Avid CNC  |  CNC Router Parts
 Search: SupportSupport Connect with Avid CNCConnect AccountMy Account
Community ForumCommunity Forum ContactContact Us
Cart 0 items
Avid CNC Machines

Avid CNC Upgrades

CNC Retrofit

Accessories

Components

Media & Info

Tell A Friend
Tell someone you know about this product.
Avid CNC EX Control System - Features and Benefits
Avid CNC EX Control System - Features and Benefits

Avid CNC EX Control System

The same robust control architecture used in precision 5-axis machining centers is now accessible to the CNC Router, Plasma and Laser market.

Avid EX Control Systems are included with all Avid CNC Machines. They are also available as a standalone CNC Control System for upgrades or to support custom applications.



Avid CNC EX Controller

EX Controller🔗

Utilizing industrially proven technology from Centroid, Avid EX controllers offer a smooth, reliable motion control system that supports any demand.
Integration by Avid
Professionally assembled and tested, this control unit is ready for plug and play operation. We strategically partnered with Centroid to tailor the user experience for effortless calibration and operation of Avid CNC machines.
Expandable and Upgradeable
Compatible with existing Avid machines and designed to scale with your needs. EX controllers are ready to drive additional tools like a rotary, second Z-axis or deployable laser system.
Efficient Tool Changes
The included Tool Height Setter for routing systems allows for fast and efficient tool changes. Locate your workpiece once, then quickly change tools with confidence using automatic tool offset measurements.
Excels at Plasma
Enhanced plasma support, featuring easy-to-use controls along with best-in-class torch height control and a restart function. Integrated programming with well-known CAM packages such as VCarve, Aspire and Fusion 360 eliminates the need for separate plasma software.
Closed-Loop Operation with Servos
When paired with optional Teknic ClearPath® Servos, continuous motion feedback is sent to the controller, ensuring ultimate precision and safeguarding projects from unexpected events.

Mark Rober demonstrating accuracy potential on an Avid CNC machine with ClearPath® Servos
Reliable Operation
Motion control is accomplished through dedicated microcontroller hardware built into the Centroid Acorn control card. Control PC specifications are minimal, and do not influence motion or jogging.
Smooth, Fast and Accurate
S-Curve trajectory planning allows for high speeds and accelerations while minimizing vibration or shake from direction changes. Accomplish your cuts more quickly and accurately than ever before.
Time Saving G-Code Processing
Effortlessly handles large G-code files, blending micro-lines and arcs into smooth motion while adhering to user-set precision limits, eliminating the need for CAD workarounds to avoid software performance issues.
Future Proof
Robust built-in macro capabilities offer a seamless transition to future modular upgrades, such as a Quick Tool Change (QTC) spindle and Automatic Tool Changer (ATC).
Additional Convenience Through Accessories
The flexible architecture allows for the addition of plug and play accessories including a controller driven auxiliary power relay hub and wireless MPG control pendant.
CNC12 Home Screen
Custom Avid CNC Screen Sets

Refer to the Resources section for more information and specifications.

Motor Options🔗

Three motor options range from affordable steppers to high-performance Teknic ClearPath® servos.
Teknic ClearPath® Integrated Brushless Servo
Experience unmatched control, speed, and power with industry-leading ClearPath® SDSK series servo motors.
They provide closed-loop system functionality that eliminates position loss and stalling, even during demanding jobs or unexpected events, safeguarding your workpiece.
NEMA 34 Stepper
For production shops, commercial users, or those with large machines, our NEMA 34 stepper motors offer excellent speed, torque and positional accuracy, punching way above their price.
NEMA 23 Stepper
Our NEMA 23 steppers are an affordable and very capable option for those who are less concerned with cutting speed, but still want an extremely reliable and easy to use machine.
Motor Comparison
Comparison of N23 Stepper (left), N34 Stepper (center), Servo (right)

Drive Axis Capability🔗

All Avid CNC Machines and EX-upgraded controllers utilize a dual-drive system and support a 4th axis, future-proofing your investment. For DIY applications, the 4th axis is available as an upgrade.
Dual-Drive Gantry
Our machines utilize a 4-motor setup to drive 3 axes (X, Y1/Y2, Z), a key feature for high-quality, large-format CNC performance.
4th Axis Ready
Add the capability to control an independent auxiliary axis, like a rotary or second Z-axis, for use now or in the future.
Stepper controllers can be pre-wired with an extra (5th) motor drive, while servo systems require no additional components since the drives are built into the motors.
The 5th motor and related cables are available separately through our customer support team.

Compatibility and Upgrades🔗

EX Control Systems are compatible with all Avid CNC PRO machines and provide a solid foundation for DIY applications. Additionally, our trade-in and rebuilt options offer exceptional value.
Save up to $1500 on an EX Stepper System Upgrade*
Unlock new features and benefits, for both routing and plasma, by trading in your legacy controller, buying a rebuilt EX stepper controller, and reusing your motors and cables.
Avid CNC Machine Upgrades Made Easy
Our customer experience team will curate a mechanical upgrade kit tailored to your system's revision, allowing you to update your machine quickly with minimal modifications.
Legacy System Trade-In*
Receive up to $500 for trading in a legacy system when purchasing a new EX Control System. The credit amount is based on the system's revision, configuration, and condition.

