There are 3 primary types of software used to perform CNC milling:
- CAD
- CAM
- CNC motion control.
CAD stands for “computer-aided design”. A CAD program is used to design a 2D or 3D digital model of what you plan to produce in the physical world. Examples of CAD software include Fusion 360, VCarve, SketchUP, AutoCAD, and Tinkercad.
CAM stands for “computer-aided manufacturing”. A CAM program is used to create a set of instructions for the machine being used to product a part. In CNC milling, this instruction set is written in G-code. Examples of CAD software include Fusion 360, VCarve, and Solidworks.
CNC motion control is used to read the instruction set (G-code) generated by a CAM program and trigger the physical movements of the machine, e.g. moving the gantry or router along an axis. Which CNC motion control software is used is determined by the machine’s control board.
Often times the same software is used for both the CAD and CAM process, e.g. Fusion360. But, most CAD and CAM software support standard formats such that can be intermixed. Whether you use the same software or not is mostly a function of personal preference and what type of part you are milling.
Below you can find additional information about the applications most commonly used with at ACE. (Once the wiki articles are written 🙂.)
| CAD | Vectric VCarve Pro Fusion360 |
| CAM | Vectric VCarve Pro Fusion360 |
| CNC Motion Control* | CNC Mill 12 |
*Motion control software is specific to the machine so everyone will use CNC Mill 12.