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By the Arclight Dynamics team · Updated November 3, 2026 · 9 min read
Quick Answer: ArcCNC or FlashCut CNC?
Arclight CNC plasma tables run one of two control systems, and the difference is workflow, not cut capability. ArcCNC is Arclight’s own controller. It runs the Arc Max Ultra and Arc Pro Ultra V3, paired with SheetCAM for CAM and Inkscape and QCAD for CAD: a proven three-step path from drawing to cut. FlashCut CNC is an industrial control system that puts CAD, CAM and machine control in a single program, with true shape nesting, Stingray torch height control and Smart 360 hole cutting. It runs the Arc Max X, Arc Max Unlimited, Arc Max Elite and Arc Pro Elite V3. Choose ArcCNC if you want the lowest-cost pro-grade path and are comfortable moving a file between programs. Choose FlashCut CNC if you run production, cut intricate parts, have more than one operator, or want one program end to end. Both ship fully licensed and pre-installed on the system computer, with no subscription.
In This Guide
What Does the Control System on a CNC Plasma Table Do?
It turns a drawing into motion. Every CNC plasma job passes through three kinds of software: CAD to draw or import the part, CAM to nest parts on the sheet, add lead-ins and generate the toolpath, and CNC to drive the motors, fire the torch and hold the torch height. The control system is the CNC piece plus the controller hardware in the cabinet. It decides how you work every day: how many programs you open, how a job gets from the drawing to the table, and what happens when a cut goes wrong mid-sheet.
Arclight puts its two control systems in the model name. Ultra means ArcCNC. Elite means FlashCut CNC, and so do the Arc Max Unlimited and Arc Max X.
| ArcCNC | FlashCut CNC | |
|---|---|---|
| On which tables | Arc Max Ultra, Arc Pro Ultra V3 | Arc Max X, Arc Max Unlimited, Arc Max Elite, Arc Pro Elite V3 |
| Hardware | Linux 64-bit controller with touchscreen monitor | FlashCut CNC controller with a NUC system computer |
| Software stack | SheetCAM (CAM), Inkscape and QCAD (CAD), ArcCNC (machine control) | FlashCut CNC: CAD, CAM and CNC in one program |
| Workflow | Draw, nest, cut: three programs, one file handed between them | One interface from drawing to cut |
| Nesting | SheetCAM nesting | True shape nesting with smart lead-in and lead-out placement |
| Torch height control | Advanced digital THC with dynamic voltage sampling | Integrated Stingray THC with a cut wizard that sets parameters from material, thickness and consumables; automatic kerf-crossing detection |
| Hole quality | Standard | Smart 360 hole cutting technology |
| Accessories | Plate engraver, pipe and tube cutter, router kit, auto tracer | The same accessories, driven from the same program |
| Best for | Shops that want a straightforward, proven path at the lowest pro-grade price | Production work, intricate parts, multiple operators, one program end to end |
| Price position | Arc Pro Ultra V3 from $13,995; Arc Max Ultra from $20,295 | Arc Pro Elite V3 from $23,995; Arc Max Elite from $29,995 |
Prices current as of November 2026. Compare every table on the CNC plasma table lineup.
What Is ArcCNC?
ArcCNC is the controller Arclight builds for its Ultra tables. It is a Linux-based industrial controller with Ethernet communication to the table, preloaded Hypertherm® cut charts and toolsets, and torch height control with dynamic voltage sampling. On the floor it gives the operator complete control of the cut: pause, fast-forward, rewind and re-cut any part, jump to a point on the path, add a lead-in on the path, align to a skewed plate, and dry-run a job with the laser pointer before the torch fires. There is no G-code to select by hand; SheetCAM output loads and runs.
The CAD and CAM side is SheetCAM, Inkscape and QCAD, all licensed and installed on the system computer. You draw in QCAD or Inkscape (or import a DXF from whatever CAD you already run), nest and generate the toolpath in SheetCAM, then cut in ArcCNC. Shops that already know SheetCAM are at home on day one. If you own an older Arclight table, the ArcCNC controller retrofit brings it to the current system for $4,999.
What Does FlashCut CNC Add Over ArcCNC?
One program instead of three, and a set of production features ArcCNC does not have. FlashCut CNC is an integrated CAD, CAM and CNC control system that has been running production cutting equipment for decades. Where ArcCNC hands a file from Inkscape or QCAD to SheetCAM to the controller, FlashCut CNC does all three steps in one window, so there is no exporting, re-importing or post-processor guesswork between them.
