What “Pre-Programmed” Means in Practice

When we describe our VFDs as pre-programmed, we want to be very clear about what that means in real-world use — and just as importantly, what it does not mean.

This article exists so you know exactly what to expect before powering anything on.

What We Pre-Program

Every VFD we ship is:

Programmed with safe, correct base parameters for the specific spindle you purchased
Configured for the spindle’s rated voltage, frequency range, acceleration limits, and protection settings
Set up to operate within safe electrical and thermal limits
Tested with an actual motor in our shop before shipment

This ensures the VFD and spindle are properly matched and in a known, working state when they leave our facility.

In short: the VFD is ready to run the spindle safely and correctly.

What “Pre-Programmed” Does Not Mean

Pre-programmed does not mean:

Plug-and-play compatibility with every CNC controller, firmware, or software combination
That no additional configuration will ever be required
That the VFD will automatically adapt to unsupported or undocumented controllers

CNC controllers vary widely in how they handle spindle control. Differences include:

0–5V vs 0–10V analog control
PWM vs true analog voltage
Relay logic behavior
Firmware-specific quirks and safety assumptions

These factors live outside the VFD and must be handled at the controller level.

Controller-Specific Configuration Is Normal

If you are using a controller we explicitly support and document, setup is usually very close to plug-and-play.

If you are using a third-party, discontinued, or less common controller, additional configuration may be required, such as:

Adjusting analog voltage scaling
Tuning PWM-to-voltage behavior
Configuring relay logic for spindle enable and fault handling
Verifying firmware expectations around spindle state

These steps depend on how your controller was designed, not on the VFD itself.

Why We Don’t Pre-Program for Every Controller

There are hundreds of CNC controllers in use today, many with:

Multiple firmware versions
Custom wiring implementations
Incomplete or outdated documentation
Manufacturer-specific assumptions

While we actively:

Test common controllers
Publish setup guides
Share known-good configurations

…it is not feasible to pre-program or fully support every possible controller and software combination.

For controller-specific behavior, the controller manufacturer is always the authoritative source.

Our Commitment to You

What we do commit to:

Shipping properly programmed and tested VFDs
Being transparent about compatibility and support boundaries
Publishing clear documentation and guides
Helping you determine whether a system is a good fit before purchase
Offering returns when a system isn’t the right match

Our goal is to help you succeed — not to overpromise compatibility that depends on hardware we don’t control.

Not Sure if Your Controller Is a Good Match?

Before purchasing, we recommend:

Reviewing our documentation
Checking your controller’s spindle control method
Confirming voltage range and relay behavior
Reaching out with your controller details

We’re always happy to help you make an informed decision and avoid surprises.

Key Takeaway

“Pre-programmed” means your VFD and spindle are properly matched, safely configured, and tested.

Final integration depends on your CNC controller — and that’s normal in CNC systems.

Understanding that difference avoids frustration and leads to a smoother setup.