CNC Masters

CAD-CAM software

CAD-CAM softwares are an integral part of the CNC Jr. and CNC SUPRA Milling Machines and of the CNC world of machining for the most part.  Yes, you can use simple commands found on the Master operating software to program your Jr. or SUPRA, but if you are planning to machine a complex design then investing in a CAD-CAM software will be an invaluable tool as much as your Jr. or SUPRA milling machine.  3D design and translation of your drawing into G-codes will save you extensive downtime instead of writing your g-codes files from scratch and reducing mathematical errors in design.  

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We offer the following CAD CAM Soft wares that work well with your CNC Jr. or CNC SUPRA Milling Machines and are competitively priced!

BOBCAD-CAM V21 • VISUALMILL CAM • RHINO CAD

BOBCAD-CAM VERSION VERSION 21
Low Cost, High Performance!

BobCAD-CAM Version 21 Click here to view a FREE DEMO of Bobcad-cam V21.

ORDER "DIRECT" FROM CNC MASTERS.

Our optional BOBCAD is a complete CAD-CAM software package that will get the most out of the CNC Jr. or Supra.   The BOBCAD features powerful drawing tools and it is easy to use.  The manual contains extensive samples and tutorials that will show the novice user how to program from simple parts to complex 3D parts.  With the BOBCAM, you can read and write DXF files generated by other programs like Autocad, Corel Draw, etc.  You can further edit these files and generate your tool path for machining.

BobCAD-CAM Version 21 introduces new external file compatibility, powerful CAD wireframe, surface and solids technology and user friendly machining operations for 2D & 3D part making. Version 21 proves that advanced CAD-CAM software can be powerful and loaded with part making functionality, yet still easy to use while also being affordable enough for any shop! From basic 2D machining operations to model design and mold making BobCAD-CAM Version 21 provides you the toolpath and g-code to cut your parts FASTER...SMARTER & EASIER! The following list of features has been added to give you an idea of what Version 21 can do for your design & manufacturing requirements.
You will also be relieved to know that there are NO MAINTENANCE FEES! After a year of development and extensive testing the V2 1 system has arrived! New powerful 2D and 3D part programming functions have been added to make this new version the most well balanced upgrade CAD & CAM program BobCAD-CAM has ever released and we wanted you to be the first to know of this.

New powerful and easy to use features include:

  • SAT/ACIS File Import.
  • Rhino CAD Native 3DM File Import.
  • AutoCAD DWG Import supporting solids and surfaces.
  • Run-Time Estimator.
  • Tapered Extrusion for wireframe and surfaces in different planes.
  • Independent Model Chamfering as well as independent Surface Filleting.
  • Variable Radius Surface Filleting for single or multiple model edges.
  • Tapered Wall Pocketing Wizard.
  • Automatic Profile Machining Wizard including variable radius and linear approach and departure. This includes automatic cutter compensation.
  • New Planar surface generation.
  • 3 Edge surface generation.
  • 4 Edge surface generation.
  • Revolved surface generation.
  • Cross Sectional surface generation.
  • Sweep Surface generation.
  • Solid Font tapered extrusion supporting island geometry.
  • Skin Surface generation.
  • Multi-Sided Patch Surface generation.
  • New Spline Menu with 4 Spline generation options.
  • New "To Part Edge" Planar surface generation option preventing the tool from going beyond the edge of the surface being machined.
  • Tool Center and Tool Tip option for toolpath creation has been added.
  • Surface "Normals" can now be rendered as well as dashed lines representing tool rapid moves.
  • SolidWorks File Support
  • Parasolids File support
  • Automatic "Erase Doubles" Geometry Cleanup
  • Enhanced Automatic Gear Generator
  • Enhanced Rectangle drawing dialog
  • You no longer need to snap points to arcs for drilling.
  • Now you just pick the arc and drill it
  • Project text and geometry onto surfaces
  • Font Spacing
  • Extend Surface function
  • Surface & solid model verification
  • Includes the NEW Manual & Bonus Training CD!
  • Plus all the great features of V20:

