Commercial Software

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Listed below are commercial software programs or those with significant license limitations despite being otherwise free.

Reddit: I'm thinking about learn some 3d modelling, what software should I use?

Reddit: What industry do you work in and which CAD software do you use the most for work?

Reddit: What 3D modeling software should I invest time into learning if price is of no concern? (self.Reprap)

Parametric modeling tutorial http://www.resilientmodeling.com/ [1] Includes general overview as well as specific coverage for:

  • Pro Engineer
  • Autodesk Inventor
  • NX
  • Onshape
  • Solid Edge
  • SolidWorks
  • CATIA V5

A frequent need is to work up a vector drawing from a pixel image. Most CAD or Bezier curve drawing programs will allow this by hand (for those that don't a work-around is to make the window transparent and place the image as a desktop background), and others will include auto-scanning functionality. There are special-purpose tools for this: http://vectormagic.com/home

https://www.reddit.com/r/cad/comments/4idg38/need_some_osx_cad_what_ones_exist/

The ShapeOko 3 (and Nomad 883) include a license for Carbide Motion Machine Control Software which works especially well with Carbide Create a CAD/CAM program developed by Carbide3D.

Educational

http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/all - Only "free" for students and educators

DISCONTINUED [2] http://www.123dapp.com/tinkerplay

Note that one may model in math tools: https://mathematica.stackexchange.com/questions/20964/openscad-like-functionality-with-mathematica

Feeds and Speeds Calculator

HSMAdvisor:

GWizard:

Discussion of G-Wizard, and calculation of cost and time savings: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=7738&p=61285

Note: GWizard requires Adobe Air, which doesn't have the best security history. Note: MeshCAM integration currently broken.[3]

Android:

Not quite a calculator, PicFRC will dynamically adjust cutting speeds for engraving work so that deeper portions are cut more slowly than thinner portions which are cut commensurately more quickly: http://www.picengrave.com/PicFRC.htm

CAD

2D CAD

Type Name/Link Description


2D CAD DraftSight Formerly free CAD software for DWG (and DXF) files by Dassault Systèmes (Windows, Mac OS X, Linux (Fedora and Ubuntu)). http://www.solidworks.com/sw/products/draftsight-getting-started-guide.htm
2D CAD PowerCADD Macintosh CADD program.
2D CAD Cadintosh Macintosh 2D CAD program. Shareware.
2D CAD progeCAD 2013 Windows. "Professional, native DWG 2D/3D CAD, supplied with Applications, Libraries and Services." Notable for having a free (for non-commercial use) donation-ware version progeCAD 2009 Smart
2D CAD QCAD GPL CAD program available commercially. QCAD/CAM plugin also available: http://qcad.org/en/qcad-cam-downloads-trial

See also DraftSight by Dassault Systemes: http://www.3ds.com/products-services/draftsight-cad-software/offerings/ (available for Linux, Mac OS X and Windows) and http://deltacad.com/ --- Windows and Mac [4] [5]


http://www.microspot.com/products/macdraft/index.htm --- Mac OS X

Inventables' Easel is now available in a Pro version w/ a monthly license fee: https://inventables.desk.com/customer/portal/articles/2892848-easel-pro-faq-and-overview. Using on a Raspberry Pi.[6] How to uninstall on Mac OS X


DXF post-processor

http://www.cadkas.com/dxf-small-lines-to-arcs.php

3D previewing

http://www.ripplon.com/topeScope

3D CAD

Type Name/Link Description
3D modeling (Commercial/Free for personal use) MEDUSA4 Personal CAD Suite CAD software for hobby, DIY or home improvement projects.


3D modeling (Commercial/Free for personal use) https://www.onshape.com Cloud-based software. Requires an account. Free personal usage options w/ limited parts and file counts.

https://www.onshape.com/cad-blog/cad-in-the-classroom-5-best-practices-for-teaching-onshape

https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/431vvu/has_anyone_tried_using_onshape_its_an_inbrowser/

Requires a fast internet connection but runs well on lower spec'ed machines. Prints creation still rudimentary but improving rapidly.[7]

Export to DXF may require some post-processing to import into certain CAM apps (such as Carbide Create).[8]

https://www.onshape.com/videos/introducing-onshape-sheet-metal [9]

