CAD/CAM Software

Development Software

This is a list of software we have available on lab computers or in common use by members for our Epilog Laser Cutter, CNC Router, Mini CNC, Haas CNC, and 3D printers.

Drafting/Drawing

* [FreeCAD]
* [OpenSCAD]
   "The programmer's CAD program." 
* [Autodesk Fusion 360]
   Excellent CAD program (also does CAM).  Free for makers and for small businesses making less than $100k/yr.
* [Blender]
  Powerful open-source 3D modeling software, excelling in organic modeling, animation, and similar tasks.
* [Adobe Illustrator]
  Program for creating 2d vector drawings. We use it often for the laser cutter and the 4x4 CNC.

3D Printing

* [OctoPrint]
  Web-based 3D printer control.  Typically run on a Raspberry Pi.
* [Simplify3D]
  Premium slicer/control software for 3D printing.
* [Cura]
  Excellent open-source slicer for 3D printing.

Computer-Aided Machining

* [Mach3]
  Current software used on the Metal Shop's Mini CNC.
* [Mach4]
  Current software used on the Wood Shop's CNC Router.  Newer version of Mach3.
* [Cut2D]
  Our currently used CAM program for the 4x4.
* [Vcarve]
  We are planning on purchasing a hackerspace license in the near future and transitioning from Cut2D to Vcarve, which has additional 2D and 3D cutting features. 
  Will also allow members to have a license on their personal computers to prepare files at home and then cut them at FamiLAB.
* [Autodesk Fusion 360]
   Preferred CAM for the Haas CNC.  Excellent for the 4x4 as well.  Supports 3, 4, and 3+2 axis setups with a wide variety of post-processors for different CNC machines.