    Surface Creation

    • Rectangular & Circular Plane
    • Planar
    • Extrude Curve
    • Extrude Surface (with or without draft angles)
    • Revolved
    • 3 Edge
    • 4 Edge
    • Sweep
    • Cross Section 
    • Skin Surface
    • Multi-Sided Patch

      CAD & Solid Modeling

    • CAD-2D & 3D Design with Wireframe, Surfaces & Primitive Solids
    • Solid Edit-Boolean Operations – Union, Difference & Intersection
    • Independent/Constant & Variable Radius Filleting
    • Independent & Constant Chamfering
    • Automatic Stitch surfaces to Solid
    • Automatic Un-Stitch surfaces from Solid
    • Offset Surface & Solid
    • Automatic Hole Removal
    • Solid Model Rendering

      Toolpath & Machining Operations

    • Definition boundary machining
    • Auto CUT, CUT Single & CUT ALL machining options
    • 3 Axis Solid or Surface Toolpath wizard for high speed machining
    • Solid part rendering
    • Isolation Surface Machining
    • Use Full Part & To Part Edge toolpath options
    • 2 Axis Milling
    • Pocketing with island avoidance or Tapered Wall
    • Automatic Spiral & Horizontal toolpath
    • Profiling - Open & Closed Shapes. Automatic Profile Wizard including variable linear and radial approach & depart. Automatic cutter compensation included
    • Engraving with solid fonts, true type fonts and Single Line Fonts
    • Bolthole Patterns – Grid & Circular
    • Planar, Radial & Spiral Toolpath Creation Wizards for solid models and Surface roughing and finishing.

      3 Axis Milling

    • Horizontal Z Level Roughing
    • Horizontal Z Level Finishing
    • Spiral Z Level Roughing
    • Spiral Z Level Finishing
    • Surface Roughing – Skin Surface, Revolved Surface, Swept Surface, Ruled Surfaces, Radial Surfaces
    • Surface Finishing – Skin Surface, Revolved Surface, Swept Surface, Ruled Surfaces, Radial Surfaces
    • Spiral Skin Surface Toolpath
    • Gears Creation & Machining
    • Clean Circle – Roughing & Finishing
    • Project Text Onto Surfaces – Roughing and Finishing
    • Project Text To Curves – Roughing & Finishing
    • Surface Machine Around Raised Text – Roughing & Finishing
    • Direct Surface Toolpath To Wireframe

      4 Axis Milling

    • 4th Axis Indexing

      5 Axis Milling

    • 5 Axis Tool Positioning
    • 5 Axis Surface Finishing

      CAM & Communications

    • RS 232 Communications – Fully Customizable by the operator
    • DNC Communications - Fully Customizable by the operator
    • Post Processor Configurations - Fully Customizable by the operator
    • Post Processor Library – Available to all customers at no extra charge
    • Customizable CAM Menus
    • Customizable Drill Cycles
    • Customizable Tool Library
    • Customizable Tool Boxes & Icons
    • Graphical Tool Rendering
    • G-Code Editor
    • Color Coded NC Codes – Operator Definable

      Verification

    • Solid NC Verification/Part Simulation
    • NC Code Backplot
    • Run Time Estimator
    • Hole Making
    • Drilling
    • Tapping
    • Boring
    • Reverse Boring
    • Peck Drilling
    • Reaming

      Visual Basic

    • Visual Basic Scripting Capability
    • Create & Record Operations
    • Script Library

      2 Axis Lathe

    • Customizable Tool Library
    • Roughing
    • Finishing
    • Grooving
    • Slotting
    • Facing
    • Collision Detection
    • Diameter Programming
    • NC/G-Code Generation

    V21 Training Professor CD Video Series       
     

    BobCAD_CAM Training Professor

    The Version 21 Training Professor CD Video Series is the most complete and comprehensive training product BobCAD-CAM has ever offered for our customers. This 6 CD box set offers more than 20 hours of audio-video training that spans more than 175 individual videos.  Each CD offers its own video index so that you can go directly to the video that you need to see.  Every aspect of the version 20 system is covered with live examples, demonstrations and instruction on how to use the feature. Watch a video and then open the V20 software and do it yourself the easy way!