Shapeoko XL resources: https://community.carbide3d.com/t/shapeoko-xl-designs-in-onshape/18661

Acquired by PTC: https://www.reddit.com/r/cad/comments/dmbj29/ptc_acquires_onshape/

3D modeling (Commercial/Free for personal use, object limited, Windows) PTC Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Express 6.0 cut-and paste, push-and-pull, and drag-and-drop techniques. Free version limited to 60 unique parts per assembly

PTC Creo Free Student Edition

3D modeling (Commercial) Moment of Inspiration 3D modeling for designers and artists for Windows and Mac OS X (dual license allows use on both platforms w/ one license).[10] Originally designed for use on pen computers.[11]

Popular in the jewelry industry.[12] Review: http://www.katadair.com/blog/2017/1/26/moi-moment-of-inspiration-cad-software

http://forum.tabletpcreview.com/threads/affordable-3d-cad-application.62011/#post-387182

https://www.lifewire.com/software-review-moment-of-inspiration-moi-2014

Extensible, a nodeeditor is available: http://moi3d.com/wiki/Nodeeditor

Help is available in French, German, Spanish, Italian, and English

3D modeling (Commercial) Rhino 3D 3D modeling. CAM also available, w/ over 350 post-processors on their download page.[13] A TinyG prostprocessor is available here. Grbl (for SO3) Windows/Mac OS X.

http://mcvanaero.com/resources.html --- includes BoltGen, a tool for creating threaded fasteners

https://github.com/owhite/laser-code/blob/master/toolpath.py --- a tool for laser cutting.[14]

https://sites.google.com/site/jonasmartinezbayona/procvorfoam [15]

Notable for "Grasshopper" which allows scripting and parametric design. https://www.shapediver.com/ 

--- see: http://www.5axismaker.com/software/ for a 5-axis CAM solution.

c.f., https://developer.rhino3d.com/guides/rhinopython/what-is-rhinopython/

Notes on exporting to Carbide Create: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/rhino-6-to-carbide-create/8753/2

https://github.com/fellesverkstedet/Bark-beetle-parametric-toolpaths [16]

https://blackspectacles.com/courses/introduction-to-parametric-design-in-grasshopper/

https://parametrichouse.com/weaverbird-grasshopper/

3D modeling (Commercial (Free version available)) 3DCrafter™ Real-time 3D modeling and animation tool that incorporates an intuitive drag-and-drop approach to 3D modeling.
3D CAD (Windows) https://www.alibre.com/atom3d/ 3D CAD version for hobbyists.

https://support.alibre.com/support/solutions/articles/27000053962-best-practices-in-alibre-products

https://community.carbide3d.com/t/resources-for-alibre-atom3d/17203

DXF scale when exporting for Carbide Create: https://community.carbide3d.com/t/importing-from-alibre-atom3d-to-carbide-create/17685/5

3D modeling (Creative Commons Only) 3DTin Browser-based 3D modeling.
3D modeling (Commercial) Cheetah3D 3D modeling, rendering and animation software for Apple Mac OS X (10.6 or later, 1GB RAM, 16MByte VRAM).[17]
3D modeling (Commercial, license-limited freeware) Trimble SketchUp (Previously owned by Google, it has since been sold to Trimble Buildings (now Trimble Navigation, Ltd.)) free web version You can build models from scratch, or you can download what you need. People all over the world share what they've made on the Trimble 3D Warehouse. In 2013, Trimble released two new versions, licensing SketchUp Pro 2013 requires one to have licensed the software for $495, and the payment of an annual $95 license maintenance fee[18] [19]; SketchUp Make 2013 (formerly the free version) now has a license which forbids any commercial use[20]. There are many tutorials available, some discussion in the forums, including a post with excellent usage tips and advice: Re: Sketchup 3d Models – Update 12th Jun 2012.

CAM Options for SketchUp:

See also the plugins BezierSpline and Guitarlist: Convert Sketchup SKP files to DXF or STL

STL export: https://github.com/SketchUp/sketchup-stl and http://www.cerebralmeltdown.com/cncstuff/stl/index.htm

https://github.com/JoakimSoderberg/sketchup-svg-outline-plugin/blob/master/flightsofideas.rb [21]

http://sketchupforwoodworkers.com/

http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/32030/special-announcement-my-book-on-sketchup

http://www.cabwritersoftware.com/

3D modeling (Commercial) AutoCAD One of the world’s leading 2D and 3D CAD design tools. There are a number of clones which are less expensive (and often have free versions) or are simply free. For free (including opensource), see 10 useful Free alternative to AutoCAD. See also REALIZE for AutoCAD] an AutoLISP script to generate G-Code from lines, circles, polylines, and points in a CAD file. Another similar tool is GCode Programming for AutoCAD by Steve J. Lindsay. See also a similar tool for engraving.

