Hobby CAM Software I've been lurking around the forums for a few months and finally decided to join the discussion. I'm currently waiting on my first machine (FLA-100) and in the meantime I've been researching the software side of things. I've decided on Alibre Design PE and Sketchup for CAD and Mach3 for control, but I'm still unsettled on CAM software. I've tried MeshCAM, FreeMill, Cut3D, and CamBam but unfortunately none of them impressed me. On top of that the paid versions were more than I wanted to spend. Fortunately I'm a professional software developer and I'm extremely interested in the topic, so I've decided to take a shot at writing my own CAM software. If it works well I'd like to make it available to other hobbyists.
So my question is simple: Is anyone else out there frustrated with the current CAM software offerings for hobbyists? Are there any particular features you would like that aren't available right now? What do you think about a web interface where you upload your model, set the parameters through an interactive web GUI and then download the g-code from the website? Any other feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Well I'm more than happy with CamBam (paid version, 0.9.8 at the moment) and wouldn't want a web based application because I wouldn't want tying down by the internet connection and the possibility of problems with the website, as well as issues of confidentiality with the uploaded data.
What were the things that didn't impress you and what do you plan to do differently?
CamBam looked pretty powerful, but it wasn't very user friendly. It seemed more useful for 2.5D work than 3D work. It also wouldn't load STL files created by Alibre.
I see what you mean about the website. The models would be private, even encrypted if they wanted to. As for the problems with internet connection and the website itself, I'd say desktop software has it's own perils: OS compatibility, hardware compatibility, program updates, patches, etc... The website is just one possibility, I'm still open to writing it either way (or both ways).
I liked most of the features of MeshCAM, but the UI seemed clunky. The Gcode it produced was pretty good though. Cut3D had a great UI but was missing some important features (4 axis support, waterline finishing, pencil finishing). Both MeshCAM and Cut3D cost more than I wanted to spend. FreeMill didn't have the features or UI, but it's free.
So basically I'd like my software to have a UI comparable to Cut3D with the features of MeshCAM at the price of FreeMill. What do you think?
Cut3d is good because the computer does all the work, just import an stl, and ur set. if only they had 5 axis version
I agree. Cut3D is great and very easy to use but it's expensive and missing some important features (like rotary axis and additional finishing steps). What else is missing that might be useful for a hobbyist?
I believe CamBam actually has more 3D features than Cut3D so should be looked at carefully.Originally Posted by tinkeringtechie
STL files should load in OK from Alibre, although there was a (short lived) problem with ASCII stl files, but that was quite some while ago and should be sorted now.
Martin.
i'm using stl files that are exported from Sketchup using a plugin for sketchup
CamBam does seem to have more features than Cut3D, but it still doesn't have rotary axis support (lathe appears to be limited to profiles) or pencil finishing. It also has a pretty steep learning curve. I think the "wizard" approach is more friendly for hobbyists since they just have to answer questions about what they want to do and what bits they're using. After opening a model in CamBam a beginner (like me) thinks "Now what?". It's not clear what steps need to be taken or how to do them. I'd like my software to guide them through it step by step.
I too was very frustrated by the various CAM software packages when I was looking for one over a year ago. I bought one for $320 - it worked very well for my machine but had serious limitations and took some time to get designs to G-code and I quickly outgrew its capabilities.
So eventually stumbled on a French CAM software (e-NC) and helped translate it into English, now Easymill. It works well and I can generate G-code quickly either by importing DXF or by drawing with the CAD included.
To correct my many mistakes it loads quickly and within a minute I have new G-code.
There are also training videos I have produced to get newcomers to Easymill started.
Have a look here: RDLVltd.weebly.com
There are various versions - but for hobbyists we call it hobbycam.
It doesn't look like hobbycam supports STL files and that's the only output I have available (in Alibre Design PE). Also, at $600 it costs more than some hobbyist cnc machines. That's way more than I'm willing to spend.
I'm not trying to choose an existing software package. I've already decided that I'm going to make my own. I'm actually looking for feature suggestions and feedback from other hobby users that I can to put into my free CAM software.
The next version of the software should have 3D STL capabilities.
I have used Alibre and it is great, but going from a 3D model straight to my mill - (which is full x,y,z) is not something that I would do at this time. Most of the milling I do and have seen done by hobbyists have been no more than 2.5D. (Currently the software does 4 and 5 axis at 2.5D.)
Full 3D would require an 'active' fourth axis to rotate the part while cutting all around - should be my next hardware upgrade when I get the new version of the software.
All the best with your project - it sounds interesting and I look forward to seeing it.
I'm looking and comparing CAM software too.
First looking at the software package from Alibre, I'm using for CAD, I see an advantage having a CAD/CAM package, which automatically changes the tool path upon drawing changes.
I do agree, that hobby users will not spend $1,000 for CAM software and like to see some low cost versions as well.
You should also keep an eye at some features from Art CAM software The Professional CADCAM Software Solution For 3D Artistic Design & CNC Manufacture, like image import and image tracing, which I believe has a growing interest in the hobby market.
Keep us posted on your progress. Good luck.
Posting Permissions
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
