Working with CNC-STEP machines, there are two kinds of software, which are mandatory:
- The drawing program, for example, Construcam-3D, 3D-PhotoFormer, Filou-CNC, Target 3001
- The control program, for example, Kinetic-NC, WinPC-NC
Drawing program / CAD program
By using the drawing program, you can make drafts, which you want to mill, drill, cut. The user can also import existing files to the CAD program, process them or directly mill them. Before the milling process can begin, the CAM-function oft the drawing program has to calculate the control commands and transmit them to the control program (CAM program).
The suitable CAD program depends on your application. Photo engravings as 3D reliefs can be made with 3D-PhotoFormer or PhotoVCarve. Making circuit boards, you only need the construction software Target 3001. The drawing programs 3D-Photoformer, PhotoVCarve and Target 3001 are low priced but have limited functions.
Recommendation for unlimited CNC machining: ConstruCAM-3D
For a wide range of functions, we recommend the drawing program ContruCam-3D, which has all CAD and CAM functions you need. No matter if you want to mill in 2D or 3D, engrave, drill or cut. Construcam-3D can nearly be used for 90 percent of all applications. The CAD-CAM program is included in every machine purchase (without High-Z S-400).
Control program / CAM program
The control program processes the control commands and transmits the moving direction to the machine. The easiest way to start milling is to have a plug-and-play-control-unit, on which the control software is already set up with the machine parameters. Then you don’t have to set up the control software and deal with time-consuming parameter settings. We offer a plug-and-play-control-unit with KinetiC-NC and the USB-version of Win-PC-NC.
Recommendation for the control program
The movement speed, the machine smoothness and the interference liability depend on the control program. It is pretty annoying when the machine stops unintentionally during the milling job. Compared to a USB connection our control software KinetiC-NC avoids any interference through the network connection. The control program impresses with smoothness, maximum movement speed and a modern interface. The provided control unit is already set up completely for each machine. The user only has to select the machine type.