AutoCAD 2 G-Code VBA macro that exports Mach3 compatible G-Code directly from AutoCAD from selected Polylines and Circles. It works with AutoCAD 2002 and newer with VBA support. Free for anyone to use as desired.

http://www.autodesk.com/store/autocad/autocad-shortcuts [22]

http://www.autodesk.com/education/home

http://cam.autodesk.com/posts/ [23]

Entry level: http://www.autodesk.com/store/autosketch

Autodesk Inventor: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6742&p=52874#p52874

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/autodesk-inventor-fusion/id529580720?mt=12

http://shapeshifter.io/

https://www.reddit.com/r/cad/comments/3p6l4u/which_autodesk_3d_cad_software_should_i_learn/

https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/AutoCAD

3D modeling with integrated CAM (Commercial) AutoDesk Fusion 360 Available under an annual license w/ pricing ranging from zero to $300 to $1200 annually.[24] http://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/try-buy Knowledgebase article on activating startup or educational licensing[25]

https://github.com/aconz2/Fusion360Exporter [26]

CAM tutorial[27]

http://community.carbide3d.com/t/so3-fusion-360-model-on-joints/2142

New post-processor which should fix the arc error problem at: https://cam.autodesk.com/hsmposts [28] It may help to set the Minimum Circular Radius to ~4mm YouTube: Fixing GRBL’s G2/G3 Arc Errors in Fusion360

http://carbide3d.com/docs/fusion360/

http://help.autodesk.com/view/fusion360/ENU/ [29]

CPS files: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-post-processor-forum/where-to-put-cps-files-for-fusion-360/td-p/6093729 [30]

Machine descriptions: https://github.com/bertvh/cnc-resources/tree/master/machine-definitions

Shapeoko XL machine description: https://community.carbide3d.com/t/fusion-360-machine-configuration-for-shapeoko-3-xl/28276

Free license available to hobbyists and startups making less than $100,000 annually (must be renewed each year, details: http://www.autodesk.com/company/legal-notices-trademarks/terms-of-service-autodesk360-web-services/autodesk-web-services-entitlements ): http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-activate-start-up-or-educational-licensing-for-Fusion-360.html


Engrave/V-carving added as a feature.[31][32]

Adding tabs when cutting 2D feature: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8080&p=63749#p63749

Job setup

Step and repeat is termed a "Pattern".[33]

Boolean tutorial: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/how-do-i-use-boolean-cuts-to-do-this/5617/4

Notes on scaling of SVG files: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/how-to-fusion-360-simple-wine-rack/1419/9

Discussion of limitations: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=7019&p=55303#p55303

Criticism on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/cad/comments/4idg38/need_some_osx_cad_what_ones_exist/d2xfdv3

FEA and interference analysis (complex FEA can be performed via AutoDesk's servers for an additional cost). Uses a joint based system to limit degrees of freedom and a top down (as opposed to bottom up) assembly system.[34]

Cribbage board: http://a360.co/1sbSWTO

http://community.carbide3d.com/t/fusion-360-cam-to-nomad-workflow/88/21

Useful plugins [35][36]:

Tutorials:

Tool library:

http://community.carbide3d.com/t/tool-libraries-for-autodesk-fusion-360/7103/2

https://www.cnccookbook.com/fusion-360-feeds-speeds-made-easy-g-wizard/

https://community.carbide3d.com/t/our-fusion-360-cam-file-preparation-checklist/22863


OBSOLETE? Notes on post-processors:

There is now a Carbide3D post-processor: http://fusion360.autodesk.com/learning/learning.html?guid=GUID-D701BB8F-6FAB-4282-B248-6206B36D160D [45] Notes on post-processor for associated CAM: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=6328&p=52650 https://forums.autodesk.com/autodesk/attachments/autodesk/2070/3456/1/carbide3d.cps [46]

