7 Best CAD CAM Software Programs

When it comes to developing your CNC capabilities, knowing which CAD/CAM software to use and how to use it can have a serious impact on your versatility and the quality of your production. Robust CAM capabilities can transform CAD models into physical products by supporting various manufacturing functions and integrating seamlessly with design tools for advanced simulation and production processes. Considering aspects like user experience, variety of features, and affordability can all help guide you toward the right platform that can deliver the best results.

Here is a closer look at CAD/CAM software and several options that can work well for everyone, from a weekend hobbyist to a full-time CNC professional.

What is CAD/Computer Aided Manufacturing software?

CAD/CAM software is a software package that combines computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to produce 2D and 3D parts.

Cam software typically encompasses key features that enhance the manufacturing process, integrating design and production workflows.

While CAD is used to create and modify designs on a computer, CAM software is used to facilitate the manufacturing of workpieces by computer-controlled machines like CNC routers and plasmas. CAM software converts the design files into g-code before sending them to the machine that will then perform the cuts.

Rather than utilizing two separate software platforms to perform both phases of the work, CAD/CAM packages allow operators to leverage both ends of the spectrum with the same tool, handling everything from concept to creation in one place.

Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular CAD/CAM software packages available on the market today.

VCarve Pro

VCarve Pro is a powerful but intuitive platform that allows operators to produce complex 2D patterns with profile, pocket, drill, and inlay toolpaths. It enables the creation of designs with v-carving textures and also allows for unlimited job and toolpath sizes and true shape nesting.

Beyond its complete set of 2D design and layout tools, VCarve Pro allows you to create 2.5D toolpaths, from prism carving and moldings to textures and fluting. It also enables the import and machining of single 3D models. In all, VCarve Pro is one of the industry’s easiest-to-use and most versatile options for v-carving today and is a trusted option for pros and beginners.

Aspire

Aspire brings together all of the 2D & 2.5D tools and functionality available in Cut2D and VCarve with added 3D design tools enabling you to create 3D relief models and machine them with 3D machining strategies.

Fusion 360: Free CAD CAM Software

Available for both Windows and MacOS, Fusion 360 is a unified CAD, CAM, and PCB software that is free for personal and hobby use. Users can upgrade to the full package for $60 per month to unlock more advanced features. Fusion 360 is cloud cam software that enhances collaboration and efficiency in the design process.

The free version is fairly robust and can be used for 2-axis and 3-axis milling, turning, adaptive clearing, and more. It is also compatible with waterjets, laser cutters, and plasma cutters. Fusion 360 supports 3D file types, including 3MF, STL, and DXF. It can be used for modeling and rendering. It can leverage local or cloud rendering to create photorealistic images of models much more quickly than with other software options.

EnRoute

EnRoute provides both 2D and 3D design and toolpath capabilities for everything from routers and plasmas to lasers and waterjets. It generates instructions for CNC machines, pivotal for achieving precision in manufacturing processes. It is particularly suited for everyday cutting, nested-based production, and creative design projects, with sign-making, textured panels, woodworking, and metal machining as ideal applications.

Known for its user-friendliness, EnRoute makes designing simple for beginners thanks to features like perspective view, which allows you to select and move objects during design easily. You can even draw freehand using a stylus or mouse while also taking advantage of various precision editing tools for modifying texts and shapes. EnRoute comes with ready-to-use texture templates, a customizable material library, and realistic simulation that allows you to test models, which can help reveal errors before getting to the manufacturing phase.

KCD

Specifically tailored for woodworking, KCD features a visual interface that allows you to go directly from design to CNC while quickly setting tools, measurements, and sizes. KCD supports CNC machining by translating digital designs into precise machine-readable instructions, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in production. Its touchscreen usability also makes design, price, and build much more mobile.

KCDs CNC Manager tool allows shops to run multiple jobs and individual parts from other jobs together for optimal efficiency. It also integrates with Cabinotch for simplified outsourcing and includes hundreds of MDF cabinet door stiles most libraries only offer in solid wood. With the Doors Plus feature, users can leverage easy and accurate scaling, sizing, and modifying, with the ability to go directly to the manufacturing phase at the push of a button.

Mozaik

Mozaik is one of the most popular and widely trusted PC-based software platforms for cabinets, closets, and casework, with packages capable of tackling everything from jobsite planning to design and manufacturing. Mozaik integrates CAD and CAM software, essential components in modern computer numerical control (CNC) machining.

As mentioned, Mozaiks focus is firmly on custom cabinetry, with applications for labeling, cutting, and assembling. It’s a fairly easy-to-use and easy-to-learn platform that’s available on a monthly subscription basis and includes all software updates and online support services.

Cabinet Pro

Cabinet Pro is an all-in-one solution for both small cabinet shops and larger manufacturers, capable of creating detailed and finished drawings, floorplans, elevations, and 3D perspectives. It is an industry leader in terms of its formatting choices, accuracy, and completeness of its cutlist reports. Cabinet Pro offers a range of features that can be compared to free CAD/CAM software options, which may have limitations in functionality.

Cabinet Pro is also designed to sync across devices, so you can work on your laptop at home or in the field and then easily transfer files and information to your office or shop desktop. The platform supports CNC routers by generating g-code directly without a CAD software package.

RhinoCAM

RhinoCAM is a CAM software plugin that combines the power of Rhino’s freeform modeling with the elite CAM functionality of VisualCAM. It offers full parametric modeling out of the box, built-in version control and cloud backups, and easy-to-use file format translators.

RhinoCAM also features a web interface for part drawing, reviewing, markup, and approval from customers, and is a great way for hobbyists to hone their skills.

ProNest LT

ProNest LT, formerly known as TurboNest, is a preferred software solution for conventional plasma and oxyfuel-cutting machines. It allows you to import CAD files, artwork, and signs, in addition to creating your designs using powerful built-in tools.

With ProNest LT, operators can nest jobs quickly and efficiently using the platform’s intelligent auto-nesting capability. Modules like Common Line Cutting and Chain and Bridge Cutting can also increase efficiency and reduce cutting time and consumable wear.

Ramp up production and precision with ShopSabre CNC machine

ShopSabre’s industry-best CNC routers and plasma tables are designed to help shop owners grow their production through unmatched precision, repeatability, and automation, all at an affordable price. Our machines help streamline the manufacturing process by integrating design and production, optimizing workflows, and improving product quality.

Our machines are easy to get up and running and to learn how to operate, even without any formal training. Our team of dedicated experts offers one-on-one support to help find the right machine for you and to make sure it works the way you and your business need it to.

Here are a few of the reasons ShopSabre can develop and produce such revolutionary CNC technology:

• Experienced in-house engineering talent
• The ability to fabricate and test designs on-site from start to finish
• The ability to place the designs into production in-house

Shop our unmatched collection of CNC routers and CNC plasmas in Minneapolis today to experience CNC the way it was meant to be.