CAD / CAM Software for CNC Machines

CAD / CAM Software for CNC Machines

CAD stands for Computer Aided Designing and CAM stands for Computer Aided Machining. As obvious from their acronyms, CAD software is used to design the artwork, drawings etc. which are further used by CAM software to make tool path for machining.

Any suitable CAD software like AutoCAD can be used to make the basic drawings or CorelDraw to make artistic designs. A scanned image of a drawing could also be imported to CAD software. In cases where direct component is available, 3D Digitizer is used to acquire the CAD image.

What is important for the CNC machine is the CAM software, which works on these designs and makes suitable tool path for machining. Every CAM software comes with a separate post-processer for various CNC machines so as to generate the appropriate tool path necessary for that machine. All major CAM softwares have a number of post-processers with a facility to add more drivers not included with the software.

Normally, CAM software provides facility to modify drawings created in CAD software. Not only that, many softwares have a CAD as well as CAM facility built into one module which is why they are called CAD/CAM software, capable of handling both, the designing as well as machining.

A lot of CAD/CAM softwares are available in the market, which cater to a distinct but broad spectrum of clients. Some examples are dedicated CAD/CAM software for jewelry segment, mould-makers, engravers, product designers having multiples of sub-components and assemblies to name a few.

CAD/CAM software has 2D, 2.5D, 3D machining capability. CAD/CAM software indirectly controls the usability of the CNC machine and hence CAM software suitable for ones application has to be used.

The softwares we supply Ucancam, Wentai, ArtCut, ArtEngrave, Type3, ArtCAM, for normal 3 axis cnc router, Powermill for 4 axis cnc engraving machine, AlphaCAM for spindle rotating door making machine, FastCAM for cnc plasma cutting machine, etc.
If anything we can help with CNC Routers and CNC spare parts, welcome to contact us, we will do our best to support.

What is a CNC router?

What is a CNC router? There are many different types of CNC machines but they are most distinguishable by the type and size of material they are designed to cut. CNC router is a computer controlled routing machine. Its tool paths can be controlled via computer numerical control. This machine is used to cut wood, plastic or metal and is generally used for routing out letters for signs, etc. Besides routing and signage, these machines can act as engraving machines, so you can get a lot of usage from one machine. A CNC router is very similar in concept to a CNC milling machine. In general, people refer a CNC milling machine to a metal cutting machine. 

On the computer, use CAM software make the CAD drawing or design into a code called G-code. G code the standard language CNC machine can understand. In short, CNC router is not very complicated. It is a tool controlled by a computer. The software for the machine allows you to design patterns or to do signs, once you know the software, and learning the software is not difficult. 

Many small fabricating stores, and even individuals are finding the accuracy and versatility of a CNC router very useful. A CNC router allows a worker to create many projects that would be very little time consuming and sometimes almost impossible to do otherwise. Cutting a complicated design into wood or even putting inlays into it are difficult for even the most skilled of carpenters, but with a CNC router, these are done easily and accurately. This makes CNC routers ideal for furniture making, crafts making.

The low power cnc router machines, typically for the home shop worker, only require 220 voltage and can therefore be run on household current. These machines can be equipped with 2 to 8 HP motors and are within the range of a hobbyist. A large machine with powerful spindle motor can make the cnc router working on stone, hard wood, and other hard materials. 

CNC Router with different configuration can be used in different industries, like woodworking, advertising signs making, mould making, stone engraving, etc. It is a very useful cnc machine.