Do I need mach3?

[Fred Trevvett]

I'm currently planning a mpcnc build (well, already started, third batch of parts are on the printer)

I'm knee deep in stuff I know nothing about (nothing new there) and my question at the minute is what is mach3 actually for? My understanding is fusion can output g-code for up to 5 axis machining operations, so surely this can just be fed into something like a bigtreetech octopus or similar CNC board? Is that right or do I need to have Mach (or a similar program) sitting in between the two?

 

[m_c]

Mach 3 is the machine controller.
It takes the G-code, and converts it to actual motor movement.

In the case of a BTT Octopus, they can do the motion control on board, it just depends what firmware you use (GRBL, Klipper, and Marlin being the most common for hobbyist stuff)

Personally, I wouldn't use Mach3 now though. There are better options.