Since the Acorn CNC controller was introduced in August 2017, all Centroid CNC12 software updates have been provided at no cost to existing CNC12 license holders. For example, a CNC12 Pro Mill License file purchased in 2017 is compatible with the latest CNC12 download v5.30 in 2025! That is 8 years of CNC improvements and additional features provided to our customers at no charge. Centroid's CNC12 software evolution has been running at an industrious pace with each new release typically containing a wide mix of bug fixes, performance improvements, and new feature implementation. One has to only look over the Centroid's CNC12 cumulative release notes during this time to notice a pattern of dozens of changes per CNC12 update, with major releases often introducing substantial new functionality and minor releases focusing more on feature and stability refinements while fast response bug fixes remained a constant focus to ensure reliability across all CNC12 supported controller main boards (Acorn, AcornSix, Hickory, Oak, Allin1DC, MPU11).

Centroid has been generous with free software updates and releases during a time while many others in the industry have switched over to subscription models. We have resisted such annoying pay-to-play schemes. With a Centroid when you purchase the CNC software license you OWN it! Centroid operates on a perpetual license model, meaning you purchase a license once and can use that version of the software indefinitely without recurring subscription fees. Your Centroid License always works with the controller board you bought it for, it is perpetual, it can be installed on as many CNCPC/CNC12 installations as needed since it is not tied to the PC or the Internet (no check-ins or online validations). The Centroid CNC12 License file is paired to the control board, and you own both.

Centroid's CNC12 software ownership is a buy-once, use-forever model with optional, affordable upgrades for new CNC features with no subscriptions. With Centroid CNC12 you purchase a perpetual software license. This means you own that version of the software indefinitely, with no recurring maintenance fees or subscriptions required to keep using it. The license is tied to a single CNC controller main board, it can be installed on as many computers/cnc12 installations as needed. It's designed to minimize your entry cost and keep Centroid CNC software features and innovations fair and affordable. New features can be purchased only when needed, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts and small businesses seeking full control over their CNC machine tool service, upgrading and maintenance cost by using a controller that does not require annual service contracts, recurring subscriptions, internet connections/validations or check-ins on the CNC control, it just works just like any good tool should!

CNC12 Software License Model FAQ

So what's new? When Centroid releases new significant CNC features you can now purchase them for a low flat rate.

Ok, so how much? $79 for Acorn/AcornSix and $179 for Hickory/Allin1DC/Oak/MPU11

When will this be implemented? Starting with the CNC12 v5.40.0 release.

How do I buy a License version upgrade? CNC12 License file version upgrades will soon be sold and processed through a Centroid web page portal on shopcentroidcnc.com, the process is fast, easy, is fully automatic and soon will be available 24/7/365

Is this a subscription? No, Centroid CNC12 software is not a subscription model! You own your CNC12 license indefinitely, there are no recurring maintenance fees or subscriptions required to keep using it.

Do I have to pay for bug fixes? No, Bug fixes are always free!

Do I have to buy a new license to use the new software? No, Your existing license file will work with all future versions of CNC12! So you can always benefit from any and all bug fixes.

What new features are in the new version of CNC12 software? Each new version of CNC12 has a published 'release notes' document with all the details and beginning with v5.40.0 in the CNC12 utility menu "Options" screen will display an overview of the highlights, see example image below.

Quick Facts:

• Centroid CNC12 software is not a subscription model!
• Bug fixes are always free!
• Your existing license file will work with all future versions of CNC12! So you can always benefit from any and all bug fixes.
• With each new version of CNC12, some new features and enhancements will also be free and included when using your old existing license with a new version of CNC12. Free Stuff!
• New significant CNC features are optional and are available to purchase at a modest flat rate for all. This is called a License Version Upgrade.
• You can skip CNC12 version releases and it is still the same cost! This applies anytime, even many years after your initial License purchase.
• Your license file will always work with the advertised feature set at the time of purchase of the License file with the CNC12 version you purchase it with.
• You are not forced to upgrade; your older/original version remains fully functional. Older versions of CNC12 are always downloadable from our web site so you are always able to reinstall or build a new CNC PC with the version of your choice.
• When upgrading to a new version of CNC12 you won't lose features even if you don't pay for the upgrade. When installing an old license on a new version of CNC12 for a "bug fixes only" upgrade (not purchasing the version upgrade) the features of the old license version will be active in the new version CNC12, and sometimes will also include free enhancements of those old features.
• License Version Upgrades will be provided free of charge for major versions released within 12 months of your original CNC12 license purchase.
• Any license purchased before the v5.40.0 release will work full featured up to and including v5.30 with no license upgrade charge.
• Fair License Level upgrade path: When upgrading between License Levels (going from Pro to Ultimate) you pay only the difference in price between the two, not the full cost of the higher-tier level. This applies anytime, even many years after your initial purchase.

The Centroid License Software Model Explained

Starting with CNC12 v5.40.0, Centroid will offer a for-purchase license file version upgrades for existing license holders. A modest version upgrade dollar amount will enable reinvestment in our team, ensuring the continued development of our CNC software that provides enhanced value for our customers (your controller keeps learning new tricks!) while maintaining the strong Centroid CNC support services that come along with each new version of CNC12.