     

    Video training includes:

    • Importing and working with external CAD files
    • Basics and V21 Fundamentals
    • Basic & Advanced 2D & 3D CAD Design
    • Solid Modeling
    • 2.5 Axis Machining Operations
    • 3 Axis Machining operations
    • 4th Axis machining Operations
    • Lathe Programming
    • Generating G-Code Programs
    • Post Processing
    • Customizing the V20 CAM
    • Simulation and Verification
    • Engraving
    • BobART PRO
    • Nesting and everything in between!

    This power training package is perfect for both basic and advanced BobCAD-CAM operators and will complete your V21 training!

VISUALMILL 6.0 CAM SOFTWARE 

Click here to view a FREE DEMO of VISUALMILL.

If you have a CAD software already and need a CAM software to produce your G-Codes, the VisualMill Basic 5.0 will be a worthy investment to generate your drawings into G-Codes.  The Master Operating software of your CNC Jr./SUPRA will read your codes and machine your part according to your drawing.

RHINO CAD SERVICE is ALSO AVAILABLE -- If you would like us to help you convert your part's drawing into Rhino CAD to import into your VisualMill Basic 5.0 CAM software, please email us your drawing for a quote. We will get back to you with a quote to draw your part in RHINO CAD. We will submit it the drawing as a file attachment to import into your VisualMill CAM to generate the tool paths for your CNC Jr/Supra to machine for you.

Windows-based 2½, 3 (and 4th axis toolpaths; comes as an ADD-ON) axis solid/surface/STL manufacturing system. Includes VisualMill 5.0 CAM engine, DXF & IGES translator, other CAD imports and configurable post-processor. Includes email and web-based support.

This is a general purpose machining program targeted at the general machinist. This product is ideal for the rapid-prototyping, hobby and educational markets where ease of use is a paramount requirement. Packed with sufficiently powerful manufacturing methods this easy to use package is not only effective but also attractively priced for the budget conscious or entry level buyer.

Available file imports include:  IGES, Rhino, Dxf, Dwg, STL, VRML, RAW, Point Cloud.

Cad Creation / Editing Tools
2D and 3D Cad Creation
Layers
Unlimited Undo
Clipboard
True Type Font Text
Measurement Tools

2 1/2 Axis Milling

Pocketing
Profiling
Engraving
Facing
V-Carving
Hole Milling
Thread Milling
3 Axis Milling
Horizontal Roughing
Parallel Finishing
Horizontal Finishing
Hole Making
Automatic hole Selection, Sorting
Drilling
Tapping
Boring
Reverse Boring
User defined drilling cycles
Toolpath Simulation
Toolpath Animation
Cut Material Simulation
Tools
Thread Mill
Tool Holder Simulation
Post-Processor Generator
User customizable post-processor generator
User Defined Cycles
Helix Output
Spiral Output
Simulate Cycles
X-pert DNC
Direct numerical control
MetaCut Utilities
GCode Analysis Verification Tool
4 Axis Milling---ADD-ON ONLY
4-Axis Indexed Machining
4-Axis Continuous Rotary Machining
4-Axis Continuous Rotary Engraving
4-Axis Parallel Roughing

VISUALMILL BASIC 5.0 CAM SOFTWARE 4th AXIS ADD-ON  CNC MASTER'S Price:  $950.00 (The ADD-ON can only be purchased with the VISUALMILL BASIC 5.0 CAM)

RHINO 4.0 3D MODELING CAD SOFTWARE

Retails at:  $895.00          CNC MASTER'S Price:  $845.00

Rhino 4.0 3D Modeling CAD SoftwareRhino© is a 3-D modeling system that can create, edit, analyze, and translate NURBS curves, surfaces, and solids in Windows.   VisualMill can read Rhino's native format files (.3dm) directly (without translation) and generate cutter paths accurately and efficiently, ensuring 100% direct translation capabilities.

