ncplot.com

What It Is

NCPlot.com is a suite of software tools from NCPlot Software LLC for CNC programmers. The main products listed on the site include NCPlot v2, SketchNC, StickFont, StickFont Editor, and NCPlot Network License Manager. The overall focus is very specialized: G-Code authoring, verification, CAD drawing-to-code workflows, text machining, and license management.

Core Capabilities

NCPlot v2 is a G-Code editor and backplotter for 4-axis mills and 2-axis lathes, with an emphasis on editing, formatting, conversion tools, and instant G-Code verification. SketchNC v1 is a free CNC-oriented CAD tool that lets users draw from scratch or load existing geometry. It supports tools such as polygons, slots, grid fills, pocket toolpaths, text drawing, and V-carve, then converts the result into G-Code. StickFont is used to convert text into machining G-Code, with support for angled text, text arranged along a radius, and similar workflows. The license manager centrally distributes product keys across a network, reducing the need to register each machine individually.

Pricing and Licensing

The page clearly states that SketchNC v1 is free, and that Network License Manager is available as a free download. NCPlot v2 appears in the context of a 15-day trial, and users who purchased related CNC training CDs can receive a $20 discount when upgrading to the latest version of NCPlot. However, the official price, license term, payment methods, and supported system platforms are not disclosed. The references to product keys and network license management suggest that it is closer to traditional closed-source commercial desktop software.

Pros and Cons

Its strengths are its focused use case and features that closely match day-to-day CNC programming needs: G-Code editing, playback verification, toolpath generation, geometry cleanup, and text engraving are all covered. The site also provides a phone number, email address, and company address, making the vendor’s identity relatively transparent. The downsides are that the website feels rather traditional and lacks information on installation requirements, operating systems, documentation, APIs/SDKs, plugin ecosystem, and support SLA. It also does not describe automation, CI integration, or cloud collaboration capabilities commonly found in modern developer tools.

Who It’s For and Access from China

It is better suited to CNC programmers, machine shops, training institutions, and learners working with Fanuc, Fadal, Haas, or Fanuc-compatible G-Code controllers. The page does not provide enough information to assess access from China, and payment methods are not disclosed. If procurement is constrained, alternatives worth comparing include Fusion 360, Mastercam, CAMotics, CIMCO Edit, and G-Wizard Editor.