CAM mode
Import Gerber, Excellon, ODB++ and DXF data, arrange the PCB project, select tools and generate machining programs for isolation routing, copper clearing, drilling, board cutout and other documented operations.
PCB prototyping CAM and machine control
PhCNC
Integrated CAM preparation and CNC control software developed for TELENET PCB prototyping machines.
Integrated workflow
PCB CAM preparation and CNC machine operation
PhCNC combines CAM preparation and CNC control for compatible TELENET and legacy AccurateCNC PCB prototyping systems. It is supplied with compatible machines and PhCNC-based control systems, not as standalone software.
CNC mode
Execute generated programs, control the configured machine and switch between CAM preparation and machine operation. Camera/microscope hardware supports project positioning, measurement, inspection and fiducial-registration workflows.
A software demonstration is available on the PhCNC Software Demo page. The demo simulates a legacy machine configuration and does not represent a standalone PhCNC product license.
Shared CAM capabilities
Professional PCB CAM workflow
The PhCNC CAM environment is common to all supported machine models and uses the same core CAM technology as PhCNC LSSE and PhCNC LSSE HD.
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Import and project preparation | |
| File import | Import Gerber RS-274X, ODB++, Excellon and AutoCAD DXF data generated by virtually any PCB CAD system. |
| ODB++ projects | Import complete ODB++ jobs from directories and supported compressed packages, with automatic recognition of relevant PCB layers and project structure. |
| Project workflow | Create, load, save and combine reusable PhCNC projects. |
| Multiple designs | Import and arrange multiple independent PCB designs in one project. |
| Machining window | Process a selected region or divide projects that are larger than the available machining area into sections. |
| Editing, grouping and panelization | |
| Object editing | Select, move, rotate, copy, clone and delete project objects. |
| Grouping | Create nested groups without an arbitrary one-level grouping restriction. |
| Cloning and panelization | Clone and arrange PCB objects to create production panels. |
| Undo and Redo | Provide 32 levels of Undo and Redo for supported project-editing operations. |
| Routing tabs | Add or remove contour-routing tabs interactively by pressing Ctrl+T while the mouse pointer is positioned over a cutting contour. |
| Isolation and copper processing | |
| High-performance geometry engine | Efficiently process complex Gerber designs containing thousands of tracks, polygons and aperture macros without requiring conversion into G36/G37 polygons merely for acceptable performance. |
| Internal calculation resolution | Use 1 nm internal geometric calculation resolution. This value describes internal calculations, not guaranteed physical machining accuracy. |
| Isolation routing | Generate isolation toolpaths using up to 8 different isolation tools. |
| Multi-tool isolation strategy | Use larger tools whenever possible and reserve smaller, more expensive tools for areas where their diameter is required, reducing machining time and small-tool wear. |
| Copper rubout | Remove unwanted copper using up to 8 different rubout tools. |
| DRV and Forced Insulation | Detect design-rule violations and remove problematic copper regions that could otherwise leave thin residual copper slivers after isolation routing. |
| Toolpath generation | |
| Optimized G1/G2/G3 output | Detect suitable circular geometry automatically and generate optimized toolpaths using G1 linear moves and G2/G3 circular arcs. Depending on the design, isolation programs can contain a substantial number of circular commands. |
| Tool assignment | Assign separate tools and parameters to isolation, rubout, drilling, cutting and masking-drill operations. |
| Peck/step mode | Apply stepped-depth machining when a peck step is specified for isolation routing, copper rubout, drilling, contour cutting and masking drilling. |
| Drilling, cutting and engraving | |
| Drilling | Generate standard PCB drilling operations from Excellon and project data. |
| Routed holes | Machine holes with a router bit instead of a drill bit when required. |
| Contour cutting | Generate compensated internal and external cutting contours. |
| Masking drilling | Generate masking-related drilling operations. |
| Vector text | Insert and engrave vector text. |
| PhCNC Printer | Import printable text and graphics from virtually any Windows application through PhCNC Printer for engraving. |
| Verification and output | |
| G-code generation | Generate production G-code from the configured CAM operations. |
| Simulation | Preview and simulate the resulting G-code before export or machining. |
| Production export | Export production files when the product is licensed. |
Compare PhCNC LSSE, FlatCAM and CopperCAM for PCB milling workflows.
