MakeOrbit CNC Studio
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Complete guide / printWelcome
MakeOrbit CNC Studio is an application in which you use your computer to define how a CNC mill (or a laser module) should machine a workpiece. You load a 3D model or a drawing, cho…
→02Why MakeOrbit CNC Studio?
MakeOrbit CNC Studio brings planning for different machines together in one interface. You can load models, define stock and tools, plan operations and generate suitable NC files. …
→03CNC basics in five minutes
Before you start, here are a few terms you will encounter repeatedly in this guide. What does a CNC mill do? A CNC mill uses computer control to move a rapidly rotating tool — the …
→04Installation and first launch
Status: AVAILABLE Requirements - Mac with macOS 15 or later (Apple Silicon or Intel). The application is a universal app. - Recommended: mouse with a middle button or a trackpad. -…
→05The interface
Status: AVAILABLE The main window consists of five areas: No. Area Purpose --------- 1 Top bar Switch between CAM, Device and MakeOrbit, project name, Guided Mode and icons for New…
→06Create a new project
Status: AVAILABLE Start a new project with ⌘N, through File › New Project … or using the icon in the top bar. The setup assistant opens. Enter a project name at the top (default: “…
→07Guided Mode — step by step to your first part
Status: AVAILABLE Guided Mode is intended for anyone who has never milled before. The application asks simple questions and handles the technical decisions. Start it with the Guide…
→08The expert-mode workflow
Status: AVAILABLE Without Guided Mode, work through the following sequence — each step links to the relevant chapter: 1. Create a new project with machine and stock — Create a new …
→09Load models and drawings
Click Load on the left and choose the format. Format Contents Status --------- STEP (.step, .stp) exact CAD geometry with faces and edges — recommended AVAILABLE STL triangle mesh …
→10Position, copy and arrange parts
Status: AVAILABLE Click Object on the left. The Part & Stock page opens on the right (use Back to CAM to return). At the top, you can see whether the part is inside the stock (e.g.…
→11Setups and fixtures
Setups Status: AVAILABLE Click Setup on the left. Each setup describes one machining side (top, bottom, front, back, left, right) with its own zero point, fixtures and checks. On t…
→12Tools and materials
Status: AVAILABLE Click Tool on the left. The Tool & Values page shows the default tool for new operations (type, diameter, cutting length, suitability) and the default cutting val…
→13Plan machining operations
An operation is a machining step using one tool, e.g. “Outside contour with a 3-mm end mill”. Click Add operation at the bottom. The Choose operation window always applies to the c…
→14Multi-sided and rotary-axis machining
Multiple sides (manual reclamping) Status: AVAILABLE Up to six sides, each with its own setup. In the CAM panel, switch using the side tabs (e.g. Top · Bottom · Front); the path li…
→15Preview and simulation
Status: AVAILABLE Click Preview. The program switches to preview mode. - At the start, you see the full stock. Material is removed during playback; at the end, you see the milled p…
→16Create a machine file (export)
Status: AVAILABLE Click Export at the bottom and select the format. Only formats suitable for the machine are enabled. Menu item For Status --------- NC draft of this side … Genera…
→17Laser machining
Status: AVAILABLE (planning) · EXPERIMENTAL (laser file export for GRBL) Open via Add operation › Laser · Paths and Images. In the Laser · Paths and Images window: 1. Geometry: sel…
→18Device: machines, connections and monitoring
Click Device in the top bar. At the top, this area shows the active machine profile (e.g. “Makera Z1 Pro · Virtual test profile · no device connection”), followed by these function…
→19MakeOrbit connection
Status: AVAILABLE (Mac, with the installed and licensed 645DF MakeOrbit app) 645DF MakeOrbit is the management app in the MakeOrbit family. Together with CNC Studio: - Tools and ma…
→20AI planning assistant (optional)
Status: EXPERIMENTAL – optional, not required. Open it with ⌥⌘K or the sparkle icon at the top. The assistant can work with your own account for ChatGPT (Codex), Claude (Claude Cod…
→21Save and open projects
Status: AVAILABLE - Save: ⌘S. Save As …: ⇧⌘S. Open: ⌘O. - File extension: .mocnc. Contents: model (original and geometry), placement, stock, setups, machine, tool and material data…
→22Settings
Status: AVAILABLE Open Settings using the gear icon at the top right; Done closes the settings. Section Setting Explanation --------- General Language German or English. The entire…
→23Safety
Please read this section before milling for the first time. - The beta does not control a real machine. You initiate everything that happens at the machine yourself. - Check every …
→24Feature overview and development status
Area Feature Status --------- Operation German/English, settings, view cube, Undo AVAILABLE Operation Guided Mode AVAILABLE Operation Guided DXF/SVG and automatic rest roughing EXP…
→25Keyboard shortcuts
Shortcut Function ------ ⌘N New project (setup assistant) ⌘O Open project ⌘S Save ⇧⌘S Save As ⌘Z / ⇧⌘Z Undo / Redo ⇧⌘G Guided Mode ⌥⌘K AI assistant ⌥ while dragging Move without sn…
→26Frequently asked questions
Do I need prior knowledge? No. Start with Guided Mode. Can I use the application without the Internet? Local planning is intended to work without an AI account. The described offli…
→27Glossary
Term Explanation ------ Allowance Material deliberately left during roughing and removed during finishing Setup Position and securing of the stock for one machining side Stepover D…
→28Contact and further information
Website: 645df.de · Contact: hello@645df.de. The public beta test has not yet started. Beta feedback: Please note the step, file, language, unit, expected result, actual result and…
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