Start with a sketch, drawing, physical model, or only an idea—Rhino provides the tools to accurately model your designs ready for rendering, animation, drafting, engineering, analysis, and manufacturing.



Rhino can create, edit, analyze, and translate NURBS curves, surfaces, and solids in Windows. There are no limits on complexity, degree, or size. Rhino also supports polygon meshes and point clouds.

Special features include:

Uninhibited free-form 3-D modeling tools like those found only in products costing 20 to 50 times more. Model any shape you can imagine.

Accuracy needed to design, prototype, engineer, analyze, and manufacture anything from an airplane to jewelry.

Compatibility with all your other design, drafting, CAM, engineering, analysis, rendering, animation, and illustration software.

Read and repair extremely challenging IGES files.

Accessible. So easy to learn and use that you can focus on design and visualization without being distracted by the software.

Fast, even on an ordinary laptop computer. No special hardware is needed.

Affordable. Ordinary hardware. Short learning curve. Priced like other Windows software. No maintenance fees.
 

NURBS:  Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines, are mathematical representations of 3-D geometry that can accurately describe any shape from a simple 2-D line, circle, arc, or curve to the most complex 3-D organic free-form surface or solid. Because of their flexibility and accuracy, NURBS models can be used in any process from illustration and animation to manufacturing.

System requirements

    Rhino runs on ordinary Windows desktop and laptop computers, with:

    • Pentium, Celeron, or higher processor.
    • Windows 98/NT/ME/2000/XP for Intel or AMD.
    • 65 MB disk space.
    • 128 MB RAM. 256 or more is recommended.
    • OpenGL graphic card recommended.
    • IntelliMouse recommended.
    • 3-D digitizer and 3-D printer optional.

Details

    User interface: extremely fast 3-D graphics, unlimited viewports, shaded, working views, perspective working views, coordinate read-out, named views, floating/dockable command area, pop-up recently-used commands, clickable command options, auto-complete command line, customizable pop-up commands, pop-up layer manager,  synchronize views, camera-based view manipulation, perspective match image, configurable middle mouse button, customizable icons and user workspace, customizable pop-up toolbar, transparent toolbars, context sensitive right-click menu, dockable dialogs, multiple monitor support, Alt key copy and OpenGL hardware support with anti-aliasing.

    User support and documentation: localized interface (user selectable) and documentation, extensive Explorer-like online help, a 500-page manual, electronic updates, automatic service release availability notification, newsgroup support (24x7), telephone support, and e-mail support.

    Construction aids: unlimited undo and redo, undo and redo multiple, exact numeric input, units including feet and inches and fractions, .x, .y, .z point filters, object snaps with identifying tag, grid snaps, ortho, planar, named construction planes, next and previous construction planes, orient construction plane on curve, layers, layer filtering, groups, background bitmaps, object hide/show, show selected objects, select by layer, select front most, color, object type, last object, and previous selection set, swap hidden objects, object lock/unlock, unlock selected objects, control and edit points on/off, and points off for selected objects.

    Create curves: point, line, polyline, polyline on mesh, free-form curve, circle, arc, ellipse, rectangle, polygon, helix, spiral, conic, TrueType text, point interpolation, control points (vertices), sketch.

    Create curves from other objects: through points, through polyline, extend, fillet, chamfer, offset, blend, from 2 views, cross section profiles, intersection, contour on NURBS surface or mesh, section on NURBS surface or mesh, border, silhouette, extract isoparm, projection, pullback, sketch, wireframe, detach trim, 2-D drawings with dimensions and text, flatten developable surfaces, extract points.

    Edit curves: control points, edit points, handlebars, smooth, fair, change degree, add/remove knots, add kinks, rebuild, refit, match, simplify, change weight, make periodic, adjust end bulge, adjust seam, orient to edge, convert to arcs, a ployline, or line segments.

