There are dedicated software programs for each of these functions, but there are all-in-one software bundles that do everything as well.
After carefully considering the ease-of-use, learning curve, reliability, compatibility, and community support, I have put together a list of some of the best software for your CNC application. Some of these software are paid while some are free. These software programs have the functions of CAD, CAM, control, and simulation software rolled into a single package. Easel CNC software also has a pro version that lets you work on 4x8 workpieces, has more tool and design libraries, and has the V-carve option.
Learning the hardware operation of a CNC can be challenging, and a difficult to learn CNC software program can make things even more challenging.
It can be made to work with Marlin controllers but getting it to do so would require some tinkering. Easel software has a wide user base and a great online community at the Inventables Community forum.
For learning Easel software you have the dozens of free tutorial videos provided by Inventables and also multiple YouTubers who make Easel tutorial videos. Overall, this is a great All-in-one solution for beginners and hobbyists who don't want to learn multiple software for operating their CNC.
If you want a do-it-all software, Carbide Create is a good choice. Carbide Create was made by Carbide 3D, the makers of the famous Shapeoko CNC machine, and hence it was designed keeping the needs of hobbyists in mind. It is simple to use, and you are not required to have any CAM software expertise to run it. Carbide Create can do 2. In 2D machining, you can move the x and y-axis together or independently.
In 3D machining, you can move all three axes simultaneously or independently. The first step in CNC machining is creating the model or designing. This software lets you make 2D and 2. Some of the features offered include 2D designing, image tracing from an existing photo, trueshape nesting for optimum space use.
CAM features offered are toolpath generation for Machining, pocketing, drilling, inlays, threading and engraving. In CAM, the 2 sided machining feature is really handy for machining two sides of an object in a single session. VCarve Pro does not have adaptive milling in it's CAM module and that's a key difference from Fusion which has adaptive milling.
Adapative milling is a really useful feature for metal machining that helps to maintain a consistent chip load and ultimately higher accuracy.
Vectric has brought out dozens of free videos that teach you how to use the software with your CNC machine and this is a great advantage for beginners.
This software is easier to learn and has a much lower learning curve compared to Fusion However that also limits the capabilities a bit. There is a free unlimited trial offered for this software which lets you test its features except saving toolpaths and exporting functions.
Vectric brings out newer versions of their software occasionally and to do the upgrade, you need to pay an upgradation fee. Vectric has a highly active user base. The community at the vectric forum can be really helpful for learning and troubleshooting.
The software has several tool and shape libraries that can save your time. It is a truly industrial-grade tool. You can install it on a Windows or MacOS computer. The software is free for personal use, but the features will be limited in the unpaid version. The limitations include the number of active documents you can have at a time maximum is 10 , lack of rendering and simulation features.
In CAM the limitations include not having the automatic tool change and rapid feed features. These limitations can considerably increase your job time. However, unlike most other software, it is possible to do a lot of meaningful work with the free personal version. You can get a free student license if the educational institution you belong to has a Fusion license.
One key difference between the licensing of Fusion and VCarve is that Fusion is a subscription software and you need to pay for it every year. Also Fusion is a cloud based software and you need to connect to the internet at least every 2 weeks for it work properly, unlike VCarve which is not cloud based. On the other hand you buy a perpetual license for VCarve Pro and you only need to pay again if you want a version upgrade with new features.
Fusion has good technical support from Autodesk that provides you with resources to learn the software. The forums, blogs and groups on their official website have a large online community of users to help you with your queries.
Fusion is for users who want to access advanced features in CNC Machining and don't mind the learning curve involved with mastering it. You can design 2D as well as 3D models. As it is a paid software, the customer support is good and reliable. Their website provides a customer portal, training and tutorial videos. Inkscape is free-to-use software that is primarily used to create vector drawings.
The advantage of vector drawing is that the lines have a mathematical function related to them and can be manipulated to create G-code. Alternatively, you can also download plug-ins for Inkscape that will let you create G-code directly in Inkscape.
There are mainly three types of CAM software that you can find in this list. The third type of software works like a Machine Controller which require Gcode CNC code file that has all instructions to create a product. There are some significant similarities among these CAM software. The main similarity between these software is that they all give you options to configure the machine according to design and product material.
Using configuration tools, you can specify the speed of machine , type of drill bits , dimensions of bits , pressure of machine on the material , etc. In some of these software, you can also simulate the milling process before actual production of product through machines.
HeeksCAD is my favorite software because it lets you create the design of the product and mill product by giving instructions to the machine. Also, it supports external project files containing product designs that you can also mill without manually making the design. Its ability to work with almost all types of milling or CNC or other manufacturing machines is also very impressive. In it, you can find various dedicated CAD sections to design 3D models like Geometry to draw a sketch, ellipse, infinite lines, gear, etc.
In order to mill the 3D design, you need to use the Machining Tab of this software. Through this tab, you can add new milling operation , 3D operations , and other operations script operation, cutting rate reference, positioning operation, probe grid or edge operations, etc.
After addition of operations and parameter set up, you can run a simulation to view what milling process is going to produce.
If everything in the simulation looks right, then press the send to machine option to start the actual milling process. This CAM software is also capable of adjusting itself according to different machines because it uses the NC code generated through Python script which makes the code universally compatible.
This software is specifically designed to work with Carbide 3D Machines. Using it, you can design 2D objects and create Gcode to mill the created object design. In the Design Section , you get various tools modules namely Create Vector to draw a circle, rectangle, curves, polyline, and to add text , Library it contains various predefined design elements like awards , badges , emojis , farms , toys , etc.
G-simple is one of the easiest CAM software available for 3 Axis machining. It extends the capability by operating with a renewed inch mode, access to a massive library of tools and materials, application of various filters for excess material removal, post-processing configuration, drilling adjustment, and text engraving. Works well with just about any laptop or computer, making it an excellent CNC software.
It is one of the best free CAM software integrated with powerful tool paths to help you avoid dangerous and expensive mistakes. The extensive online documentation, built-in examples, and community support will allow you to run your simulations in no time. The resulting program can be used with LinuxCNC or any other machine controllers. Earlier, they used to run on Windows and macOS, but now they support only Linux. In addition to all that, some of our software is filled with a ton of free features even if you never subscribe.
You can install and get results now. We do a terrible job advertising it, but most of G-Wizard Calculator is free. I can hardly keep up with all of it myself.
I know there a lifetime subscribers who are still delighted at the new things they discover. And we just keep adding more all the time! So what are you waiting for—give the G-Wizard free Trial a try:. BTW, you have the choice of buying the software outright lifetime subscription or subscribing.
First thing is that one year is cheap—not much more than a single cutter costs. The thing is, at the end of that 1 year, Feeds and Speeds keep right on working too. This is perfect for a hobbyist.
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