There's Heeks Cad/CAM. $10 for funding development. There's no limitations to
the free version, the only difference is the free version inserts a note about
the program at the beginning of the G-Code it outputs. Easy to delete with any
text editor.
On Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 12:33:20 PM MST, Chris Albertson
<albertson.ch...@gmail.com> wrote:
The free Fusion360 license allows 2 and 3-axis milling, adaptive clearing,
and turning. This is likely enough for most people.
What you can't do is 4-axis and 5-axis milling. To enable that you do have
to pay for a license
more info here: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal
The other CAD options completely lack any build-in CAM functions. So it is
pointless. Yes you could design using CA then hand-code you g-code but
then you loose the guarantee that the g-code follows the design because
there is an "air gap" in the work flow and it is VERY hard to make organic
looking shaps with hand made g-code.
My criteria for choosing software is "Could I use it to make a battery
operated drill with the over-molded rounded case that fits your hand.
Fusion360, even the free version would allow this if you split the case
laterally to make to halves that assemble together. You couldn't use the
free Fusion for a one-piece model of a drill because to mill that you'd
need at least 4 axis
If you do need better CAM to run a more complex machine tool and you are on
a limited budget. There is a way to get SolidWorks at no cost if you are
an EAA member. SoldWorks is the only other CAD I know of that includes CAM
and can be had for zero or very low cost.
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