Centroid API Introduction

The Centroid API allows users and OEMs to create their own custom CNC solutions by creating applications using Visual Studio and either Visual Basic .NET or C#.

• You can create your own Centroid CNC Apps.
• Your App will command and control Centroid's CNC12 CNC software.
• You can create simple Apps like the Power Feed example shown in the video below or a more complex App that would completely replace the Centroid UI.
        Its all up to you!
• The Centroid API is free and open, there is no charge to use the Centroid API tools.
• Centroid API documentation is current included with every CNC12 installation. (updated version soon to be published on our website as well)
        Located in the c:\cncm\CentroidAPIDocumentation directory

Centroid API FAQ

• Q: What is the Centroid CNC API?
• A: The Centroid API (Application Programming Interface), formerly Skinning API, is an easy way to build your own Custom CNC Applications and solutions powered by any of Centroid's CNC Control Boards (Allin1DC, Oak, Hickory, Acorn, and AcornSix).

• Q: What can I do with it?
• A: Use the Centroid API to create your own custom CNC applications that can run along with CNC12 or completely replace the CNC12 UI.
  Your Apps can command motion, control motors, pumps, activate accessories, interface with a robot, read sensors, read inputs, control outputs, run macros, run g codes, display all kinds of machine tool information such as but not limited to: spindle speed, feedrate, WCS and Machine positions. Run probing cycles, set part zeros, interface with 3rd party software. The applications and functions are nearly limitless.

• Q: How much does the Centroid API cost?
• A: The Centroid APi is free and open, there is no charge to use the Centroid APi tools to create your own CNC application. A CNC12 "Pro" License is the recommended minimum software license to use the Centroid API effectively.

• Q: What programming languages can I use to create a Centroid CNC App using the Centroid API?
• A: At this time only Visual Basic.net and C# languages are officially supported however, Console, WinForms, and WPF projects are supported with those languages.

• Q: What programming tools does Centroid use and recommend when creating Apps?
• A: Visual Studio Community Edition (Free) or Visual Studio Pro/Enterprise (Paid), see more here: https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/compare/

• Q: Is there a place I can get help?
• A: Yes, Centroid has created the Centroid API Technical Support Forum where we will answer questions and take suggestions.

• Q: Can I download the Centroid example Apps to edit myself?
• A: Yes, on the CentroidCNC GitHub Repos:
  1. VB: https://github.com/CentroidCNC/CentroidAPI_VBnet_PowerFeed
  2. C#: https://github.com/CentroidCNC/CentroidAPI_CSharp_PowerFeed

• Q: Where is the Centroid CNC12 API documentation?
• A: New CentroidAPI Documentation will be coming soon on the website.
  Current CentroidAPI Documentation is available in your CNC12 Install Directory:
  • Mill: C:\cncm\CentroidAPIDocumentation
  • Lathe: C:\cnct\CentroidAPIDocumentation
  • Router: C:\cncm\CentroidAPIDocumentation
  • Plasma: C:\cncm\CentroidAPIDocumentation
  • MillDemo: C:\Centroid_Mill_Intercon_Offline\CentroidAPIDocumentation
  • LatheDemo: C:\Centroid_Lathe_Intercon_Offline\CentroidAPIDocumentation

• Q: What are the requirements for using the Centroid API?
• A:
  1. Centroid CNC12 Installed (Offline or Standard, but Offline is limited, ie. no jogging or skin_event calls possible)
     - https://centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/centroid_cnc_software_downloads.html)
  2. Visual Studio Installed
     - https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/compare/
  3. A 64-bit Development PC running Windows 10 or 11
     - https://centroidcnc.com/cnc_pc_performance_requirements.html
     - Note: Must Exceed our Minimum Spec but will vary depending on the scale of your CentroidAPI Application
  4. (Optional but Recommended) A CentroidCNC Control Board
     - https://shopcentroidcnc.com/
     - The Offline CNC12 Mill and Lathe Intercon installer can be used for basic development and testing but is not ideal for complex operations.

Centroid API Videos

Introduction: Make your own CNC App using the Centroid API

Make your own CNC Applications with the Centroid CNC12 APi, Power Feed App example step-by-step!

Centroid API Help

The primary source of Centroid API tech support and the lastest API Information is the Centroid API Technical Support Forum. Please post any questions you have in this Support Forum so other users can benefit from your questions and our Community's Answers.