Vcarve vs Artcam comparison?

[cjchands]

I am somewhat new with Vcarve program so would like any comment of advantage/disadvantage compare to Artcam?
Any suggestion is appreciated it.
Thanks
J

[Jason Marsha]

I have not used Artcam, but I can tell you that the first advantage of VCarve is the price; $495.00 vs $7500.00.

Any further I leave up to Tony or Brian of Vectric to answer.

Jason

[Tony Mac]

Hi,

VCarve Pro and ArtCAM are very different software products. ArtCAM Pro is used to design detailed 3D shapes such as coins and medals, decorative carved panels, jewellery pieces etc. and I have to say that in my experience it's the best product for this type of work when it comes to actually designing and machining.

As with virtually all 3D design products the major overheads are the learning curve and times to design and machine You can create fantastic stuff if you have attended the training courses and spend many hours per week using the software. If you don't use it you will probably forget it. Although the sales people will always make it look quick and easy, the reality is often different. Having an artistic ability for 3D design also helps.

VCarve Pro is very different in that it takes 2D drawings and designs and instantly converts them into toolpaths that will run pretty quick on the CNC machine and give the appearance of 3D carving, and as Jason mentioned at a fraction of the price. For reference the typical ArtCAM Pro package is US$7,500 + Training + Annual Maintenance which takes the price to around $10k.

The key questions are - What do you need to design and machine and how large is the budget?

I hope this helps,

Tony

[cjchands]

Thank you for your response.
Very precise and clear explanation.
J.

[wjfiles]

It looks like both ends of the price and capability spectrum.
Anyone know of something in between.

[Tony Mac]

We are about to release a new 3D Model Machining product called Cut3D at $300 ($250 to existing customers) that will fill a little more of the gap, but this still relies on the user having a CAD modelling package or downloading files off the internet.

For more information on see Cut3D Update

I will post more details later,

Many people use Rhino because of the price and it's very functional but as I mentioned earlier, 3D design takes time.

Tony

[wjfiles]

Hi Tony ,Sounds great, I have almost completed my gantry type router and my plan is to do engraving from photo's . I will be purchasing VCarve but would also like to be able to do more realistic 3D like the head on a coin or medal, cameo and intaglio type work.
I am in the queue for your new software

[Tony Mac]

Hi,

I've been watching the Silo Forum and would recommend taking a look at this software for 3D modelling of coins and faces etc. I've no idea what it's like to use but looking at the models being designed it seems ideally suited for artistic 3D modelling.

One of the Silo users 'Dasch' has created a couple of 3D models for us to use with Cut3D and you can see these models at,

http://www.silo3d.com/forum/showpost...25&postcount=1
http://www.silo3d.com/forum/showpost...17&postcount=1


Tony

[Switcher]

Originally Posted by Tony Mac We are about to release a new 3D Model Machining product called Cut3D at $300 ($250 to existing customers) that will fill a little more of the gap, but this still relies on the user having a CAD modelling package or downloading files off the internet. For more information on see Cut3D Update I will post more details later, Many people use Rhino because of the price and it's very functional but as I mentioned earlier, 3D design takes time. Tony

That is Very Cool!

Do you have any other samples already cut (photos)?

This sample is great!
http://vectric.com/images/snowtrooper.gif

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[Switcher]

Tony can the models be made in silo?



Edit: Never mind I'm slow posting.




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[Tony Mac]

We used this 3D Studio model downloaded off the Internet to test
the 2 sided machining with tabs, and it worked perfectly.

http://vectric.com/images/CarAnimationLarge.gif

The key to the multi-sided machining is aligning the material so the
2 / 4 sides line up correctly.

Tony

[Switcher]

Any screenshots of the "3D Model Slicing"?









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