Tag: CAM software
All About CNC Software
The CNC design process starts with an idea… Maybe you sketch it out on the back of a napkin. From there, you need to draw your part in a CAD program. There are ALL levels of CAD programs, ranging from free to some that cost thousands of dollars. In the ABC’s of CNC video we [...]
CAD and CAM Software
Here’s a bunch of links to various CAD solutions… some are “lite” versions of more sophisticated programs, some are free…. Alibre A light version of their commercial software. Parametric & feature based 3D modeler, which is fairly easy to use. 2D layout & detailing is fully associative with the 3D model. Shelling & booleans are [...]
CNC Workflow – Concept to Drawing to CAD to CAM to Cutting
Cutting parts with a CNC machine is a drastically simpler process than it used to be. But it is still easy to get sidetracked, confused, or downright lost if you don’t set up some standards for the organization of your workflow. Depending on your memory is just too frustrating, and even if you can dependably [...]
Automation Getting Automated!
I’ve fallen a bit behind on blog entries….. partially because of the Thanksgiving Holiday, and partially because I’ve been really busy in the workshop and studio. I’ve moved up a level in sophistication with the CNC router, and now have semi-automated tool positioning. Gone is the setting of the Z axis tool height with little [...]
Which Machine is Right for Me?
The range of machines, and machine types is fairly daunting….. but you can logically make a decision about what sort of machine is best for YOU… by going through a simple checklist. First… What materials do you want to be able to cut? Wood, plastics, composites, and light cuts in aluminum can be made with [...]
