CAD PROGRAMS - FROM FUSION 360 TO V CARVE PRO
CAD\CAM SOFTWARE - A QUICK OVERVIEW
CAD software is used to create models or 3D designs quickly and easily on your computer. In the CNC router world products from Vectric, such as V Carve Pro and Cut 2D as well as Autodesk Fusion 360 are the most popular. Other popular titles are used in more industrial applications like Solidworks, Autodesk Inventor, and AutoCAD. Some CAD programs are free or offer a free trial. Just be sure that whatever platform you choose offers support. Many CAD programs such as Fusion 360 and Vectric V Carve Pro offer integrated CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) which is needed to turn your designs into tool paths and G-Code that the CNC can understand. We always suggest these integrated platforms as they are usually more cost-effective and do not require learning many different software applications. Also, you can be sure that the CAD and CAM integrate properly, leaving you more time to run your jobs and less time worrying about compatibility issues. The CNC software can process the G code and forward the corresponding commands to the CNC machine. For a better overview, we compiled a selection of CAD CAM software for you. Please see “What is CNC?” and “Control Software” to learn more about CNC technology and UCCNC.
VCARVE – ROBUST SOFTWARE TO MAXIMIZE YOUR CNC'S CAPABILITY
The powerful CAM program VCarve (and VCarve PRO) can be operated intuitively and has an integrated CAD software. Vectric’s CAD/CAM software features lots of useful drawing and editing tools. As a CAM program, VCarve covers all typical 2D milling functions such as profiling, pocket milling, auto inlays and drilling as well as 2.5D strategies such as V-carving, prism carving and fluting. Additionally, the CAD software with CAM function features a decorative texturing strategy and is suitable for carving 3D models with dedicated roughing and finishing strategies. VCarve is designed very clearly and is easy to operate. The CAD/CAM program is available as VCarve Desktop and VCarve Pro. VCarve Pro is required with workpieces larger than 600 x 600 mm (24” x 24”).
Features:
- 2D design and layout tools
- Text editing and single line engraving fonts
- V-Carving
- Pocket milling
- Auto-Inlays with multiple options
- Multicolor toolpath previews
- 3D carving functionality
- Additional functions with Vectric VCarve Pro
CUT 2D - POWERFUL SOFTWARE FOR BASIC CNC ROUTER PROJECTS
Cut2D is a CAM Software with an integrated CAD program. The intuitive CAD software features functions for 2D design as well as an efficient 2D tool path calculator. Cut2D offers numerous drawing and editing tools. Thanks to the tool path options, the CAD\CAM software covers all common 2D milling functions, such as profiling, pocket milling, Auto-Inlays and drilling. All tool paths can be viewed beforehand. Thus, you can optimize your tool paths and get an idea of the later part. Cut2D is available as Cut2D Desktop and Cut2D Pro. Cut2D Pro offers more functionalities than Cut2D Desktop and is suited to process workpieces larger than 600 x 600 mm (24” x 24”).
Features:
- 2D design and layout tools
- Text editing and single line engraving fonts
- Vectorizes images to create vectors for editing
- Auto-Inlays with multiple options
- 2D profiling with interactive tabs, lead and ramp options
- Pocketing with optimization for two cutters
- Drilling with option for peck drilling
- Multicolor toolpath preview
FUSION 360 – DESIGN IN FULL 3D, FULL-FEATURED INTEGRATED CAM - AN ENGINEERS DREAM!
The fully integrated Autodesk CAD/CAM program is a powerful CAD software that conquered the market in the last couple of years. From flexible 3D modeling to unified electronics and PCB design to photo-realistic rendering, Autodesk Fusion 360 leaves nothing to be desired. While AutoCAD is especially used for the creation of 2D and 3D designs, Fusion 360 unites the entire product development process. This is why the CAD software is perfectly suited for Rapid Prototyping. The photo-realistic rendering makes it possible to get a realistic preview of the 3D model. Thanks to the cloud-based CAD software you can access your CAD files from anywhere.
Features:
- 3D modeling
- Unified electronics and PCB design
- Photo-realistic rendering
- Documentation and dimensioning
- 3D simulation of tool paths
- Cloud-based
- Force effect simulation
DESKPROTO – WHEN YOU NEED MORE 4TH AXIS TOOL PATH OPTIONS
The 3D CAM software DeskProto generates a G Code from your CAD data in a quick and easy way. The CAM program is easy to use and, thus, perfectly suited for CNC beginners or hobbyists. You can process 2D outlines, create 3D models or combine milling models out of 3D models, 2D contours and Bitmap files. DeskProto is available in our shop as DeskProto Multi Axis Hobby and as DeskProto Multi Axis. DeskProto Multi Axis Hobby is allowed for private use and schools only.
Features:
- Milling strategies with many possible settings for additional details
- Quick creation of 3D parts
- Many assistants, e. g. for processing on both sides
- Easy processing of 2D outlines
- Projection of 2D geometries onto 3D model surfaces
- Combination of milling models out of 3D models, 2D outlines and bitmap files
- 4-axis machining
ESTLCAM – THE INEXPENSIVE CAM SOFTWARE FOR HOBBYISTS
Estlcam is CAM software for CNC routers up to three axes. It is easy and intuitive to use. This is why Estlcam is perfect for CNC beginners and hobbyists. The CAM program converts your 2D or 3D drawing files into G Code which can be processed by the CNC software. The tool database can individually extended with your own milling tools. Thanks to the preview function, travel paths, milling processes and the milling time can be calculated and checked beforehand.
Features:
- 2D design and layout tools
- Text editor with all fonts installed in Windows
- Vectorizes images to create vectors for editing
- Auto-Inlays with multiple options
- 2D profiling with interactive tabs, lead and ramp options
- Pocketing with optimization for two cutters
- Drilling with option for peck drilling
- Multicolor toolpath preview