Software for CNC machines

Contents:

It would be great if the machine could read our minds and produce results without preparatory work, but this is not the case. Like any machine, the machine does not speak human language and it needs a program, and in our case, even two. Let’s talk about what to do with the idea after you have bought the machine and how to bring it to result.

Glossary

CAD (Computer-aided design) software for CNC in which product development begins, namely creation of drawings.

CAM (Computer-aided manufacturing) is a type of software that prepares source code obtained from CAD for machine processing.

G-code is a language in which the machine receives information from CAM.

Creating process

The production of any part or product on a machine goes that way:

1. Creating a drawing on CAD
2. Working with drawing on CAM
3. The machine runs processes received from CAM in G-code

Programs for laser machine

We already wrote above that working with a machine cannot do without a CAM, a laser machine is no exception, but unlike a milling machine, which has a variety of CAM programs, there is one ultimate for the first one — Rdworks from Ruida. For example, most of Wattsan’s CO2 machines run on this OS.  

However, first we need a vector image obtained in one of many graphic design programs.

The most popular:

• CorelDraw
• Adobe Illustrator

Let’s look at an example of the process of preparing an image for a laser machine and working in an Adobe program.

Adobe Illustrator

1. First, you need to create a new project inside the program.
2. Specify dimensions of the working field of a new project corresponding to the working field of the machine, this is necessary because the machine does not know how to scale and does everything 1 to 1. 
3. Before finishing, add 0.001 pt contours, and check for open contours and close them if necessary.
4. Create different layers for different operations.

Usually:

• through holes inside parts – red color
• outer contour of through-cutting parts – blue
• incomplete cut – green
• engraving – pink
• if additional cutting sequence is necessary, then split into other colors additionally.

5. Before exporting the project, make sure that it is in vector format.
6. Check the file in the program for the machine and run!

At first glance, it may seem like a complicated process, but after a couple of practices, we assure you that the process of image preparation and working with a program will no longer seem like it.

Programs for milling machine

There are a lot of them, but let’s take a closer look at only the most popular ones.

AutoCAD

Why despite the fact that AutoCAD is also a CAD program, it was not included in previous list? The fact is that a milling machine often produces something where dimensional accuracy is important, according to drawings. And AutoCAD is the best program for working with such queries. 

Its history began more than 35 years ago, and even after a while it became an ultimatum program for specialists in most fields. Starting from drawing drawings, ending with urban planning and planning. And of course, this CAD program is able to satisfy most of requests and needs for preparing source code for working with the machine.

Solidworks

It is one of the most popular programs on the market, has a friendly interface and has been tested by time and many experts.

Advantages: 

• It has many highly specialized versions (Electrical, Routing, Flow Simulation, Professional, Plastics. )
• A large library of materials
• Excellent value for money
• Special software makes it possible to obtain a drawing for a 3D model.
• You can test created models for reliability in conditions similar to real ones.

Mastercam

It is a worthy competitor to Solidworks, and a considerable part of specialists prefer this particular CAM program. Let’s figure out why:

• Friendly interface
• Integration with other programs
• A large community
• Visualization of real-time processing

Vectric / Aspire

Simple and intuitive software for CNC, it has a set of both 2d and 3d tools. Not as demanding as previous two.

• Constant updates
• User-friendly interface
• Customizable toolbars
• Good optimization

Fusion 360

This is a full-cycle program for creating products for CNC machines, with support for up to five axes.  Allows you to create drawings directly in program itself, as well as import or export AutoCAD files. In fact, Fusion 360 is CAD and CAM at same time. 

• Shared space for working on a single file
• The program stores all files in the cloud, which means they won’t get lost anywhere and won’t take up space in computer memory.
• Adapted for both Mac Os and Windows
• User-friendly interface

These were the most common computer programs for working on the machine. Of course, each of them has pros and cons, but all of them are able to cover almost all the needs that may arise while working with the machine. And if you want to learn more about the machines themselves, read our article.

Conclusion

Every year, programs are becoming more complex and their number is increasing, but do not be nervous. In fact, it’s enough to choose something for yourself, something that is convenient and what your heart is for, most often these are already well-known programs from large corporations, their price is not so high, and functionality and interface attract you immediately. They are always updated and you should not worry that you will miss something. 

Of course, such programs require an investment of effort and time to study, but with them your production, whether large or small, will be much easier.