So I'm looking for a Hobby Budget CAM solution that will interpret 3D geometry and have enough control to create semi-professional tool paths. I'm using Mach3 to drive a 3 Axis Mill and a 3 Axis Router. I make everything from complicated aluminum components to full Carbon Fiber Bike Frames (foam core). I create 3D solid files with Inventor and/or SolidWorks. I've lost my access to MasterCAM so now I'm looking for a non-commercial budget CAM solution...about $300 USD.
I've narrowed it down to:
MeshCAM $250 on sale ($350 reg)
Cut3D $299
DeskProto $321 USD (for non commercial use only)
I've downloaded the Demo Versions of each and am currently evaluating them head to head. From a high level these programs will spit out 3D tool paths with various levels of control. So far...here is what I'm finding (any advice would be appreciated though).
MeshCAM:
The simplest of the 3 but not necessarily the most limited. Some positives are that its really fast and easy to set up the part orientation and apply quick tool paths. It also gives you the ability to select specific regions to create tool paths in (like a pocket/hole/edge). Everything is just simple and fast...like creating and managing tools is so easy. A drawback...it shows the tool centerline path but it does not have a cut simulation. Great for Model Makers.
Pros: Fast, good tool path control, least expensive
Cons: No cut simulation (requires some imagination)
Cut3D:
This program looks like it has more functionality that MeshCAM because of the extensive menu options and buttons but at the end of the day I think its more limiting. It makes you work in steps and it requires a Finish Pass which must be a Raster in X or Y. Sometimes you just want to profile. Also it does not allow a containment area if you only want to CAM a specific region of a part.
Pros:Tool Path Simulation
Cons: Lack of control over tool path creation.
DeskProto:
This is a more expensive program if you're a commercial user but they offer a Hobby license at a discounted price. That being said this is the most capable program of the 3. It's pretty easy to orient your parts, includes segment (specifis area) control, a bunch of different tool path "strategies" (like spiral, raster, contour, waterline...etc.) It gives you a lot more control if you're trying to make more traditional engineered parts along with 3D Models.
Pros: Very capable and configurable with all the functionality of the other two programs.
Cons: Not as fast and simple as MeshCAM, highest cost.
Thoughts: As of right now I'm leaning towards DeskProto with a Hobby License. It provides the maximum functionality and tunability and its not very much more expensive. MeshCAM is an extremely close second because its extremely simple and fast to use it also provides enough capability and control to make complex parts. If it had a simulation then it would be a for sure choice. Cut3D does not have the control needed to create engineered parts without serioius g-code modification. It does have a very nice simulation element though. Probably best suited for the artist or model maker.
I've narrowed it down to:
MeshCAM $250 on sale ($350 reg)
Cut3D $299
DeskProto $321 USD (for non commercial use only)
I've downloaded the Demo Versions of each and am currently evaluating them head to head. From a high level these programs will spit out 3D tool paths with various levels of control. So far...here is what I'm finding (any advice would be appreciated though).
MeshCAM:
The simplest of the 3 but not necessarily the most limited. Some positives are that its really fast and easy to set up the part orientation and apply quick tool paths. It also gives you the ability to select specific regions to create tool paths in (like a pocket/hole/edge). Everything is just simple and fast...like creating and managing tools is so easy. A drawback...it shows the tool centerline path but it does not have a cut simulation. Great for Model Makers.
Pros: Fast, good tool path control, least expensive
Cons: No cut simulation (requires some imagination)
Cut3D:
This program looks like it has more functionality that MeshCAM because of the extensive menu options and buttons but at the end of the day I think its more limiting. It makes you work in steps and it requires a Finish Pass which must be a Raster in X or Y. Sometimes you just want to profile. Also it does not allow a containment area if you only want to CAM a specific region of a part.
Pros:Tool Path Simulation
Cons: Lack of control over tool path creation.
DeskProto:
This is a more expensive program if you're a commercial user but they offer a Hobby license at a discounted price. That being said this is the most capable program of the 3. It's pretty easy to orient your parts, includes segment (specifis area) control, a bunch of different tool path "strategies" (like spiral, raster, contour, waterline...etc.) It gives you a lot more control if you're trying to make more traditional engineered parts along with 3D Models.
Pros: Very capable and configurable with all the functionality of the other two programs.
Cons: Not as fast and simple as MeshCAM, highest cost.
Thoughts: As of right now I'm leaning towards DeskProto with a Hobby License. It provides the maximum functionality and tunability and its not very much more expensive. MeshCAM is an extremely close second because its extremely simple and fast to use it also provides enough capability and control to make complex parts. If it had a simulation then it would be a for sure choice. Cut3D does not have the control needed to create engineered parts without serioius g-code modification. It does have a very nice simulation element though. Probably best suited for the artist or model maker.