The controller you need depends on your current needs and/or future needs regarding number of axes, number of IO, and max step-frequency. In general, there are a number of important things that decide the choice of controller. With this overview, we hope to help you understand a little better the different options we offer.

Interface, USB or Ethernet?


The interface to the controller is of course essential. As this determines how 


USB


Pros:

  • Easy to connect
  • It can also supply power to the board

Cons:

  • Limited length between PC and Controller
  • USB interfaces of PCs are often more susceptible to external interference causing disconnects (buffer underruns)
  • Wiring the enclosures with the controller incorrectly can cause ground loops or another EMC/EMI-related issue, so make sure you take basic precautions like seperating low-power wires from the high-power cables etc.


Proposed controllers:

  • CNC310
  • CPU5A3
  • CPU5A4
  • CPU5B


Ethernet


Pros:

  • Very reliable   
  • Long distance

Cons:

  • An (extra) network interface is required. If only one is available either an extra network card is required or the 'normal' network is done through WiFi.


Proposed controllers:

  • CNC310 (+Ethernet license)
  • CPU5A4E
  • CPU5B (with ethernet upgrade)
  • CNC720
  • CNC760
  • iCNC600


We always advice to go for an ethernet interface, simply because of it's reliability

How many axis do you need?

How many axis do you need ? Well most basic machines would need at least 3 axis, X,Y and Z. But wait, sometimes you want to have 2 motors on the X or Y axis (master-slave configuration)...so that means you will at least need 4 axis X, Y, Z and A. If you want in future also add something like a tangential knife you will need another extra axis.


We offer 3, 4 or 6 axis controllers


Proposed controllers:


3 axis:

  • CNC310
  • CPU5A3


4 axis:

  • CPU5A4
  • CPU5A4E
  • CNC720


6 axis:

  • CPU5B
  • CNC760
  • iCNC600


What step frequency do you need?


Our controllers all support a step frequency up to 125kHz, the CNC7xx go up to 400kHz.


How many I/Os do you need?


When we talk about I/Os we don't mean our standard outputs like 'flood' or 'mist'. But auxiliary inputs or outputs.

The bigger controllers will feature more I/O of course.