cncArtistMachines / Genmitsu 3018 and 4040
SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-PRO, 4040-PRO and PROVerXL
cncArtist for Genmitsu 3018 and 4040: CAM for Mac, iPad and iPhone
Native Mac software for designing, simulating and cutting on SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-PRO, 4040-PRO and PROVerXL. Free to download. $299 once to cut without limits. No subscription.
Why cncArtist suits Genmitsu 3018 and 4040
The 3018 is many people's first CNC, which means many first-time owners looking for software that is not a CAD course. cncArtist asks what you want to make and fills in the rest, and it works on the Mac you already own.
The preset sets a small bed and a low safe height for these machines, so your first sign is not a crash.
What it writes, and how to send it
GRBL post
File extension .nc. This post has no in-program tool change, so a job that uses more than one bit is exported as one file per bit (for example a -1-T2 and a -2-T1 file). Run them in order and re-zero Z after each swap.
How to send it
A free GRBL sender such as Candle, Universal Gcode Sender or gSender. Open the .nc file in the sender, connect over USB, set zero and run.
Spindle speed on these machines is often set by hand or by a basic controller. Check the spindle settings in Machine match yours. cncArtist's posts are checked with golden-file tests: the output for a sample job is compared with a saved copy, so a change cannot slip through unnoticed. That is a software test, not a certification on any machine. Run the simulator and an air cut on a new setup before every first cut.
Presets for Genmitsu 3018 and 4040
Pick your machine by maker and model and cncArtist fills in the bed size, Z travel, safe height and post. These are the makers' published cutting areas, and you can change any figure.
| Preset | Bed | Z travel | Post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genmitsu 3018-PRO | 300 × 180 mm 11.8 × 7.1 in | 45 mm | GRBL |
| Genmitsu 4040-PRO | 400 × 400 mm 15.7 × 15.7 in | 78 mm | GRBL |
| Genmitsu PROVerXL 4030 | 400 × 300 mm 15.7 × 11.8 in | 110 mm | GRBL |
Features that matter on Genmitsu 3018 and 4040
Every line checked first
The simulator plays the whole job back in wood, marks gouges on the board and lists each problem with its toolpath or G-code line, before anything reaches the machine.
Guided zeroing at the machine
Walk up to the machine with your iPhone or iPad and follow the steps for X, Y and Z, so the zero you set is the zero the program uses.
Templates that ask a few questions
Twenty templates build a sign, coasters or a game board from your answers, so a first cut does not start from a blank screen.
384 3D pieces, ready to carve
Drop in a relief, size it to your board, and cncArtist roughs and finishes it. Bring your own STL or OBJ too, or sculpt by hand.
From design to first cut
- Pick Genmitsu 3018-PRO, 4040-PRO or PROVerXL 4030 in Machine.
- Choose a template or draw your own, then pick your bit.
- Simulate every line.
- Export and open the .nc file in your GRBL sender.
- Set zero, air cut, then cut.
Questions
Is cncArtist right for a 3018?
It handles small beds well, but a 3018 has little rigidity. Use shallow passes and light cuts; cncArtist sets feeds from your bit and machine.
Multiple bits?
This post has no in-program tool change, so a job that uses more than one bit is exported as one file per bit (for example a -1-T2 and a -2-T1 file). Run them in order and re-zero Z after each swap.
Does it work with Candle?
Candle reads standard G-code, which is what this post writes. Run an air cut first as you would with any file.
Coming from Vectric? Read VCarve for Mac.
Free to download.
$299 once to cut without limits.
Design and simulate as much as you like. Your first three jobs export free. Then one purchase unlocks cncArtist on Mac, iPad and iPhone. Commercial use included.
Cut 3 jobs free.
Every design tool, every simulation, and G-code for your first three jobs. No card, no time limit.
Once. Everywhere.
Unlimited export on Mac, iPad and iPhone with one purchase. Free 1.x updates. Family Sharing. Commercial use included.
Launch price $249 until 11:59 pm on Thursday, Dec 31, 2026.
No subscription.
Pay once, cut forever. A paid major version every few years, with an owner upgrade price.