WinPC-NC is a software program which turns any personal computer running the Windows operating system into a universal NC controller. Since the year 2000, WinPC-NC has delivered more than thirty thousand copies to users around the globe. Twenty languages are currently supported and more are being added.

WinPC-NC is constantly being refined, upgraded, and improved. Feedback is always welcome. Quotes for custom versions and integration services will be provided upon request.

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Different Versions of
WinPC-NC

WinPC-NC is tailored to your needs:

• Pricing: scales with complexity and specific requirements
• Interfaces: LPT, USB, custom/specialty
• Packaging: software, hardware/software, bundled for OEM NC machine sales
• Specialties: industry specific applications, critical performance requirements, specific NC controller support

The WinPC-NC software and hardware components come pre-configured. Installation and setup is easy.

The standard versions of WinPC-NC are:

WinPC-NC Starter (OEM only)
WinPC-NC Light
WinPC-NC Economy
WinPC-NC USB
WinPC-NC Professional

WinPC-NC Principals of Operation

All versions of WinPC-NC present an identical user interface. Version changes and upgrades are transparent.

The low level, specific configuration varies, based on which interface is used. Setting up signals and func-tion assignments is done once for each interface.

Constructing a machine by your-self? Retrofitting a machine for NC operation?

We can provide stepper motor cards, drivers, and complete control and power management systems.

WinPC-NC Benefits

Tuned to Your Needs

WinPC-NC provides a package tuned to your needs – program features, number of axes, input/output requirements, interface requirements. A description of the various packages is given later.

Possible and Realized Technologies

• Milling in 2.5, 3, or 4 axes
• Circular engraving of cylindrical objects
• Tangential cutting by circular blade or oscillating knife
• Dispensing applications
• 3D scanning
• Foil cutting with swivel knife
• Laser cutting and engraving
• Printed circuit card milling and drilling
• 3D printing (with suitable print head)
• CAM position for measuring
• Plasma and Oxy cutting
• the list goes on...

Graphical Interface

The graphical interface presents the NC data in three dimensions and displays the current machine position in real time.

The data may be zoomed, rotated, and moved. Tool paths can be individually displayed or hidden. Difficult to visualize portions of the job can be viewed to ensure correctness.

Intuitive Help System

WinPC-NC has a context sensitive, intuitive help system. The help best appropriate to your current action is always displayed.

The help system is constantly upgraded based on customer feedback and changes in technology.

Parameters and functions are closely grouped together. Setting up a machine from scratch has never been so easy!

Furthermore, the complete manual is available as a PDF file. It can also be brought up at any time from within WinPC-NC.

Adjustable Layout

WinPC-NC 3.0 makes it easy for the user to create custom display templates. Color blind individuals can create a display that can see clearly.

Application profiles make it easy to quickly shift from from one application to another.

Multiple tool databases can easily be manipulated.

NC File Format Support

WinPC-NC is able to import, display, and manipulate data in numerous formats including G-Code, HPGL, DXF 2D (R12, R14), drilling formats, EPS/AI (V3, V8), DIN/ISO, Multicam, and ISEL-NCP).

Intelligent Look Ahead System

WinPC-NC is designed as a contouring seeking system. It has a powerful look-ahead capability that ensures continuous, smooth movements.

A job always runs at the best possible speed. There is no stuttering or wasted motion.

2.5D CAM Functions

WinPC-NC is equipped with 2.5D CAM functions. Tool diameter compensation, tool assignments, and optimization of unproductive movements are handled.

LPT Port Signal Handling

WinPC-NC – depending on the interface – can manipulate all of the pins of one or two 25 pin IEEE 1284 parallel ports. Signal levels conform to the 5V TTL standard.

Other functions and pins can be assigned to an appropriate input or output pin.

The Signal Wizard makes it easy to understand, setup and maintain the LPT ports.

WinPC-NC Starter for Stepcraft machines

These versions are only available bundled with a machine provided by the company Stepcraft.

WinPC-NC Starter is used for bringing up a new machine and its initial testing. Although limited to two tools, it is possible to engrave tags, mill, make PCBs, and mill dimensional objects. The size of the objects is unlimited.

WinPC-NC Starter can be upgraded to WinPC-NC USB by obtaining a license and using the Stepcraft machine unmodified.

WinPC-NC Economy

WinPC-NC Economy is a software only product. Machine control is performed via one or two IEEE 1284 parallel printer (LPT) ports.

WinPC-NC Economy has additional features and is capable of 2.5, 3 and 4 axis control. It is also offered in versions which use well known SMC stepper cards.

WinPC-NC Economy requires a 32-bit version of Windows 7 and is only available in WinPC-NC version 2.5.

Please refer the function matrix for a detailed description of features.

WinPC-NC USB

WinPC-NC USB includes a USB cable and our external ncUSB module. One or two IEEE 1284 parallel ports can be used for machine control.

WinPC-NC USB is a full featured offering. It is capable of 2.5, 3, and 4 axis control.

Please refer the function matrix for a detailed description of features.

ncUSB module

WinPC-NC Light

WinPC-NC Light includes a USB cable and our external nc100 module. One IEEE 1284 parallel port can be used for machine control.

WinPC-NC Light is capable of 2.5, and 3 axis control and can be upgraded to WinPC-NC USB, with or without additional hardware.

Please refer the function matrix for a detailed description of features.

nc100 module

Why external USB modules?

The external USB modules offloads the PC from having to perform timing critical operations. This makes low overhead, very stable operation possible.

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WinPC-NC Professional

WinPC-NC Professional, in conjuction with our CNCCONS controller, provides the very finest quality machine control possible. It can meet the strictest demands, both in the industrial sector or for ambitious projects.

By offloading computationally intensive and timing critical operations to the CNCCONS controller, the Windows PC is free to perform other tasks while NC operations are being performed.

A CNCCONS controller can be custom configured to met any customer requirements. For example, it is possible to configure the digital inputs and outputs for industry standard 24V logic or 0-10V operation typically used for spindle speed control.

Safety related sensors for doors, protection hoods, liquid levels, air pressure, physical positions, and even external components can be monitored. Each monitored sensor can have bounds established with definable warning signals generated as necessary.

The CNCCONS runs a real-time operating system and offers customer accessible API routines. Commands and data can easily be generated or transmitted to other platforms (e.g. PLC controllers) and software. Customers can develop their own programs or request integration services.

The CNCCONS programming manual can be provided upon request.

We can provide complete solutions with motor power stages in casings. The advantage is smooth and immediate interactions between all components. No complex setup procedure or signal procedures are required.

Windows Compatibility