The term CNC is undoubtedly an attractive term because it talks about machines that completely changed the concept of metal and wood craftsmanship. Whereas, using CNC machines, you can create a wooden sculpture that even the most skilled sculptors couldn’t do (read: what is CNC simply).
Despite the attractiveness of the term, we note that the owners of these machines lack their skills in using them, and this is undoubtedly due to the creative sense of the operators of these machines on the one hand. But it depends on their choices of the programs they use on the other hand. As the program that works for one application does not work for another application.
In this article, I will try to show you some of the most important programs related to CNC and some of their strengths, weaknesses, and applications.
In the world of CNC, there are two types of programs: CAD Software and CAM Software. CAD/CAM Software is also available.
CAD Software: Computerized drawing programs are used to build the desired shape or model with the desired dimensions and I always like to divide them into Engineering Design programs and NURBS Modeling programs. It can also be divided into two-dimensional (2D) drawing programs and three-dimensional (3D) drawing programs.
AutoCAD: This is the most popular 2D drawing program (although it can draw in 3D) and if you have CNC or Oxygen cutting machines, you may need it. . SolidWorks: The most popular 3D mechanical part drawing program that enables you to design all parts for work and make sure they match. Needed if you want to design mechanical parts or metal molds . Inventor: Similar to Solidworks, it is recommended if you are used to working in AutoCAD. . CorelDraw: The most popular 2D vector design software. It is commonly used with wood machines and CNC lasers and is also used in the design of billboards . Illustrator: It is very similar to Corel Draw and is recommended if you are used to working in the Photoshop environment. . Rhinoceros: This is one of the most popular free 3D rendering software and is often used in 3D artwork such as wooden sculptures. 3Ds Max: A program similar to Rhino used to render and animate freeform shapes. PowerShape: An advanced 3D rendering software for execution. It is commonly used in metal mold making cases. It is recommended to work on it if you are using the PowerMill program. . CAM Software: They are programs that are used to generate motion directions for the cutting knife (ToolPaths) for the CNC machine to walk in paths that ensure the exit of a workpiece that matches what was previously drawn in the CAD software. We can divide these programs according to the type of machine, there are programs for laser or plasma, and there are programs for wood and there are programs for molds and so on.
ArtCAM: The most popular and easiest woodworking design and implementation program, it has an easy 2D and 3D drawing interface suitable for craftsmen. It also contains a set of 2D and 3D engraving strategies that enable you to perform most of the woodworking on your CNC router. I recommend it if you are at the beginning of your career in CNC Wood.. Vectric Apsire: It is very close to Art Cam in terms of the tools it provides. But I would prefer to nominate it as a second degree after art cam. . PowerMill: The PowerMill program is considered one of the most powerful programs that support 5-Axis machines and is commonly used in making sculptures and programming robot movements. It contains a wide range of 5-Axis drilling strategies. It is also commonly used in the manufacture of metal molds. . MasterCAM: It is the most popular program in the world of CNC metalwork such as molds, and the reason for the fame is due to the old program and its richness in libraries and 5-axis cutting strategies. It is recommended for use in cases of executing complex geometric models. (Download the program from here or download it as an add-on on Solidworks from here). HSMWorks: It is an easy-to-use plugin used to implement 3D mechanical models. Its library of drilling strategies is limited but sufficient for uncomplicated jobs. CopperCAM: It is used specifically for the implementation of electronic boards printed on CNC machines.. In the two lists above, I tried to put the most popular programs used in the CNC world, but I am sure that there are many other programs.
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