In this article, I discuss some of the popular and reliable GRBL CNC controller software that you can use to run your GRBL-based CNC routers. The other can interpret the G-code and produce the instructions for controlling the stepper motors directly. There are two types of control software for CNC, one simply passes on the G-code to the controller onboard the CNC router and are called the G-code senders, like UGS. However, it can only control a maximum of three axes.
It is easy to set up and has simple configurations that make it the preferred choice for beginners and hobbyists. This firmware lets you control the 3-axis motion of CNC machines using a PC via USB interfacing. GRBL is the most popular open-source firmware which is flashed mostly onto the Arduino-based controller boards of CNC machines. GRBL (pronounced gerbl), is a highly popular firmware that supports CNC configurations. Hence, it is necessary to flash the CNC controller board with firmware that allows it to communicate with the controller software.
It reads the G-codes created using CAM software to run the stepper/servo drivers on CNC machines.īut without firmware, the CNC controller cannot read G-codes. A controller software program serves as a communication path between your computer and the CNC machine.