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LinuxCNC/linuxcnc

LinuxCNC is open-source software for controlling CNC machines such as mills, lathes, 3D printers, laser and plasma cutters, and robot arms.

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What is it?

LinuxCNC is software for controlling computer numerical control (CNC) machines. It can drive milling machines, lathes, 3D printers, laser cutters, plasma cutters, robot arms, hexapods, and other motion-controlled equipment.

The project started about 25 years ago and has contributors from many countries. Since release 2.9 its documentation has been translated through the Weblate crowd translation platform, and users are invited to contribute translations.

The project's documentation covers installation and building from source. The authors state that the software alone cannot guarantee machine safety, and that machinery must include ways to cut power to motors before people enter danger areas.

Key features

  • 01Drives milling machines, lathes, and 3D printers from one control system.
  • 02Supports laser cutters, plasma cutters, robot arms, and hexapods.
  • 03Developed as an international open-source project for about 25 years.
  • 04Documentation is translated through the Weblate crowd translation platform.

Use cases

  • Running a home-built or hobbyist milling machine or lathe.
  • Controlling a laser or plasma cutter from a PC.
  • Driving multi-axis robot arms or hexapod motion platforms.
  • Learning how CNC motion control works on Linux.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Read the official getting-started guide to install LinuxCNC

  2. 2

    Follow the build guide to build LinuxCNC from source

Things to know

  • The license is GPL-2.0 per metadata, and the README says some parts are under LGPL, so check the license terms before reuse.
  • The README disclaims all responsibility for safety and says machine builders must meet local safety codes themselves.

In collections

Robotics & embodied AI projectsEmbedded systems & microcontroller projects

Topics

#cnc#motion-control#robotics#machining#3d-printing#real-time#embedded

FAQ

What is linuxcnc?
LinuxCNC is open-source software for controlling CNC machines such as mills, lathes, 3D printers, laser and plasma cutters, and robot arms. LinuxCNC is software for controlling computer numerical control (CNC) machines. It can drive milling machines, lathes, 3D printers, laser cutters, plasma cutters, robot arms, hexapods, and other motion-controlled equipment.
Is linuxcnc free to use? What license does it have?
linuxcnc is open source under the GPL-2.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is linuxcnc still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to linuxcnc was on Nov 6, 2026.
What can I use linuxcnc for?
Running a home-built or hobbyist milling machine or lathe. Controlling a laser or plasma cutter from a PC. Driving multi-axis robot arms or hexapod motion platforms. Learning how CNC motion control works on Linux.
How do I install linuxcnc?
Read the official getting-started guide to install LinuxCNC Follow the build guide to build LinuxCNC from source
Where can I get linuxcnc?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/LinuxCNC/linuxcnc

Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.

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