Note on post-processors and G2/G3 arcs: https://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8916&p=67516#p67516 Configuration specifics w/ screengrab: https://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8916&p=67530#p67530 How to add a Post-Processor to your-Personal-Posts in Fusion 360[47]

If arc errors are encountered, check post-processor: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/more-g2-g3-g38-2-issues/7342/4

http://www.restrictedayerspace.net/cnc/autodesk-fusion-360-cam-post-processor-for-shapeoko/ [48]

shapeoko post processor.zip[49]

http://cam.autodesk.com/posts/ [56]

Note that some users have found it necessary to increase the precision for metric files so as to avoid Invalid Gcode Error 33: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/grbl-error-invalid-gcode-id-33/1204/10 with Carbide Motion 4 and Grbl 1.1, there is a setting which may need to be changed to avoid a similar error: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/fusion-360-and-grbl-errors/5263/9

Error 5: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-support/error-code-when-posting-to-carbide-3d-nomad/m-p/7206910#M5681 [57]

Has problems when model is defined in Imperial and CAM is done in metric.[58] Metric should be used to avoid Grbl Invald G-code #33 error.[59]

3D modeling (freely available) DISCONTINUED [60] 123D Make Available for Windows, Mac OS X and iPad. Allows creation of solid models.


3D modeling (Commercial) Cubify Invent "appears to be a reskinned version of Alibre, possibly with some features removed"[61]. Forum discussion

3Dconnexion SpaceMouse or equivalent is recommended.[62]

3D modeling (Commercial) Solidworks Affordable licensing option for hobbyists: https://www.solidworks.com/support/community-download#no-back [63]

Notable for the student version (not usable for commercial or professional purposes) being offered for $20 (per year) to Canadian and U.S. Veterans: https://store.solidworks.com/veteran/default.php?command=Step1 [64] Note that processing the application takes 1--2 business days, then after paying (credit card or PayPal) it will ship in 1--2 business via USPS. Also available for EAA members: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/news-and-publications/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/news/08-15-2019-solidworks-education-premium-now-free-for-eaa-members http://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/eaa-membership/eaa-member-benefits/solidworks-resource-center/solidworks-student-design-kit [65]

Matching CAM: http://www.hsmworks.com/hsmxpress/ Manual: CNC Handbook discussion of options: https://forum.solidworks.com/thread/82642

Use w/ MeshCAM: http://www.grzsoftware.com/blog/how-to/solidworks-cam/ [66]

Basic Modeling and Analysis Using SolidWorks: An Instructional Manual for Basic Modeling and Analysis[67]

Scribd: Introduction to SolidWorks

http://swtutorials.com/

Free license available: http://www.solidworks.com/edu-maker-download "Select no to having a serial number enter the promo code 918MAKER choose 2018-2019 for the version"[68]

Exporting DXF to Carbide Create: https://community.carbide3d.com/t/how-to-import-solidworks-metric-dxf-into-carbide-create/14656

Post-processor available at:

3D modeling (Commercial) VariCAD available in English, German, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese versions. Windows or Linux, free 30-day trial.[70]
3D modeling with integrated CAM (Commercial) Dassault Systèmes CATIA High end 3D CAD/engineering program. Version 5 of CATIA is stand alone. Version 6 is part of an integrated client/server suite (now called 3DEXPERIENCE). Both versions are still developed and sold by Dassault Systèmes, as some customers can't/won't move from V5 to the integrated suite version.
3D modeling (Educational, Windows) T-FLEX CAD Student Edition Parametric CAD with few limitations, allowing students to use the product, understand its benefits and features, and prepare for their career of design engineers.

http://sketchlist.com/ --- 3D design for woodworkers oriented around boards and joinery.[72] Commentary by developer: http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/new-design-software-sketchlist-3d-pro/msg157533/#msg157533


https://www.3dslash.net/user_plans.php --- free plans limited to non-commercial use, notable for having Google Drive suppport

https://www.vectary.com/ --- free online system (for a limited number of private models) now partnered with Shapeways

http://www.honeycomb3d.com/

http://www.solidthinking.com/productoverview.aspx?item=evolve%20overview&category=products [73] --- notable for their Inspire application which supports generative design.[74]

Integrated CAD/CAM: Siemens NX: http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/nx/ --- post-processors

Solid Edge: http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/velocity/solidedge/ Hobbyist version at: https://solidedge.siemens.com/en/solutions/users/hobbyists-and-makers/and c.f., https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/plmapp/education/solid-edge/en_us/free-software/community

Note that 3D modeling software may also export in useful formats: http://www.thefoundry.co.uk/products/modo/

3D Modeling

https://www.gravitysketch.com/

CAD integrated with custom parts ordering

http://www.emachineshop.com/


Pixel Images

Some CAM programs such as MeshCAM will accept a pixel image and then convert that into 3D.