How it works:

  1. Configure an EX Control System with the appropriate upgrade type for your application.
  2. During checkout, add your original controller order number(s) in the comments if available.
  3. Our team will reach out to confirm your legacy system details and provide a credit estimate.
  4. We will build and ship your new curated system.
  5. Reuse the new EX controller packaging to return your old system back to Avid CNC.
  6. Upon receipt, our team will inspect and test the system to confirm the credit amount.
Cost-Effective Rebuilt Control Systems*
Save up to $350 on an EX Stepper Control System built with refurbished components. Offered at a lower cost, fully tested, and backed by a 1-year warranty.
Plug-and-Play Control for DIY Applications
EX controllers are an ideal plug-and-play motion control solution for DIY applications, whether you're updating or building a new system. For custom setups, technical support service packs are available.

*Upgrade here and note interest in a trade-in, rebuilt controller, or reusing motors/cables in your order comments. We'll contact you to confirm pricing and availability.

Refer to the Resources section for more information and specifications.

Wireless Control Pendant🔗

Wirelessly access the essential functions of your Avid CNC EX control system from anywhere in your shop, taking control to where the work is.
Seamless Integration with the EX Controller
Simply plug in the USB antenna and enable it through Avid's custom CNC12 wizard. No software or driver installation needed.
Precision Control with the MPG Wheel
The MPG wheel provides smooth and precise control over machine positioning and tool functions. Adjust sensitivity using the x1, x10, and x100 selector, with 100 steps per revolution.
Wireless MPG
Routing Model Shown
Effortless Job Setup
The hand wheel allows for fast, continuous and precise jogging. With 4-axis control and fine-tuning capabilities, it's a convenient tool for remote job setup and part zeroing.
Job Control and Adjustments
Built-in features let you easily run, pause, access the workpiece, and restart jobs. Adjust feed rate, spindle speed, or plasma torch voltage on the fly with the MPG wheel during operation.
Quick Access to Automation Routines
Avid has integrated common routines into CNC12, assignable to macro buttons for quick access. These routines can be customized with the Avid CNC wizard.

Wireless pendant product walk-through
Reliable and Convenient Design
Long-range wireless with robust communication and an integrated magnet for easy storage make this device both highly reliable and convenient to use.
Built for Durability
Featuring a shock-resistant case, domed buttons with gold-plated contacts, and a high-quality 3M protective keypad overlay, this device is engineered for industrial-grade durability.
Feature Specific Models
Models are available for router (WMPG-6) and plasma (WMPG-4) applications. They share core capabilities, with the plasma version including dry run, restart, and jog-along-path functions.
  Router / Spindle Plasma
Model Number WMPG-6 WMPG-4
Axis Control / Display Up to 6-axis 4-axis
Job Cycle Control Start, Feed Hold, Cancel Start, Dry Run, Restart, Cancel
Cutter Control Spin On/Off, Auto/Manual THC Auto On / Off
Cutter Check Tool Torch
User Programmable Buttons 4x Macro 1x Macro
Jog Along Cutter Path -- Forward / Backward
Laser Control -- Set XY Position
MPG On-the-fly Override Feed Rate, Spin Rate Feed Rate, Voltage

The Centroid® pendant requires an Acorn Pro license and CNC12, which come standard with Avid CNC Machines and EX Controllers. Pendants are also available individually.

Refer to the Resources section for more information and specifications.

Auxiliary Power Relay🔗

Use your EX controller to automate power for two additional devices like a router, dust collector, coolant system or other accessory.
Auxiliary Power Relay
Relay Hub | NEMA 5-15 / L6-30 connection set
  • Plug and Play operation with the Avid CNC EX Controller
  • Customize or leverage built-in accessory power automation routines using the Avid CNC12 wizard
  • Equipped with two outlets, each pre-configurable to match your accessory's power requirements
  • Three connection sets are available for each outlet: NEMA 5-15, L6-20 and L6-30
20V / 15A, NEMA 5-15
NEMA 5-15 Set
(110V / 15A)
220V / 20A, NEMA L6-20
NEMA L6-20 Set
(220V / 20A)
220V / 30A, NEMA L6-30
NEMA L6-30 Set
(220V / 30A)

Available with Avid CNC Machines and EX Controllers, or individually.

Videos🔗

EX Control System overviews, demos and tutorials.
Feature Overview
Aspire Tutorial
  • Creating tool paths
  • Adding pierce leads
CNC12 Tutorial
  • Material profile manager
  • Torch configuration
  • Float/Ohmic Offset utility
  • Dry Run feature
  • Job Restart feature
  • Part Cut Off utility

Feature Overview
CNC12 Tutorial
  • Zeroing Demo
  • Touch Plate utility
  • Calibration utility
  • Tool change demo

Feature Overview
  • Jogging
  • Job control
  • On-the-fly adjustments
  • Tool checks
Part Zeroing Demo
Avid CNC12 Setup Wizard
  • Setup Tutorial
  • Custom Macro Demo



Questions about a specific application or interested in pricing? We're here to help!