When installing a new version of CNC12, should you wish to access the latest features of that new version you simply purchase a flat rate License file version upgrade, granting you access to the new version CNC enhancements included with your license level for a single price.

If you choose not to utilize the new features and not to purchase the license upgrade no worries! Your existing license will remain compatible with the new versions of CNC12, and as always, all bug fixes (and some enhancements) will be included at no charge with every release — though a selection of new features will simply remain inaccessible without the license version upgrade.

• Major version releases (e.g., v5.40.0, v5.50.0 , v5.60.0) come with new features and improvements and Centroid charges a one-time upgrade cost to access those new features.
• Your old license file will work with the new version of CNC providing any bug fixes free of charge. However, new features are exclusive to the latest release, encouraging upgrades for those who want the latest tools without penalizing those who don't. The features you're accustomed to from the previous version will still function with your existing license in the new version.
• When you buy a license, you get free Version Upgrades to any major version released within 12 months of your original license purchase, accessible via the Centroid CNC12 License portal. After that window, upgrading to a newer version costs a flat amount — typically around $79 for Acorn/AcornSix users and $179 for Hickory/Allin1DC/Oak/MPU11 users — regardless of how many versions you're skipping (e.g., CNC12 v5.40.0 upgrade to 5.70.0 costs the same as v5.40.0 to v5.50.0). Typically there will be two major software version releases per year.
• Centroid also offers a fair path to step up between License products. For instance, If you start with CNC12 Mill Pro license and want a CNC12 Mill Ultimate license (for the same machine), you pay only the difference in price between the two, not the full cost of the higher-tier product. This applies anytime, even years after your initial purchase, making it cost-effective to scale up as your skills or business grow.
• When stepping up in License level for example, from Mill Pro to Mill Ultimate the free Version Upgrade clock resets and you get another 12 months of free Version Upgrades from the time of purchase of the Mill Ultimate License.
• Upgrades to newer versions of CNC12 are optional but Free Technical Support is predicated on running the latest version of CNC12.

Major release versions of CNC12 software are on the Centroid web site as a free download, allowing you to easily set up a new CNCPC/Hard drive — whether you build or buy it — by downloading and installing CNC12, loading your license, you can get back to work with no phone calls, internet connection, web validation, or passwords needed, as the Centroid software doesn't require online activation, it just works just like any good tool should!

The next version release of CNC12 will employ a new versioning numbering system. We have added another decimal point to the version number of CNC12 releases. The next released version of CNC12 will be v5.40.0 The addition of '.0' at the end enables us to roll out quick-fix versions of CNC12 while making it simpler to grasp what's included in each release just by glancing at the version number. For example: "v5.40.01" would be a bug fix release to fix bugs found in v5.40.0 The .01 in v5.40.01 designates that there are no new features or feature improvements added to this build, just bug fixes. Another example "v5.42.0" would indicate a slightly more significant release of v5.40.0 that would contain more than just bug fixes.

Starting with v5.40.0 Centroid CNC12 comes in five flavors, Mill, Lathe, Router, Plasma and Fiber Laser. Since 2017 each platform has its own License: Mill Pro, Router Pro, Lathe Pro, etc. Each platform has its own License level: Pro, Ultimate and Ultimate +. Each level (Pro, Ultimate, Ultimate +) is a CNC software feature set. Pro is the feature set that 90% of our users need. Ultimate has more advanced CNC features and all of the features that are included in Pro. Ultimate + is 5-axis or more (up to eight) of fully interpolated simultaneous motion and all of the features included with Ultimate and Pro. The various feature sets of each License is presented on our web site in detail.

About Centroid CNC

Established in 1979 in central Pennsylvania by two Penn State alumni — a computer programmer and an electronics engineer — Centroid began with a mission to develop user-friendly, reliable, and cost-effective PC-based CNC control electronics and software. Today, it has evolved into a thriving multi-generational family-operated engineering and manufacturing enterprise with over 40 employees complete with its own in house CNC machine shop, CNC control board manufacturing lines.

Originally catering to the DIY CNC controller installer Centroid began producing the motion control products: "The Big Stepper", the "CNC2", "CNC3" and the "CNC4" controllers with integrated motion processors and with Centroid made and designed in-house stepper motor drivers! In those days we even 4x taped out, applied and exposed the PC board photo resist in the basement, and etched our own printed circuit boards in the garage! These early Centroid CNC controllers allowed our customers to replace huge CNC control electrical cabinets made by the likes of GE and Tectronix at a fraction of the cost compared to repairing or replacing the original machine tool controller, not only did the Centroid controller get the machine back up and running making parts fast for less it eliminated the paper tape reader to program it!

We then we pioneered the Hybrid PC Based CNC controller and grew our platforms into DC servo based CNC controllers (current variant the "Allin1DC") and then onto AC servo based controllers (our state-of-the-art AC servo motor controller is the "Hickory CNC"). This setup combines the best of both worlds: a PC-based CNC computer that's non-proprietary, widely compatible, reliable, affordable, and serviceable, while avoiding the drawbacks of a fully PC-based CNC control.

Fast forward to 2025 and our mission remains steadfast: delivering industrial performance CNC controller hardware and software engineered to work together that installs with minimal fuss. A CNC controller which results in a CNC machine that is simple to operate and easy to get the work through the machine with accurate reliable results making your Centroid CNC machine tool a trusted, valuable asset of your shop.