Choosing your CAM software

The role of a CAM software is simple: to convert a part’s 2D or 3D file into a sequence of instructions the machine can read.

Choosing the right software from the start matters. Each one is suited to a specific type of activity. Moreover, picking a software means training, getting your teams up to speed and, to some extent, integrating it with your existing tools. Switching software midway is a difficult operation that can prove long and costly.

Here we detail the four main options. Keep in mind that many other packages exist, depending on your preferences and use case.

1 — Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is the CAM solution developed by Autodesk, which also provides CAD, design and prototyping tools. It has become one of the major references in its field.

The suite offers a friendly, clear interface suited to a novice user. A few hours of training is enough to make simple parts within standard tolerance and surface-finish requirements.

All the more so, an experienced technician will be able to exploit all the specific features the software offers.

The available manufacturing techniques are varied. All standard machining features are present, whether for vertical or horizontal CNC or CNC lathes. Fusion 360 even natively includes a module dedicated to additive manufacturing.

There are two types of licence: the free licence for personal / educational use, and the professional licence for businesses. Both include almost the same features, not counting the optional modules that can be added on demand.

The personal licence is free, while the professional licence is subject to a monthly fee, based on the number of users and the number of options required. For more information, please contact your local Autodesk reseller.

2 — FreeCAD

FreeCAD positions itself as an open-source, free and accessible alternative. Its philosophy leans towards the advanced maker / hobbyist, but it can also fit into a professional environment.

At first glance the environment is fairly raw, with an unfriendly interface and features that are not always clear.

Nevertheless, it has all the useful functions to carry out 2D and 2.5D machining smoothly.

It is worth noting that its “open-source” distribution lets anyone modify the software at will, and also add optional plug-ins, most of which are free. Be aware, however, that basic Python programming knowledge is recommended if you want to attempt a modification.

Its major weakness is poor handling of the depth axis. It is easy to do flat milling, pockets or facing, but much harder to mill a part with complex geometry, several pocket depths or, for example, variable depths. Its CAM functions are better suited to a wood / aluminium router than to a machining centre.

3 — Solidworks CAM

Developed by Dassault Systèmes, this software stands, like Fusion 360, as a must-have for many professionals.

We will move quickly over the features, as it offers roughly the same capabilities as Fusion 360, in a different format. Handling is excellent in 3 axes, with some shortcomings on 4/5/6-axis machines.

Its interface is fairly neutral, and requires some training and adjustment time before you feel at home.

Its great strength — and its biggest flaw — comes from its automation functions. They are designed to simplify programming as much as possible, thanks to databases of operations and tools that can be added manually.

These databases ship natively, but in very simple versions that bring little benefit. To enjoy the full potential of Solidworks CAM, you have to invest time to make the most of this feature.

This software is distributed as annual or monthly licences whose cost should not be underestimated. For more information, contact your local Solidworks reseller.

A free trial version for personal or educational use is available, but its features are limited to 2D / 2.5D machining.

4 — Onshape

Onshape’s offering differs entirely from the previous three, as it is based on a fully cloud, off-site service. It runs through a web browser. Nothing to download — everything happens directly on the website.

Although on paper Onshape is a mere website, its capabilities are more than up to standard use. You find the basic 3D machining features that will suit simple parts.

It is fairly simple and user-friendly, tool libraries are easy to manage and operations are quite intuitive.

Moreover, this solution is still under active development, with a new CAM module coming soon, including advanced 3D features and up to 6 axes.

Onshape positions itself as the ideal solution for an engineer or a company with occasional, simple needs, and who does not want to invest in a dedicated powerful computer.

There are, however, some limits: as mentioned earlier, only basic 3D CAM features are available today (pockets, facing, simple milling…).

As for licensing, there is a free version with basic CAD features, but no CAM module. The annual cost per operator is around €2,000 a year, not to be overlooked.

In short, Onshape is a disruptive, interesting solution well worth watching in the coming years. For now, it offers a portfolio of functions useful for everyday machining.

We hope this has been as clear as possible. Bear in mind that other, lesser-known platforms exist.

Have questions? Want to get started but don’t know which machine and which software suite to choose? Don’t hesitate to contact us! We’ll be glad to help.