A clearer way to inspect CNC machining files

Why CNC Viewer exists

Raw CNC files are efficient for machines but difficult to review at a glance. A coordinate may be correct while the selected cutter diameter is wrong. A path can look closed even though its interior was never cleared. A safe Z position can be mistaken for cutting depth when a machine-specific format uses a different coordinate origin.

CNC Viewer brings these details into one inspection workspace. The toolpath shows the programmed motion, the solid model estimates the removed material, statistics list operations, and the technical drawing makes positions easier to compare.

How files are handled

Selected machining files are read and processed locally in the web browser. The viewer does not intentionally send the contents to a CNC conversion server. This design reduces waiting time and helps keep workshop files on the user's own device.

Advertising and basic third-party web services can still make normal network requests on public content pages. The machining workspace is kept separate from advertising code.

Supported work

The viewer currently recognizes common G-code extensions, PLT paths, HOMAG-style MPR operations, NC-HOPS/HOLZ-HER HOP programs and selected XML or NCD structures. It can visualize vertical and horizontal holes, channels, pockets, contour cuts, edge notches and multi-tool paths when the required data is present.

Machine formats vary between software versions and post processors. Some files depend on external macros or tool databases that are not included in the uploaded file. For that reason, every preview should be compared with the CAM setup and machine documentation before production.

Editorial method and responsibility

Guides are maintained by the CNC Viewer Editorial Team as part of the viewer's parser and visualization work. Topics come from machining-file behavior observed during development, sample files supplied for diagnosis and comparisons between source paths, calculated removal, operation statistics and technical drawings.

Each guide identifies where a value can come directly from a file and where a viewer may need an operator-supplied assumption. Published and updated dates appear on technical articles. Corrections are reviewed against a reproducible file example before the relevant guide or parser behavior is updated.

CNC Viewer is an inspection aid, not a replacement for CAM verification, machine simulation, tooling records or safe setup procedures. The machine manufacturer's documentation and the approved production file remain the controlling references.

Contact and format requests

Questions, parsing problems and requests for another CNC format are welcome. Include a sample file that contains no confidential project information and a short description of the expected machining result.