  • Photoshop CC --- will export to an STL

PCB CAD

Type Name/Link Description
PCB (Commercial) Cadsoft Eagle EAGLE (Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor) software for PCB design, including Schematic Capture, Board Layout and Autorouter. User Language Programs enable features such as simulation and 3D-visualization. See PCB-Gcode for a G-Code export tool for this app.
PCB (Commercial, Windows) CopperCAM Application for managing isolation engraving, drilling and cutting printed-circuit board prototypes.

http://www.accuratecnc.com/PhCNCLS.php [75]

https://www.pads.com/standard/ [76]

Special Purpose CAD

Gears

Type Name/Link Description


2D CAM --- Gears (Commercial) Gear template generator program Windows program to design gears, runs in "wobbly mode" until paid for. Free on-line Flash version and other links listed on the CAM page in the Gears section.
2D CAM --- Gears (Commercial) Gearify Non-circular Gear Creation Software for Windows, allows design of gear mechanisms of nearly any shape.
2D CAM --- Gears (Commercial) Gear-Wheel Designer with GCode Generator Windows program to design simple spur gears using either involute or cycloidal tooth form.
3D CAM --- Gears (Commercial) Gearotic Motion Gear Template Generator. Creates dxf's for further processing by various CAD/CAM programs.

http://geargenerator.com/ [77] [78]

https://woodgears.ca/gear/

Other

https://www.bikecad.ca --- browser version freely available

http://www.cabinetpartspro.com/ [79]

http://www.segmentedturning.com/

Type Name/Link Description
3D CAM --- Model Airplanes (Commercial) DevFus Specialty program for model airplane fuselages.[80]

http://www.winfoil.com/

http://www.compufoil.com/index.shtml

CAM

Note that many commercial CAM apps use the same kernels: https://www.moduleworks.com/company/partners/?lang=en [81]

Post-processor

One common need for many CAM applications is a post-processor to convert from and internal G-code representation to a particular variant. Effort to collect them here: https://www.mycampost.com/ [82]

2D CAM (Laser)

https://lightburnsoftware.com/

2.5D CAM

Type Name/Link Description
2.5D CAM (Commercial demo) SheetCAM Windows and Linux versions available. English, German, Spanish, Swedish available. Company is a Mach2/3 reseller and can be purchased bundled for a savings. Has drag knife support.[83] Unlicensed mode will output a limited number (currently 180) lines of G-code for testing.
2.5D CAM (Commercial demo) diyCAM First in a planned suite of CAM programs targeting DIY CNC Router users. Carve allows you to quickly convert a heightmap to G-Code for 3D Carvings and Lithopanes.
2.5D CAM (Commercial demo) Vectric


Software for 2D design and calculation of 2D and 2.5D toolpaths for cutting parts on a CNC Router. They also have Aspire, which is "built on the same platform" as well as the hobby-oriented Cut2D 1.5. A set of Post Processors is available at the following forum post Vectric Aspire Post Processor. Alternately use the 'g-code (inch) (*.tap)' post processor --- put the code G20 at the beginning for inches.[84] ShapeokoPP.zip[85]

https://community.carbide3d.com/t/how-to-set-up-the-bitsetter-with-vectric-products/19831 --- https://github.com/neilferreri/V-Carve-PPs [86]

Nomad post-processors by Mark Bellon (mbellon on the Carbide3D forums[87]):

installation instructions

Vectric Aspire Post Processor for SO3

https://community.carbide3d.com/t/vectric-v-carve-cncjs-automatically-populate-m6-tool-change-multiple-tool/16382

v8.5 and later include a Shapeoko pre-processor.[88] --- note that this converts arcs to short line segments as discussed at: http://community.carbide3d.com/t/vcarvepro-post-processor-for-shapeoko-xxl/10958

Further discussion at:

http://support.vectric.com/training-material

Holding down shift when creating a file will add a 50x (more detailed) option.

