So for a small shop I would strongly suggest going with solid programs that do the job instead of bells and whistles. Some of the modern CAD packages try to get folks stuck with them by having such a huge learning curve that once you have gotten over it you don't want to go through the headache again. I am fortunate enough to be a beta tester for them on ViaCAD and Shark which does give me some bias but they are a good product for the cost.īiggest issue for CAD/CAM is ROI that and learning curve. I have used others but, currently don't.ĬAD side of things I use ViaCAD Pro v8 which does most of what I need done and work well with both 2D and 3D modeling. Takes a bit more time to do proper set up but is a very good product. It can control up to nine axes simultaneously. LinuxCNC has been around for a long time and has been used to develop other software such as the Mach 3 software on this list. I also use CamBam for Engineering type 3D work (Cut3D work on a plane of a work surface and as such has some limits). LinuxCNC is a control software developed using the open-source Linux platform and hence is a free CNC software. To expose the students to the techniques of CNC programming and cutting tool path generation through CNC simulation software by using G-Codes and M-codes. The 'Part View' function allows you to display the points and routes of a group of programming words. If you are looking for good software with solid support without a huge bill I would seriously look into these. CNC PAD also communicates directly with the 'Cutting Tools Manager' software and allows programming from lists of predefined cutting tools, but also pre-calculates the correct cutting speeds depending on the machined material. They are Cut2D (have not used), Cut3D (own and use regularly), VCarvePro v7 is current version (I own and use on many projects), PhotoVCarve (great for Lithophanes among other uses), and the top of the hill Aspire (don't own a copy yet). Vectric is listed last on the top list, which in my view really does not do it justice as Vectric is a family of CAM software with one that is professional grade CAD/CAM program (mainly for Furniture, Cabinet, and sign-makers but has more uses as well).

Edge cam cnc programming software list