Radonix CNC controllers provide PC-based, industrial motion control for machine builders, system integrators and manufacturers. The current controller range combines pulse-and-direction motion, Ethernet communication, configurable machine I/O, Radonix CAM-Pro software and machine-specific operator interfaces.
For current Smart and PC-Pro LAN systems, the number of independently controlled and interpolated axes is 2 to 6, depending on the selected controller and machine configuration. Radonix X4 expansion boards can distribute one axis command to several motors, but they do not create additional independent interpolated axes.
Current Radonix CNC Controller Range
The current Radonix controller portfolio is organised into two established industrial families: PC Smart and PC-Pro LAN. Expansion hardware and operator accessories extend these systems for specialised machines.
PC Smart Series
The PC Smart family provides compact Ethernet-connected CNC control for machines requiring three, four or six independent axes.
| Controller | Independent axes | Pulse output | Digital I/O | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Smart 3AS | 3 | 100,000 pulses/sec | 8 inputs / 4 outputs | Compact CNC machines and three-axis motion |
| PC Smart 4A | 4 | 500,000 pulses/sec | 16 inputs / 8 outputs | Four-axis industrial CNC machines |
| PC Smart 6A | 6 | 500,000 pulses/sec | 24 inputs / 16 outputs | Complex machines requiring six-axis interpolation |
PC-Pro LAN Series
The PC-Pro LAN family is designed for industrial machines that require high-speed motion control and expanded protected I/O.
| Controller | Independent axes | Pulse output | Digital I/O | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC-Pro LAN 4A | 4 | 500,000 pulses/sec | 16 inputs / 16 outputs | Industrial four-axis CNC machines |
| PC-Pro LAN 6A | 6 | 500,000 pulses/sec | 32 inputs / 32 outputs | Six-axis systems requiring expanded machine I/O |
Compare the complete Radonix hardware range.
X4 Motor Expansion Explained
The Radonix X4 Expander distributes one controller-axis pulse-and-direction command to as many as four synchronised line-driver motor channels. All motors connected through that X4 channel share the same command source.
For example, a jewellery machine may use motor groups such as X1/X2/X3/X4, Z1/Z2/Z3 and a similar arrangement on Y. Depending on the machine design, X4 boards can provide around 12 physical motor channels. The controller still has a maximum of six independent interpolated axes; X4 does not turn those motor channels into additional independent axes.
Radonix LEGO: Next-Generation Modular Architecture
Radonix LEGO is the next-generation modular CNC control architecture. It is designed to use a LEGO-CU control unit, two-axis LEGO-XM motion modules and configurable LEGO-DM digital I/O modules, with planned scalability up to 16 independent axes.
Development status: final testing before market release. LEGO should be evaluated as a next-generation, pre-release platform and not confused with the currently available Smart and PC-Pro LAN controller families.
See the Radonix CNC control-system architecture comparison for the distinction between the current and next-generation platforms.
Expansion Hardware and CNC Accessories
- X4 Expander — distributes one axis command to multiple synchronised motor channels.
- Torch Height Controller — uses arc-voltage feedback to maintain plasma torch height.
- Radonix Handwheel — supports operator positioning, coordinate feedback and configurable machine functions.
- IPC Package — combines an industrial operator station with configurable Radonix motion hardware for new machines and retrofits.
How the Radonix CNC Control System Works
A complete Radonix control system connects three coordinated layers:
- Controller hardware generates precise pulse-and-direction motion commands, manages digital and analogue I/O and communicates with the PC over Ethernet.
- Radonix CAM-Pro software provides machine control, real-time monitoring, toolpath visualisation and support for established production formats such as G-code and DXF.
- Machine-specific interfaces organise the HMI, operating sequence and specialist functions for the selected CNC application.
The controller can command compatible stepper drives or servo drives through pulse-and-direction signals. A servo drive and motor may operate as their own closed-loop system, while the current Radonix controller generation remains open-loop at the controller level.
Industrial CNC Applications
Radonix control systems are configured for industrial machines across:
- Woodworking, furniture production and CNC routing
- Stone, marble, glass and ceramic processing
- Plasma, oxy-fuel, laser and metal-processing machines
- Textile, leather, knife and oscillating-tool cutting
- Jewellery, engraving and multi-motor production systems
- Foam, polystyrene, plastics and composite-material processing
- Turning, milling, drilling, dispensing and specialised automation
Choosing the Right Radonix Controller
Controller selection should start with the machine architecture rather than a generic product category. Confirm:
- The number of independently interpolated axes
- Whether several motors must share one axis command through X4
- The required pulse frequency and drive interface
- Digital and analogue input/output capacity
- Stepper-drive or servo-drive requirements
- The machine-specific CAM-Pro interface and workflow
- Operator hardware, plasma THC or IPC integration
- Future expansion and commissioning requirements
Radonix CNC Controller FAQ
Which Radonix CNC controllers are currently available?
The established controller families are PC Smart 3AS, PC Smart 4A, PC Smart 6A, PC-Pro LAN 4A and PC-Pro LAN 6A. X4, THC, Handwheel and IPC hardware extend the controller system for specialised machine requirements.
How many independent axes can Smart and PC-Pro LAN control?
Smart and PC-Pro LAN architectures support 2 to 6 independently controlled and interpolated axes, depending on the controller model and machine configuration.
Does an X4 board create four additional CNC axes?
No. X4 distributes one axis command to multiple synchronised motor channels. It increases the number of physical motor outputs, not the number of independent interpolated axes.
Can a Radonix machine have approximately 12 motor channels?
Yes. A specialised machine can use X4 boards to distribute axis commands across approximately 12 physical motor channels, depending on its electrical and mechanical configuration. Independent interpolation remains limited to six axes on Smart and PC-Pro LAN systems.
Is Radonix LEGO a current production controller?
Radonix LEGO is the next-generation modular platform and is in final testing before market release. Its planned architecture scales through two-axis modules to as many as 16 independent axes.
Does Radonix support both stepper and servo systems?
Radonix controllers provide pulse-and-direction outputs for compatible stepper and servo drives. Final compatibility depends on the selected drive, electrical design and machine configuration.
Engineering Support in the UK, Türkiye and Worldwide
Radonix supports OEMs, machine builders, system integrators and manufacturers across the United Kingdom, Türkiye, Europe and international markets. Support includes controller selection, machine-interface planning, electrical integration, commissioning guidance and long-term technical continuity.
Planning a new CNC machine or retrofit? Review the current Radonix hardware catalogue or request a controller recommendation based on your axis count, I/O, drive type and application.