Gerber to G-code
High-Precision G-code Generation
Native circular interpolation is preserved in production G-code instead of being replaced by unnecessary short line segments.
PhCNC calculates machining toolpaths directly from Gerber geometry. Circular portions of the calculated toolpath are automatically detected and preserved in the exported G-code as native G2/G3 arc commands instead of being approximated by sequences of short G1 line segments.
This produces compact, geometrically accurate G-code and allows the CNC controller to execute circular motion using its native arc interpolation.
Real generated example
218 G2/G3 arc moves
166 G1 linear moves
56.8% native arc interpolation
The percentage covers G1/G2/G3 XY interpolation moves in this example. G0 traverse moves are excluded.
Integrated CNC control
Machine-control capabilities
Unlike PhCNC LSSE and PhCNC LSSE HD, PhCNC executes machining jobs and manages compatible PhCNC-based machine hardware.
| CNC capability | Availability | Description |
|---|---|---|
| G-code and PhCNC jobs | All models | Execute industry-standard G and M code programs and PhCNC project/job files. |
| PhCNC44x controller integration | PhCNC44x-equipped systems | Integrated communication and machine control through the compatible PhCNC44x CNC controller. |
| PhACdrive spindle integration | Configured systems | Integrated control of compatible PhACdrive AC/BLDC spindle drives. |
| PhSTdrive stepper integration | Configured systems | Integrated management of compatible PhSTdrive intelligent stepper drives. |
| Device firmware management | Compatible devices | Install and manage the corresponding controller, spindle-drive and stepper-drive firmware supplied with the PhCNC control system. |
| Tool change | Model dependent | Automatic tool change and calibration, or manual tool change with automatic calibration, according to the machine configuration. |
| Batch program execution | ATC models | Execute all generated programs for the selected top or bottom layer. |
| Fiducial registration | All models | Position projects and align top and bottom PCB layers. |
| Camera-assisted inspection | Model dependent | Camera or microscope positioning, measurement and inspection when the machine is equipped with the required hardware. |
| Automatic fiducial registration | All models | Fully automatic, assisted and manual fiducial-registration workflows. |
| Spindle and vacuum control | All models | Program-controlled start and stop with manual override where supported. |
| Runtime feed-rate control | All models | Program-controlled feed rate with manual override. |
| Spindle-speed control | All models | Program-controlled spindle speed with manual override. |
| Machine-specific peripherals | Model dependent | Control supported peripherals and automation according to the installed machine configuration. |
Integrated control system
Controller, spindle and axis integration
PhCNC communicates with the machine-control components and manages the corresponding firmware supplied for the configured system.
PhCNC44x
CNC motion-controller communication and coordinated machine operation for compatible PhCNC44x-equipped systems.
PhACdrive
Integrated control of compatible TELENET AC/BLDC spindle drives.
PhSTdrive
Integrated management of compatible intelligent stepper drives and axis configuration.
Machine positioning
Calibration and compensation functions
Available positioning functions depend on the machine configuration.
- On calibrated screw-driven systems, positioning measurements can be recorded as a screw-error map and used by the configured axis control during positioning.
- Systems equipped with permanently installed linear encoders can use closed-loop positioning feedback where supported by the configured PhSTdrive system.
- Thermal compensation can account for configured screw, encoder and workpiece-material behavior on machines that provide the required measurement and control hardware.
Windows builds
PhCNC and PhCNC64
The 32-bit and 64-bit builds provide the same principal workflow. PhCNC64 can address additional memory for large and complex projects, and both builds use parallel processing where applicable.
PhCNC 32-bit requirements
- Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 or 10 (32-bit or 64-bit Windows)
- 2 GHz CPU; 2 or more logical cores for automatic fiducial registration
- 1 GB RAM
- 1024 x 768 display
- One USB 2.0 port
PhCNC64 requirements
- 64-bit Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or 11; Windows XP 64-bit is not supported
- 2 GHz CPU; 2 or more logical cores for automatic fiducial registration
- 2 GB RAM
- 1024 x 768 display
- One USB 2.0 port
Product page
Open PhCNC on another device
Scan the QR code or use the product-page address.
https://telenet-eu.com/PhCNC.php