CAD/CAM beginner, which CAD/CAM software to use?

Hello people.
I am electrical engineer and have a little experience with SolidWorks and NO experience with CAM softwares.
I have 800x800mm self made CNC machine and plan to use it for woodmilling and other soft materials, maybe aluminium sometimes.
I am self taught mechanist, i will finish my cnc soon and I am thinking about which CAD and CAM software to use.

So I know a little SolidWorks, I can go to other CAD software, no problem, just tell me please which CAD and CAM software you suggest me to use.
Priority is failry easy/fast to learn and good performance.

Thank you,

Matic

I would recommend Vectric - it is simple and versatile. They have several priced different packages.

Take a look at MOI (Moment of Inspiration). It's a powerful CAD program that's simple to use (especially compared to something like Solidworks). We also sell DeskProto, which is a similarly intuitive CAM program that's very attractively priced for hobbyists.

Andrew Werby
computersculpture.com

Hi,
I use Fusion 360 by Autodesk. It combines CAD, CAM, generative design and simulation, FEA analysis and PCB design in one package. It does a pretty good job.
With some limitations it is free to Hobbyists and start-ups, and a subscription is $500/year.

The Manufacturing module, ie CAM, is quite good. It does all the regular 2D and 2.5D toolpaths and a good selection of 3D toolpaths. OK, they are not a patch on MasterCAM
or HSMWorks, but then Fusion does not cost $20,000 plus yearly update fees either. Fusion does a good job of engineering type parts, but have heard that Vectric is better at the creative
or artistic type tool paths.

I was not a fan of either the subscription idea nor the cloud based model but I have to admit that it is a very cost effective solution. So much so that I have just paid $1200 (per year)
as an introductory offer for Machining Extensions to Fusion, that includes 4th and 5th axis, collision avoidance, tool path editing, advanced 3D toolpaths etc.

Craig

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vlod

I would recommend Vectric - it is simple and versatile. They have several priced different packages.

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I will check it out!
Thank you for suggestion!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by joeavaerage

Hi,
I use Fusion 360 by Autodesk. It combines CAD, CAM, generative design and simulation, FEA analysis and PCB design in one package. It does a pretty good job.
With some limitations it is free to Hobbyists and start-ups, and a subscription is $500/year.

The Manufacturing module, ie CAM, is quite good. It does all the regular 2D and 2.5D toolpaths and a good selection of 3D toolpaths. OK, they are not a patch on MasterCAM
or HSMWorks, but then Fusion does not cost $20,000 plus yearly update fees either. Fusion does a good job of engineering type parts, but have heard that Vectric is better at the creative
or artistic type tool paths.

I was not a fan of either the subscription idea nor the cloud based model but I have to admit that it is a very cost effective solution. So much so that I have just paid $1200 (per year)
as an introductory offer for Machining Extensions to Fusion, that includes 4th and 5th axis, collision avoidance, tool path editing, advanced 3D toolpaths etc.

Craig

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Good! Someone also suggested me Fusion 360, I will check it out on YT. Thank you!
I also found a combo using Solidworks and Artcam, what do you think about Artcam?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by burnley1

Good! Someone also suggested me Fusion 360, I will check it out on YT. Thank you!
I also found a combo using Solidworks and Artcam, what do you think about Artcam?

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Hi, new here too, just downloaded free trial of meshcam 15 days, so far easier to understand than fusion 360

Another vote for Fusion 360. I've been using it for a few years. A bit of a learning curve, but easy to learn.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Al321

Hi, new here too, just downloaded free trial of meshcam 15 days, so far easier to understand than fusion 360

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Thank you man. I will check it out. I just downloaded Vectric Aspire but didnt have enough time to test it. I will check meshcam too.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jim Dawson

Another vote for Fusion 360. I've been using it for a few years. A bit of a learning curve, but easy to learn.

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Thank you!

My friend has a CNC machine and he always advices to use the software ABViewer. It generates CAD files to G-code very quick and simple to use. Moreover, its free version allows to use the program perfectly. So, I think you may start off with ABViewer.