    Create surfaces: from 3 or 4 points, from 3 or 4 curves, from planar curves, from network of curves, rectangle, deformable plane, extrude, ribbon, rule, loft with tangency matching, developable, sweep along a path with edge matching, sweep along two rail curves with edge continuity, revolve, rail revolve, blend, patch, drape, point grid, heightfield, fillet, chamfer, offset, plane through points, TrueType and Unicode (double-byte) text.

    Edit surfaces: control points, handlebars, change degree, add/remove knots, match, extend, merge, join, untrim, split surface by isoparms, rebuild, shrink, make periodic, Boolean (union, difference, intersection), unroll developable surfaces, array along curve on surface.

    Create solids: box, sphere, cylinder, tube, pipe, cone, truncated cone, ellipsoid, torus, extrude planar curve, extrude surface, cap planar holes, join surfaces, TrueType text.

    Edit solids: fillet edges, extract surface, Booleans (union, difference, intersection).

    Create meshes: from NURBS surfaces, from closed polyline, mesh face, plane, box, cylinder, cone, and sphere.

    Edit meshes: explode, join, weld, unify normals, apply to surface, reduce polygons.

    Edit tools: cut, copy, paste, delete, delete duplicates, move, rotate, mirror, scale, stretch, align, array, join, trim, split, explode, extend, fillet, chamfer, offset, twist, bend, taper, shear, orient, orient planar object on curve, flow along curve, smooth, project, object properties.

    Annotation: arrows, dots, dimensions (horizontal, vertical, aligned, rotated, radial, diameter, angle), text blocks, leaders, hidden line removal, Unicode (double-byte) support for text, dimensions, and notes. Dimensions in perspective views are supported.

    Analysis: point, length, distance, angle, radius, bounding box, normal direction, area, area centroid, area moments, volume, volume centroid, volume moments, , hydrostatics, surface curvature, geometric continuity, deviation, nearest point, curvature graph on curves and surfaces, naked edges, working surface analysis viewport modes (draft angle, zebra stripe, environment map with surface color blend, show edges, show naked edges, Gaussian curvature, mean curvature, and minimum or maximum radius of curvature).

    Rendering: shade, shade (OpenGL), shade selected objects, raytrace render (with textures, bumps, highlights, transparency, spotlights with hotspot, angle and direction control, point lights, directional lights, rectangular lights, linear lights, and shadows, and customizable resolution), render preview (OpenGL), render preview selected objects, turntable, RIB export, POV export, rendering plug-in support, settings saved in file.

    File formats supported: DWG/DXF(AutoCAD 200x, 14, 13, and 12 ), SAT (ACIS), X_T (Parasolid), 3DS, LWO, STL, OBJ, AI, RIB, POV, UDO, VRML, BMP, TGA, CSV (export properties and hydrostatics), uncompressed TIFF, STEP, VDA, GHS, SLC, Deep Paint 3D.

    IGES (Alias, Ashlar Vellum, AutoFORM, AutoShip, Breault, CADCEUS, CAMSoft, CATIA, Cosmos, Delcam, EdgeCAM, FastSurf, FastSHIP, Integrity Ware, IronCAD, LUSAS, Maya, MAX 3.0, MasterCAM, ME30, Mechanical Desktop, Microstation, NuGraf, OptiCAD, Pro/E, SDRC I-DEAS, Softimage, Solid Edge, SolidWorks, SUM3D, SURFCAM, TeKSoft, Unigraphics), NASA GridTool, Yamaha ESPRi, Tebis.

    File management: Notes, templates, merge files, export selected objects, save small, incremental save, bitmap file preview, Rhino file preview, export with origin point, work sessions, blocks, file compression for meshes and preview image, send file via e-mail.

How accurate is Rhino?

Since many free-form modelers are not accurate enough for manufacturing or engineering analysis, and since Rhino is a free-form modeler, many people assume Rhino is not accurate enough for their application.

In fact, Rhino is just as or even more precise than most CAD software.  Here are the details:

There are two common methods 3-D models are stored in computers.

