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Getting Started

Prerequisites

Before using NanoCut Control, you need:

  • A CNC plasma cutting machine with a compatible grbl controller
  • NanoCut firmware flashed on the controller
  • A USB connection between the controller and your computer
  • A DXF file to cut (or you can use any DXF editor to create one)

A Note on Units

NanoCut Control uses metric units (millimeters) by default. If you need imperial units (inches), the application must be recompiled with the USE_INCH_DEFAULTS flag.

First Launch

  1. Connect your CNC controller to the computer via USB.
  2. Launch NanoCut Control. The application opens in Control View by default.
  3. Home the machine by pressing the Home button. This establishes the machine's coordinate system by finding the limit switches.

Quick Workflow Overview

A typical cutting job follows these steps:

1. Switch to CAM View

Press Tab to switch to CAM View, the toolpath design workspace.

2. Import a DXF File

Use File > Import Part (or the import button in the left pane) to load your DXF file. The importer will auto-detect units and convert geometry.

3. Set Up Job Options

Configure the material size (width and height) to match your sheet metal. Choose the origin corner to match your work zero location.

4. Create a Tool

Open the Tool Library and create a tool with the correct plasma parameters for your material:

  • Pierce height -- Z height during the initial pierce
  • Pierce delay -- time to wait for the pierce to complete
  • Cut height -- Z height during cutting
  • Feed rate -- cutting speed
  • Kerf width -- width of material removed by the plasma arc
  • THC target voltage -- arc voltage setpoint for Torch Height Control

5. Create a Tool Operation

Create an operation that assigns your tool to a DXF layer. Configure lead-in and lead-out lengths (defaults to 1.5x kerf width).

6. Arrange Parts on the Material

Position parts on the sheet using the Nesting Tool. Drag parts to move them, use Ctrl+scroll to rotate (5-degree increments), or press Arrange for automatic nesting.

7. Send to Controller

Use File > Save GCode to export a G-code file, or use Send to Controller to transfer the program directly and switch to Control View.

8. Switch to Control View

Press Tab to return to Control View (or it switches automatically after Send to Controller).

9. Home, Touch Off, Run

  1. Home the machine if not already done.
  2. Jog to your desired work zero and press Zero X / Zero Y.
  3. Press Touch to probe the material surface height.
  4. Press Test Run to verify the path without firing the torch.
  5. Press Run to cut the part.

Essential Shortcuts

Shortcut Action
Tab Switch between CAM View and Control View
Escape Abort current operation
Arrow keys Jog the machine (hold to move)
Ctrl+Arrow keys Precise jog (fixed distance)
Ctrl+click Jump-in: start program from a specific contour

See the full Keyboard Shortcuts reference for more.