The additions that change the decision for most shops:
- True shape nesting that packs parts to their real outline, so more parts come off every sheet.
- Stingray torch height control with a cut wizard that sets THC parameters from material, thickness and consumables, and kerf-crossing detection so the torch does not dive on dense nests.
- Smart 360 hole cutting for the truest bolt holes air plasma can make.
- Bitmap-to-toolpath and DWG import, so a logo, a sketch or a customer’s drawing becomes a cut path without redrawing.
Operators learn it fast because one interface covers design, setup and cutting, which is why FlashCut CNC suits shops with several operators or turnover. Our FlashCut CNC guide walks through every feature and what it does on the floor.
How Do You Choose Between ArcCNC and FlashCut CNC?
Answer four questions about your shop, not about the software.
- Who runs the table? One owner-operator who already knows SheetCAM is well served by ArcCNC. Several operators, turnover, or students point to FlashCut CNC, because one program is easier to teach and harder to get lost in.
- How many jobs a day? A few jobs a day and the three-program path costs you nothing. Dozens of nests a day and the file handoffs add up; FlashCut CNC removes them.
- How intricate are the parts? Signs, art and parts with many small holes benefit from true shape nesting and Smart 360 hole cutting.
- What is the budget? The Ultra tables are $10,000 less in the Arc Pro line and about $9,700 less in the Arc Max line. If that money is better spent on a bigger table or a bigger plasma cutter, ArcCNC is the right call, and you can add FlashCut CNC later.
Either way, the frame decision comes first. Pick Arc Pro or Arc Max for the plate you cut, then pick the controller for the way you work.
Can You Upgrade from ArcCNC to FlashCut CNC Later?
Yes. FlashCut CNC is available as a controller retrofit for Arclight tables: the Compact controller retrofit is $7,500 and the Pro-Series controller retrofit is $12,995, plus shipping. Compare that with the $10,000 step between an Ultra and an Elite at purchase: the retrofit route costs about the same or more once you count the second install, so if you know you want FlashCut CNC, buy the Elite now. If you are not sure, the Ultra gets you cutting and the upgrade path is there. A free FlashCut CNC software download is available if you want to try the interface before you decide.
Both systems. No subscription.
Whichever controller you choose, the software ships fully licensed and pre-installed on the system computer that comes with the table, with nothing to renew. The FlashCut CNC guide covers the licensing in detail.
ArcCNC vs FlashCut CNC: Frequently Asked Questions
Which Arclight tables run ArcCNC?
The Arc Pro Ultra V3 and the Arc Max Ultra. ArcCNC is Arclight’s own controller and ships with SheetCAM, Inkscape and QCAD on the system computer.
Which Arclight tables run FlashCut CNC?
The Arc Pro Elite V3, Arc Max Elite, Arc Max Unlimited and Arc Max X. FlashCut CNC combines CAD, CAM and machine control in one program and is standard, fully licensed and pre-installed on those tables.
Does ArcCNC cut as well as FlashCut CNC?
Cut quality comes from the plasma power supply, the torch height control and the motion system, and both controllers run the same tables with the same Hypertherm systems. FlashCut CNC adds Smart 360 hole cutting and true shape nesting; the difference you feel day to day is workflow.
Is FlashCut CNC hard to learn?
No. One interface covers drawing, nesting and cutting, so new operators pick it up with minimal instruction. FlashCut University videos and Arclight’s training and lifetime support back it up.
Can I use my own CAD software with either controller?
Yes. Both accept DXF files from Fusion 360, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator and others. FlashCut CNC also imports DWG and converts bitmaps to toolpaths.
Is there a subscription for ArcCNC or FlashCut CNC?
No. Both ship fully licensed and pre-installed on the computer that comes with the table, with nothing to renew for the life of the table.
Keep Researching
- Choosing a CNC Plasma Table: The Complete Buyer’s Guide. The controller is decision five of eight.
- What Is FlashCut CNC, and Why Do Fabricators Choose It?. Every FlashCut CNC feature explained.
- What Software Does a CNC Plasma Table Need?. CAD, CAM and CNC, and what ships with each table.
- Arc Pro vs Arc Max: Which Arclight Series Fits Your Work?. Pick the frame first.
- FlashCut CNC at Arclight. Features, compare systems and the free software download.
- The ArcCNC control system. Specs and a free demo.
Pick the Frame. We'll Help You Pick the Controller.
Tell us who runs the table, how many jobs a day and what you cut. We’ll recommend ArcCNC or FlashCut CNC for the way your shop works, and quote the table either way.
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