CNC 3018 Setup with MKS DLC32 and FluidNC — Complete Beginner’s Guide

🧩 Introduction

If you’ve recently bought a CNC 3018 machine and are ready to move beyond the limits of old GRBL controllers, this guide is for you.
We’ll go step-by-step through setting up your CNC 3018 with the MKS DLC32 board running FluidNC, and then connecting it to UGS (Universal G-code Sender) over Wi-Fi for smooth, modern machine control.

Whether you’re a complete newcomer or just upgrading from an old USB-based GRBL board, you’ll soon have your CNC running through your local Wi-Fi network with no cables needed.

⚙️ What is the MKS DLC32 and Why Use It?

The MKS DLC32 is an ESP32-based controller board that replaces traditional Arduino + CNC Shield combinations.
It runs FluidNC firmware, which includes:

• Built-in Wi-Fi for control via web browser
• Onboard web interface for configuration
• SD card storage and drag-and-drop file upload
• Compatibility with GRBL-based senders (like UGS, bCNC, LightBurn, etc.)

With FluidNC, there’s no need for custom firmware flashing tools or complicated serial drivers — everything is managed through your web browser.

[Insert image: MKS DLC32 board overview]

🧠 Step 1 — Installing FluidNC via the Web Installer

FluidNC is one of the easiest firmware installations available.
Here’s how you do it:

1. Open your Chrome or Edge browser and go to
   👉 https://fluidnc.com
2. Click “Install FluidNC”.
   The page will detect your connected ESP32-based DLC32 board.
3. Select MKS DLC32 from the list of supported boards.
4. Click Connect, then Install.
   The web installer uses esptool.js to automatically erase and flash the latest firmware.
5. When finished, your DLC32 reboots and creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot —
   usually named FluidNC-XXXXXX.
6. Connect your PC or phone to that hotspot, then open your browser to
   http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.4.1.

Congratulations — FluidNC is now installed!

[Insert image: FluidNC web installer screen]

🌐 Step 2 — Initial Configuration with the WebUI

Once you open the FluidNC WebUI, you’ll find a friendly setup wizard that writes the config.yaml file automatically.

Here’s the process:

1. Click Setup Wizard.
2. Choose Machine Type: CNC Router.
3. Set up each axis:
   • X: Steps/mm = 80
   • Y: Steps/mm = 80
   • Z: Steps/mm = 400
     (These are typical defaults for the CNC 3018; adjust as needed.)
4. Define your endstop or homing switches if fitted.
5. Select your spindle output pin (D11 or as per DLC32 silkscreen).
6. Save and reboot.

After reboot, FluidNC applies your config and is ready for network connection.

[Insert image: FluidNC web configuration page]

📶 Step 3 — Connect the DLC32 to Your Home Wi-Fi

1. In the WebUI, open Settings → Network.
2. Choose Station Mode (STA).
3. Enter your Wi-Fi SSID and password.
4. Reboot the board.

When it reconnects, FluidNC will join your LAN and display its IP address in the serial console or OLED screen if fitted (e.g., 192.168.1.123).

You can now access your CNC directly from any device on your network.

💻 Step 4 — Connecting with UGS (Universal G-code Sender)

UGS is one of the most popular G-code senders for GRBL and FluidNC. It can connect either via USB serial or over Wi-Fi.

To connect via Wi-Fi:

1. Open UGS Platform or UGS Classic.
2. Under connection type, choose Network.
3. Enter the FluidNC IP address and port 23.
4. Click Connect — the console should respond with FluidNC ready.

[Insert image: UGS Wi-Fi connection settings]

Once connected, you can:

• Jog the CNC
• Send G-code files
• View machine status and coordinates
• Watch real-time progress

🪚 Step 5 — Running Your First Job

Let’s walk through a simple workflow:

1. Create your G-code using software like FreeCAD, Fusion 360, or Carbide Create.
2. Save the file as .gcode or .nc.
3. In UGS, click File → Open, select your G-code, and review the toolpath preview.
4. Secure your material and zero your machine.
5. Hit Send to start the job.

FluidNC will buffer a few lines at a time and execute the path smoothly.
If you lose Wi-Fi connection mid-job, the machine will stop — so ensure a stable network.

🧰 Step 6 — Using the Built-in FluidNC WebUI Console

Even without UGS, you can control everything directly from FluidNC’s web dashboard.

• Jog Control: Move each axis
• G-code Console: Type manual commands
• File Tab: Upload G-code files directly to SD storage
• Run from SD: Start a job stored onboard — no host required

[Insert image: FluidNC WebUI console interface]

For most hobbyists, the ability to run directly from a browser is a huge convenience. It means you can use your phone or tablet to operate the CNC in your workshop.

🧩 Step 7 — Fine-Tuning and Maintenance

After your first few jobs, you’ll likely want to fine-tune your settings.

• Adjust steps/mm for more accurate travel.
• Set max_rate_mm_per_min to control top feed speed.
• Experiment with acceleration to balance smoothness and performance.

All of these are easily changed through the WebUI or by editing config.yaml directly.

🧾 Summary of the Complete Workflow

💡 Tips for New CNC Users

• Always home your machine before each job.
• Keep emergency stop access within reach.
• Ensure Wi-Fi signal strength is solid in your workspace.
• Back up your config.yaml — it’s your CNC’s brain!
• Start with soft wood or MDF before cutting harder materials.

🎯 Conclusion

The MKS DLC32 + FluidNC combination transforms the humble CNC 3018 into a modern, Wi-Fi-enabled machining platform.
With one-click firmware installation, a built-in web dashboard, and compatibility with UGS, this setup eliminates the old serial-cable headaches and brings professional workflow efficiency to the hobby workshop.

If you’re new to CNC and looking for a clean, intuitive entry point, this guide should get you running in under an hour — no command-line tools or firmware compilers required.