Software suggestions?

[ochero]

We have 3 axis cnc router. What is a inexpensive software for 3D graphics? Can anyone help?

 

[J Hill Designs]

I know bobcad-cam has been offering sales over the past months...

www.bobcad.com

 

[encadtech]

Check out Vectric.com - Great software - awesome tutorials

 

[GVP]

+1 for Vectric - their Aspire software will do everything you're likely to need at a very nice price.

As for BobCad, they are the pushiest, most annoying company - I would rather nail my head to the floor than buy anything from them...

 

[Just Another Sign Guy]

agreed re:BobCad. personally i think there is some other things that need to be considered besides the price. for example there is great value if you are already familiar with a similar software package than having to learn an entirely new program.

in regards to cnc software for the most part we are all paying for convenience versus creating archaic code like the old days, but when you get behind the scenes a 3 axis router is a very simple machine. the various high dollar software options just allow us to create code in an efficient manner.

what specifically are you looking to do? what software do you currently have?

Vectric is an affordable option if it will meet your needs.

 

[Techman]

As for BobCad,

I know few who really like bobcad.

You can design in corel and export to MAch 3. MAch 3 is really very good and a very low price. A very low price and is an option if you just want to test..

I talk with more than a few who feel vectric Aspire is really something to look at.
I have the demo here and think it will be my choice soon.

 

[Just Another Sign Guy]

Mach3 is a great program and is actually repackaged and dressed up by a few other companies that offer cnc control software.

I understood the initial question from the OP as they already have general cnc control software and are looking for a cheap 3D solution? if I misinterpreted that and they are simply looking for a cheap general control software without a doubt Mach3 is the way to go.

I am reluctant to recommend Mach3 to users who really don't grasp the overall concept of how 3axis routers work. If you are not of a mechanical thinking mind and simply want to view your image on the computer screen, push a button and watch your router run in my opinion you need to invest in a more user friendly software package than Mach3..even with Lazycam it requires an operator that 'gets it'.

 

[tjsk101]

Wide open question without knowing what your needs are.

On the high end, you can go with systems like Solidworks with Mastercam X3. Drop down a notch to packages such as Alibre, Aspire, and Artcam, or drop to even more budget concious software such as Vectric's Cut2D and Cut3D, or Ucancam. There is also the extremely budget minded using free or trial versions of software. Check out cnc4free.org:

http://cnc4free.org/

for a whole suite of free cnc and 3d tools, including tutorials. Excellent site for info and learning from scratch before you spend a small fortune on software that may not be what you really need.

In short, check out these:

http://cnc4free.org/
http://www.vectric.com/
http://www.alibre.com/products/cnclist.asp

 

[salah21]

do notttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt get bobcad they are a rip off. they will try to make the sale and as soon as something happens they start talking about policies and procedures.

 

[Davidford7]

Try RAMS 3d Software. I designed it and sold it about 10 years ago.
http://www.rams3d.com/