Drag Knife Support.

Vectric Aspire Post processor for Laser engraving

Reddit: ShapeOko3 ordered. Question about Aspire

3D support is based on height/depth maps.[89]

Paul Rowntree: Gadgets for Vectric's Aspire 4 and V-Carve Pro 7

http://www.vectric.com/media/docs/support/intro-to-cnc/Intro-To-CNC-Vectric2013.pdf

http://community.carbide3d.com/t/vectric-vcarve-custom-sign-setup/11052

Tool libraries:

https://marklindsaycnc.com/2017/11/19/creating-spoilboard-surfacing-toolpath-vcarve-pro/

Available in other languages: http://support.vectric.com/aspire-questions/item/what-languages-is-software-available-in-2

2.5D CAM (Shareware) Image to G-Code Shareware for Windows
Engraving PicEngrave Converts your images into standard gcode to raster engrave your images. New Pro 5 version upgraded to include Grbl 0.9 compatibility and other improvements.[91]

Photoshop Action for doing Image Engraving: The Gold Method: The Gold Method.zip (may require Sawmill Creek Forum membership)[92]

http://www.halftone.com.br/

https://diegomonzon.com/illustrator-to-gcode/ --- JavaScript for Adobe Illustrator[93]


https://carveco.com/ https://www.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/comments/b4iz41/carveco_bringing_back_artcam_march_28th/ https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/artcam/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Autodesk-ArtCAM-Software-End-of-Sale-End-of-Development-FAQs.html ArtCAM[94] --- Use Mach3 PP for Shapeoko2 and GRBL[95] Newer versions Mach3_4(MM)(*.TAP)[96] --- some have instead chosen to use generic gcode and remove T1 M6 and add G20 and G90. Artcam jewelsmith 2011 --- G-Code Arcs(mm) (*.tap)[97] Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPE-W6YgZAY [98] Free version: http://www.artcam.com/free/index.asp http://www.artcam.com/downloads/pdf/artcam-feature-comparison-flyer.pdf


Inlay

ImagePaint / http://amazoncanvas.com/index.php --- plug-in for Adobe Illustrator. Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ImagePaint/

Vectric has especial support for this as well.

4th axis CAM

http://www.elrodmachine.com/MillWrite%20V6.htm [99]

http://www.cad2gcode.com/dxf4cnc/ [100] --- includes cad2lathe[101]

Truemaster Pro for Windows https://www.microkinetics.com/tmpfw/

Note that some 3D CAM programs such as MeshCAM or Vectric VCarve will do an indexed 4th axis.

5-axis CAM

https://www.espritcam.com/products/5-axis

3D CAM

Note that some of the 3D CAD programs above have built-in CAM.

Type Name/Link Description
3D modeling (commercial demo) MeshCAM MeshCAM (bundled with the Nomad 883)

Imports STLs, and SVGs and DXFs, can extrude R12 DXFs into a 3D part (on import, SVGs may be specified as to desired thickness). Will also convert pixel images into 3D shapes. 15 day demo available. How to write gcode to surface wasteboard? Supported on Mac OS X: http://www.grzsoftware.com/meshcam-mac/ http://www.grzsoftware.com/blog/how-to/solidworks-cam/

Features:

Manual: http://www.grzsoftware.com/manual/

Tutorials:

http://carbide3d.com/docs/tutorials/


Reviews:

Features:

Notes:

  • 40% of tool diameter standard stepover for roughing, 15% for fine[104]
  • Pencil cleanup federate 2x finish feedrate or less[105]

Copy-paste with G-wizard broken.[106]

3D modeling (commercial demo) CamBam Application to create CAM files (gcode) from CAD source files or its own internal geometry editor. Requires .NET 2 or later. Older beta version is still available for free [107]. A plug-in for engraving is available on their forums: http://www.cambam.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3513.0 --- discussion of limitations in Re: VCarve Bar Sign.

TrueType fonts which approximate single line fonts are available here: Single Line Stick Type TTF Fonts For CNC Engraving[108], along with instructions for preventing the cutter from doubling back.

Special features:

Please note that the default feed rate is much too high[111].

