3 Popular CAD/CAM Softwares for Cabinetmaking
There is a wide range of CNC cabinet software packages available today, each with its own set of unique features and benefits that can provide value for your operation. Whether you’re a weekend hobbyist or a full-time CNC professional, understanding the primary differences between CNC cabinetmaking software options can help you decide which one to go with to elevate your shop’s production. These software packages are designed to help you build cabinets efficiently and customize the process to your needs. Many of them also offer a free version, allowing you to create a single cabinet or evaluate the software’s capabilities before making a purchase.
Exploring Cabinet CNC Software: A Comprehensive Guide
Among the three most popular and capable CAD/CAM software packages for cabinetmaking are Cabinet Pro, Mozaik, and KCD. We’ll be taking a closer look at the defining features and advantages of each of these platforms.
But first, let’s run through a quick recap of what CAD/CAM software is and what you should consider when evaluating your options.
CAD/CAM SOFTWARE
CAD/CAM software packages combine computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to produce 2D and 3D parts.
On their own, both sides of the CAD/CAM equation take on one-half of the production process.
- CAD is used to create and modify designs on a computer.
- CAM is used to facilitate the manufacturing of workpieces by computer-controlled CNC machines (like CNC routers and plasmas). CAM programs convert design files into g-code so the machine can interpret them and perform the proper cuts. An essential part of this conversion process is using DXF files, which provide crucial specifications for cutting cabinet parts and ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Both types of software are highly capable on their own,but combining them into one shared platform allows you to handle every step of the design and production process in one central location.
With that in mind, selecting the best cabinet CNC software for you ultimately comes down to your production goals and the platform’s user experience, variety of features, and affordability.
Now, let’s take a look at our three leading options.
CABINET PRO
Cabinet Pro is a great all-in-one solution for small cabinet shops and more prominent manufacturers of everything from cabinets and doors to desks and entertainment centers. It efficiently generates cut/g-code files from cabinet designs, including features like tool path tiling, which allows adjustments based on material and machine size.
Cabinet Pro allows users to create:
- Detailed and finished drawings
- Floorplans
- Elevations
- 3D perspectives
- Unlimited user-defined cultists
- Material reports
- Door reports
- Bidding
- Financial charts and reports
- Panel optimization
The pro version of Cabinet Pro offers advanced features, including customizable options and efficient parts nesting, catering to larger jobs and professional needs.
Cabinet Pro is designed to sync across devices, meaning work from your laptop at home or in the field can easily be transferred to the office or shop desktop to keep production moving. The platform also comes pre-packaged with a cabinet library that can be modified and expanded to suit your needs.
At its best, Cabinet Pro allows operators to produce detailed 3D renderings to help you and your customers easily visualize the end product before it ever moves to production. This and its strength in formatting choices, accuracy, and the completeness of its cutlist reports have all helped make Cabinet Pro one of the most popular cabinet design software options for CNC on the market today.
MOZAIK
Mozaik is one of the most popular and widely trusted PC-based software platforms today, specializing in cabinet making, custom cabinets, closets, and casework. Its packages are capable of tackling everything from job site planning to design and manufacturing, with specific applications for labeling, cutting, and assembling.
Mozaik is easy to learn and use for even the most novice CNC operators and is available on a monthly subscription basis. It includes all software updates and online support services to help guide you through educating yourself and honing your craft.
KCD
KCD is a CNC cabinet design software program tailored specifically for woodworking, making it an excellent choice for those looking to build cabinets. Its easy-to-use visual interface allows operators to go directly from design to CNC while quickly setting tools, measurements, and sizes. KCD touchscreen usability also makes design, price, and build much more mobile-friendly. It also has free technical support that is industry-known.
With KCD’s CNC Manager tool, shops can run multiple jobs and individual parts from other jobs together to streamline production efficiency. The tool integrates with Cabinotch for simplified outsourcing and includes hundreds of MDF cabinet door stiles most libraries only offer in solid wood.
The Doors Plus feature is also a bonus, enabling easy and accurate scaling, sizing, and modifying, along with the ability to go directly to the manufacturing phase of any project at the push of a button.
EXPERIENCE CNC THE WAY IT WAS MEANT TO BE WITH SHOPSABRE
ShopSabre’s industry-best CNC routers, plasmas, and accessories are designed to help shop owners grow their production through unmatched precision, repeatability, and automation, all at an affordable price.
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 ensure 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 totally fabricate and test designs onsite
- The ability to place the designs into production in-house
Shop our unmatched collection of CNC routers and CNC plasmas today to experience CNC the way it was meant to be.