published the revised WinPC-NC version 3.40 in the download center. This version provides further remarkable improvements for cutting and engraving lasering processes. Detailed information concerning the individual amendments can be obtained after each update in the menu ‘Help –This is new' in the WinPC-NC main menu.
As described here, you can proceed as usual for updating to the current version. Those customers who already utilize version 3.xx can directly load and use the update.
Customers who are still using the old version 2.xx but are interested in the advantages of version 3 can contact us via E-Mail for obtaining detailed information concerning the corresponding update from version 2 to 3. In order to provide complete and correct information please indicate your appropriate WinPC-NC serial number.
With version WinPC-NC Professional, which is conceived for industrial use, it is possible for some time to control two drives synchronously for one axis direction. Furthermore, it is possible to generate a pure 0-10V analog signal due to expansion card EA160802 and Step 3S-card. Now we have also succeeded in realizing both functions for our other products by the PWM5V/10V board and the double axis board via an external hardware. Thus, these functions can also be used in WinPC-NC Light and WinPC-NC USB.
Both boards are conceived for being plugged in between the USB hardware and the machine electronics. This means less wiring complexity. Due to various options concerning configuration and a detailed description the corresponding in- and outputs on the board can be individually allocated to unassigned input and output pins. Thus it is not necessary to make any changes concerning the actual wiring or assignment and it is quite easy to upgrade these functions.
The signals for the individual functions can directly be connected on the board via integrated plug.
For further information please have a look at the manual which can be downloaded by the link below.
PWM-5V/10V board german manual (english manual will be available soon)
Current prices for the individual version can be found in the category ‘Accessories”.
With immediate effect a new version of the mostly used CAM program is available. It is called FILOU NC20 and it is highly popular among WinPC-NC users. Besides new functions, FILOU NC20 also provides an updated user interface with new icons and it makes quite an impression concerning many optimizations. A 30-day demo version is ready for download in the download center.
The new functions of FILOU NC 20 are indicated below:
Please note our price quotation including special discounts for updates from the old version to the latest version. This offer is valid until 31.05.2019.
System requirements:
We published a new revision of WinPC-NC Version 3.40 today. The update can be loaded and installed like usual. You can find some detailled information of how to update you current installation here. The update can be loaded directly to all computers, which have already a running WinPC-NC version 3.xx installed.
The new functions of version 3.40 will be described more detailled in the how to section soon.
If you are stil using an old version 2.xx, please do not hesitate to contact us by mail for more information about the update from version 2.xx to 3.xx. Please do not forget to send us your WinPC-NC serial number with your request.
For more than 3 years we provide a very user-friendly and comfortable solution for operating the machine without the necessity of using a keyboard or a mouse – the handwheel HR-10. This high-quality product can easily be handled as it feels very comfortable in the user’s hand. Top quality and the high standard of durability can be guaranteed by the production here in Germany.
Meanwhile it is unthinkable to use our testing machines without the handwheel, as operation can be extremely simplified. This is also confirmed by a repeated positive feedback.
Please note: Due to higher purchase prices we are unfortunately forced to raise the selling price (gross) for the handwheel to 229,00 €, applicable from 16.04.2019. However, orders received before 15.04.2019 are charged with the previous price.
Further information on the handwheel HR-10 can be obtained here.
As part of our discounted upgrade options to a more feature-rich version, it often happens that old WinPC-NC installation CDs have to be returned to us or destroyed. One of our customers sent us a nice and suitable for the cold season video in which he drives a cutting laser with his new WinPC-NC license.
As part of version 3.01, WinPC-NC offers new functions for a more comfortable use of an engraving or cutting laser. With these functions, the parameters which are heavily dependent on the material when working with a laser can now be easily and intuitively determined and stored.
This saves time and costs by reducing first step failures.
The example picture shows a 0.2mm thick self-adhesive foil which was processed with the laser functions in WinPC-NC.