Documentation on post-processors: http://www.cambam.info/doc/plus/cam/PostProcessor.htm [112] Suggestion to use Mach 3 post-processor: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6867&p=53975#p53975

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/cambam/38705-cambam.html

Problems w/ Grbl and a solution: http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6604&p=51611#p51603

Discussion of polyline vs. splines in processing time: https://www.reddit.com/r/CNC/comments/3eyc2r/cambam_vs_meshcam/ctkhvud

Interesting technique for redrawing from a pixel image: https://www.reddit.com/r/diycnc/comments/3d2g7v/cambam_image_to_milling_easy_diy/

V-Engrave plug-in: https://github.com/pstemari/v-engrave-plugin

CNCZone: CAMBAM - 10Bulls crazy CAD/CAM software project --- forum thread covering the project from announcement until the present. Notable for having been used for the SO1 “hello world” file.

“...gives you a lot (of) control over plunging, ramping...”[113]

https://www.reddit.com/r/shapeoko/comments/5pvsy2/cambam_drill_macro_to_replace_g81_canned_drill/

version for Linux is available.

2D/3D CAD/CAM (Commercial) BobCAD Windows CAD/CAM. Post-processor available here.[114]

post processor, also see http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=826&start=10#p37641 and the following post for a metric option

Cautionary notes:

3D modeling (commercial) Simplify 3D Creator Import and manipulate geometry, repair models, generate G-Code instructions, verify toolpaths, manually control your machine, and print parts.
3D modeling (free plug-in for commercial program) HSMXpress Free CAM Solution for companies which license it for the CAD products, e.g., SolidWorks (may be included with others). Working post-processors: tinyg.cps - Generic TinyG[115], generic GRBL.cps post processor[116]
3D/2.5D CAM (Commercial demo) Estlcam Windows .NET program. STL and DXF to G-code program, able to import (R12) DXFs, or draw manually. Includes 3D preview mode. Has G2/G3 arc support. Review. (commercial / $25)

Includes comm/control functionality to interact w/ a custom firmware, see G-Code Interpreters below.

Supports trochoidal milling.[117]

Runs in Linux using WINE: https://sites.google.com/site/electroniceccentricity/x/estlcam-cam-program-on-linux

3D/2.5D CAM (Commercial demo) http://www.dolphincadcamusa.com Offers CNC Programming capabilities for 2 and 3 Axis Milling, 2 Axis Lathe and 2 and 4 Axis Wire EDM part making.
3D/2.5D CAM (Commercial demo) http://mecsoft.com/ full-featured machining program with 2.5D and 3D functionality[118]

VisualMILL Xpress 2016 Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60ZktwPw_nQ

Post processor: Carbide 3D GRBL MM

Vectric Cut3D App for CNC machining 3D models. See other Vectric software above under 2.5D CAM

Note that Vectric Aspire (listed above under 2.5D CAM) has robust 3D CAM capabilities, and other Vectric products and import one 3D file as the basis of a project, and c.f., Vectric Design and Make: http://www.designandmake.com/

https://github.com/HMI1973/Shapeoko-3d-max-script [119] --- YouTube

5-axis CAM --- list of apps: https://www.reddit.com/r/CNC/comments/6u2wv3/i_just_got_a_5_axis_cnc/dlpl5zp/

CAM for Images

MeshCAM has an option for this.

Vectric Aspire will do a depth map of a pixel image.


3D Modeling

Special Purpose CAM

Lasercutting

http://jtechphotonics.com/?product=piclaser-photo-engraving-sw-license --- also suitable for use w/ a rotary tool/roter/spindle[122]

http://www.photograv.com/aspnet2/ --- Tool for Laser Engraving Photographs[123]

http://www.ulsinc.com/products/1-touch-laser-photo/ [124]

Joints

Discussions of parametric joinery

https://discourse.mcneel.com/t/parametric-japanese-timber-joinery-for-post-and-beam-construction/89932

https://ledatomica.wordpress.com/2010/08/24/parametric-joinery/

Fonts

http://www.onelinefonts.com/ --- Universal font version works, but is not actually single line.[126]

Previewing G-Code

Type Name/Link Description
Verify / Edit (Commercial/Demo) Cutviewer Full 3D Simulation. Shows you a full 3D simulation of the finished part based on the toolpath, the stock you define, and the cutters you're using. Collision detection. Versions for mills and lathes. Compare source .stl to previewed file.

