Cam software under $1000

I recently got a sieg x3 cnc milling with a mach3 controller and would like to purchase a cam software that is just under $1,000. Can you guys suggest on a software that would be perfect for my application. I'am a custom knifemaker and most I'll be using a cnc mill to cut blade blanks and handles. This would be just 2d application. I design my knives on Adobe illustrator and save them as DWG or DXF. I need a CAM program that could import this type of files and do tool paths. Also I need a cam software that works well with Mach3.
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Any help would be greatly appreciated :-)

check out the Vectric page and download their V carve pro and demo on your machine.

+1 on V-Carve Pro. It can import Illustrator files directly.

what about cut 2D ?

If the design is already done, then this will generate the toolpaths ?

the upgrade to VC-Pro will always be there too ..

Yes, Cut2D will work as well for less money, but has far fewer options. If his budget is $1000, I'd go straight for V-Carve Pro.

A new free update to Cut2D was just released, btw, making it an even better choice than before.

I have tried Cut2d and it is very easy to learn, however does it have multipasses and stepover entries on the tool path controls? It seem it will just plunge the tool at a certain depth or do I need to make individually entries of certain depths for each pass until it cuts the material like alloy steel?

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Originally Posted by pearldiver

I have tried Cut2d and it is very easy to learn, however does it have multipasses and stepover entries on the tool path controls? It seem it will just plunge the tool at a certain depth or do I need to make individually entries of certain depths for each pass until it cuts the material like alloy steel?

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Okay I just found those features at VCarvePro (nuts)....I will download the trial version and see how it works for my application :cheers:

Look under Tool Select in Cut2D and you can see that stepover, plunge rate etc is set with the tool selection.

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Originally Posted by dennisbliesner

Look under Tool Select in Cut2D and you can see that stepover, plunge rate etc is set with the tool selection.

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Hi Dennis, I have downloaded the VcarvePro and so far I'm impressed with the package. It is very easy to use and simple. However, I'am not sure if this is the right CAM software for me :nono: Since I was checking on the their website most of the user of this programs are applying it for wood & stones materials.

As of know I will only use it for a SIEG X3 CNC with a MACH3 controller, but I'am not sure if this software will work for me once I upgrade my machines to a full size turret CNC milling machine. :confused::confused::confused:

We use cut 3D and Cut 2D to machine wood, plastis, alluminum, steel with Mach3 running three different machines. It works just fine with excellent accuracy. We open dxf files in Cut2D and machine with good precision. It is very easy to use compaired to other postprocessers that we have used.

Hi Dennis, one thing that I really like about the program is it could import AI files ( Adobe Illustrator ). I have one sample drawing that I made using Illustrator. Would it be possible if you could generate a G-code for mach3. I want to test it first on my machine before I buy the program. The trial version does not allow to post the code :nono:
It will be just a simple contour...willl try it first on wood..

Check out CamBam, which is 2d and 3d. CamBam forum

In my experience, CamBam has some of the best facilities and efficient toolpaths of any CAM program in its price range - and way, way beyond.

Very straightforward to use and learn, it will do all of the things you mention with ease.


Martin.

If you are just doing 2D work, Sheetcam is very effective.

One feature I use all the time is the nesting feature. I saves a lot of material. I cut a lot of dimensional letters and I can get jobs that my customers think will take 1 or 2 sheets and get by with 1/2 sheet.

Illustrator files will go straight into Cut2D. I do that a lot and it works better than importing AutoCAD files.

Dxf files open in Vcarve and Aspire without importing

Cut2D was just updated 2 days ago with more features the old one was 1.0 new one 1.5 a Free Update, they also added a list of videos for Cut2D...


Lou

Hi Send file and I will give it a go. Send to:- [email protected]

Visualmill standard is 1000 bucks.

Dolphin cad cam is very nice took. Probably worth a look with the rest mentioned.