    The first method is using meshes (sometimes called facets), which are usually used for rendering, animation, or conceptual design. While mesh modelers often have what appear to be precise techniques for creating models like spheres, boxes, splines, or even NURBS, behind the scenes they eventually turn everything into a mesh. Meshes are inherently inaccurate because a mesh is simply a collection flat triangles. Even if the surface is curved, a mesh modeler still represents it with flat triangles. This is fine for most renderings, animations, and games, but not when designing for manufacturing. It should be noted that many manufacturing processes use meshes but the mesh density must be under the control of the manufacturing application to achieve the desired accuracy. Rhino does not use meshes for modeling, but it can convert NURBS to meshes at any density as needed for file exports and rendering.

    The second method is NURBS. Most CAD, CAM, CAE, and CAID modelers, including Rhino, represent free-form shapes as NURBS. Products that use NURBS can potentially represent free-form shapes accurately enough for the most demanding application if they are diligent in their NURBS implementation. If an application’s primary focus is machinery design and not free-form shapes, it is likely that its NURBS implementation can be less than robust for demanding free-form modeling. This is typical of the mid-range feature-based parametric solid modelers that are so popular today.

Since Rhino’s focus is free-form NURBS modeling, its NURBS implementation is one of the most robust available today. Here are the primary considerations when evaluating whether a modeler is accurate enough for your application:

    • Position. Rhino, like most CAD products, represents position in double-precision floating-point numbers. That means the x, y, or z coordinate of any point can have a value ranging from as large as ±10308 to as small as ±10-308. Most CAD software, including Rhino, uses double-precision floating-point arithmetic.

      Because of the limitation of current computer technology, we expect calculations to be accurate to 15 digits of precision in a range from ±1020 to ±10-20. This limitation is found in all modern CAD products.

      Older CAD products often have additional limitations because they were developed originally to run on computers with less precision. For example, many CAD modelers are designed for performing calculations on geometry that is restricted to be in a box of size 1000x1000x1000 meters centered at the origin. (Geek alert: Another of the popular off-the-shelf modeling kernels requires parameterizations that are within a factor of 10 of being arc-length parameterizations.) Rhino has none of the limitations found in these older products.
       

    • Intersections. In Rhino, when two free-form surfaces are intersected, the resulting intersection curve is calculated to the accuracy specified by the user. The Rhino default accuracy (tolerance) is 1/100 millimeter. Many CAD systems have built in tolerances that the user cannot override.

      If you carefully examine the geometry other modelers produce from free-form surface intersections, free-form fillet creation, and free-form surface offsets, you will discover that this free-form geometry is actually calculated with accuracy between 10-2 and 10-4 meters even though they advertise precision of 10-8 (without mentioning that the units are meters).
       

    • Continuity (curvature change matched across a seam.) Most CAD products don’t even have tools to match curvature, let alone do it accurately enough for a discriminating designer. If your application requires smooth free-form surfaces such as airfoils, hydrofoils, lenses, or reflective surfaces, you need these tools found only in Rhino or high-end surface modeling products like CATIA and Alias.

Other things to consider:

    • Units. In Rhino the user can specify the units. The units are actually changed and then all calculations are done in those units. In many CAD products, units are only a display attribute. Even though you may have specified millimeters, all of the calculations are actually being done in meters. No big deal. You just move the decimal place over. Wrong! Read on.
       
    • Changing units. Changing units or unit conversions can be one of most commonly overlooked accuracy hazard in CAD/CAM. Most of us might think that converting from imperial units to metric units would introduce some inaccuracy while never giving millimeter to centimeter conversions a thought. Why? Because we think in decimal. But guess what! The computer doesn’t. It is binary (that is base 2, not base 10). That means one or more floating-point multiplies or divides are needed to convert from millimeters to centimeters. The inaccuracies introduced by converting from millimeters to centimeters are the same as those introduced by converting from millimeters to inches.

In summary, Rhino is as accurate or more accurate than any other CAD product on the market today. In addition, Rhino provides tools for setting accuracy and units as well as tools for controlling and evaluating continuity not found in most CAD products. Rhino does not have the limitations found any of the older CAD products.