Discontinued: https://cutviewer.com/faq/

Verify / Edit (Commercial/Demo) NCPlot Verify tool path and view and edit G-code. Older versions (1.1 and 1.2) were freely available, but are no longer available for download.
Verify (Free for non-commercial use) NCSim Yet another CNC 3-axis simulator.
G-Code Editor tkCNC Text editor, specially designed for CNC code (G-code) editing for CNC machines.
G-Code Editor Discriminator CNC editor Allows viewing the code in a variety of fonts and colors. Multi viewport viewer.
G-Code Editor G-Wizard G-Code Editor Text editor, verify, simulate, analyze, transform, integration w/ calculator. 3D mode implemented using Away3D. Includes conversational CNC.

http://cncsimulator.info/

Many G-code editors will include previewing (back-plotting) capabilities:

  • HSMWorks Edit [127]
  • Brackets --- this is the default editor for G-code from w/in Autodesk Fusion 360.[128]
  • Cimcut[129]

http://editcnc.com/

Communication/Control/G-Code Interpreter

Type Name/Link Description


G-code Interpreter and machine controller Mach3 Controller option for PCs with parallel ports and suitable electronics (doesn't readily work with Grbl on an Arduino)

Mach3 is the flagship of the ArtSoft products. See Adding XBOX 360 Controller to control ShapeOko for an affordable pendant option.

TB6600 HY-DIV268N-5A with Mach3

Includes LazyCAM, which is no longer developed.[130]

Communication/Control program http://www.softwareredefined.com/ IntelliG-Code CNC controller software for GRBL based CNC Machines. Supports Grbl 1.1.[131]
Communication/Control program (laser) http://www.picengrave.com/PicSender.htm supports Grbl 1.1
G-code Interpreter and/or machine controller http://estlcam.com/estlcam.php Hybrid CAD/CAM program which also has a mode to function as a machine controller for Arduinos (replacing Grbl). Supports trochoidal milling.[132] http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6138

https://www.sourcerabbit.com/GCode-Sender/

Android

CNC Bluetooth Commander

Nesting

https://www.tmachines.com/cutlogic-2d/

http://nestprofessor.com/index_en.php

https://www.cutlistoptimizer.com/ --- also has a free mode.[133]

http://www.vectric.com/products/vcp/features.htm#tnesting

https://github.com/tapnair/NESTER --- Autodesk Fusion 360 plug-in Flattens a 3D design specifically for use with a CNC router....[134] As the name implies, it allows one to do nesting manually.[135]

Logopress3

Discussion at: https://www.reddit.com/r/CNC/comments/4ycrne/cnc_nesting_software/

App Stores

Microsoft App Store

Free

Able to create height/depth maps from pixel images.[137]

Apple App Store

iPad

OnShape will work.[149]

Free
Type Name/Link Description
2D drawing (Opensource) Doodle3D Freehand sketching program for iPad and Mac OS X (source available for other platforms) to extrude and revolve into 3D.
2D CAD:iPad (Freeware) Sketch It Make It Apple App Store 2D CAD for the iPad[150].

Mac OS X CAD apps

http://www.grzsoftware.com/users/mac-cad/

Additional programs to consider

Bézier Drawing Programs

Cross-platform (Mac OS X and Windows)

  • Adobe Illustrator --- note that one should use export as rather than save as when making SVGs for Carbide Create.[183]
  • Macromedia Freehand --- (Mac OS X version limited to 10.6 or earlier)
  • Creaturehouse Expression --- cross-platform, bought by Microsoft and made Windows-only
  • Serif Affinity Designer: https://affinity.serif.com/

Mac OS X

Windows

  • http://www.mayura.com/
  • Corel
    • Draw
    • Designer (formerly Micrografx Designer)
  • Serif Drawplus
  • Canvas
  • Xara Xtreme (a Linux version is also available)

Android

Moribund

Imagetogcode [185]

Sailcut?

Tutorials

https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/bm6wq2/so_you_want_to_learn_x_program/

Comparison Discussions

https://www.reddit.com/r/cad/comments/3y522h/comparison_between_catia_soldiworks_creo_nx_etc/

Lists

https://www.pannam.com/blog/best-3d-cad-modeling-software

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