Free 3D CAM Programs: FreeMILL & PyCAM Overview

[@Hazdazos]

Wonder if there's been an update on the available free (or even low cost) CAM programs out there in the 6 years that this video came out. The go-to of using F360 seems to be an option, but if you are trying to stay away from Autodesk products, it seems to be slim pickings.

[@weberwoodshop]

Can you redo this video with the current options available for 3D software?

[@FragBenitez]

Hopefully he reads your comment!

[@aspeaerospaceprecisionenging]

@@FragBenitez Mastercam you can download free home learning edition

[@Liberty4Ever]

Thank you for this video. Unlike most people who use small shop or hobby class machines, I don't do a lot of one-off jobs. I use my CNC tools for short run production, so it doesn't matter as much to me how long the CAM takes to run. I'm more interested in faster G code, and I don't mind hand tweaking it. So far, I write my simple G-code programs by hand, but I'm finally about ready to need true 3D tool paths. I've been eagerly watching and playing with FreeCAM and PyCAM and OpenSCAD, and these CAD/CAM tools are getting ready for prime time. I've used PyCAM to do some simple stuff. Hopefully, in a year or two, we'll have a good usable open source tool chain to take our projects from idea to machined part.

[@THOMASTHESAILOR]

PyCam does 3D Milling, I have a video showing how, in PyCam.. I used an STL file from Blender and show ya the milling on my Homemade CNC.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5Oxh4uugK6tsNU

[@antonyb.6049]

Hi, which free or low cost CAM software is recommended for Pocket NC (5 axis) machine?

[@dougcoffland4503]

I noticed that you are using OpenSCAM. The name has been changed to CAMotics. It is also worth mentioning that CAMotics also has he ability to generate G-Code. You can even do your designs from within CAMotics using a Javascript like programming language called TPL and then generate GCode from there. CAMotics (OpenSCAM) was inspired by the 3D modeling program, OpenSCAD.

[@AndreBAnderson]

So this video is from 2014. In 2019, is the picture any different for free CAM software? Are there better options now?

[@XCyberAttackX]

Hi Winston, I have StepCraft 420 machine. it comes with UCCNC USB controller. I tried to do some basic 2d work but I'm still struggling to do it. I did download (cut 2d) program trail version but unfortunately the trail version doesn't allowed me to save the work to any type. Would you please tell me what is the best free software to use?? I live in Boston if you are nearby!?? thanks,

[@FM1775]

PyCAM SOS for a Windows Vista PC. I'd like to install and run PyCAM. I downloaded a PyCAM, zip file from source forge. Now what do I do with the PyCAM zip file? According to this link, I also need Python, GTK and Open GL. pypi.python.org/pypi/pycam/0.5.1 I installed Python; Python 'shows up' in my list of programs listed after hitting the 'start' button. Where do I find GTK? I may already have Open GL with Win Vista, but if not, where to find it? Thanks if anybody can help.

[@theslimeylimey]

You can simulate a roughing cycle by programming the toolpath for a larger ballnose cutter than you are actually using and also offset the Z axis between multiple runs.

[@SysadminsWithGuns]

Great video, thanks for posting this. I've got a Shapeoko 3 coming from "batch 1" in a few weeks, and hope to have my tools identified and understood before it arrives. I built a first-generation Makerbot back in the day, lots of similarities but WOW, the software looks so much better in just, what, 3-4 years?

[@KurtisSaiyo]

I saw your previous videos with MeshCAM and became very jealous. Thank you for this. Though, MeshCAM looks nice and I may just end up shelling out a nice piece of software.

[@alexnikoo244]

Thanking you for great video, I want to make a CNC cutting and polishing Gemstones , I have knowledge of Gem Cad SOFTWARE and I know the process of cutting by manual machine, I want to ask you in order to make a CNC , is it necessary to make a CAM soft ware or is there any short cut to conversion? Thanks

[@manahter]

Hi, I am developing a CNC addon for Blender. You can review the links. Blender nCNC Addon; www.github.com/manahter/nCNC nCNC - Simply Engrave Text in 5 minutes kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYrVZYGef7J6eaM nCNC - Tutorials; kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXK0l4Vum552iac

[@farzadtb]

Thank you for your video, I got to this point today that freemill has very few features, I wish you would discuss the pycam deeper, have you noticed heeks software?

[@WinstonMakes]

It was on my list of softwares to try, I just never got a chance to do so.

[@farzadtb]

shall I invite you to please ? it would be great, I contacted the programmer, but he didn't respond

[@THOMASTHESAILOR]

PyCam - 3D milling from a Blender STL file. The whole process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5Oxh4uugK6tsNU

[@rnelias]

I wonder if anyone could make a plugin so as Cura could be also used with Shapeoko. 3D printing with Cura is solo easy that I got lazy to tweak with all these softwares required to make any cut with my Shapeoko...

[@johnatonince7679]

how much did you get that mesh cam program for is it really 250$USD???

[@jamesdowle3992]

The current version of FreeMill includes stepdown settings as well as stepover.

[@jafo117]

Eagerly awaiting you review of CAMBAM and Easel! Thanks for all your videos so far, great guidance for a CNC amateurs.

[@kennethrice4259]

Thanks for the overview,did you actually cut anything out using pycam and if so would you mind showing us what it was and settings that was used?

[@WinstonMakes]

I wanted to get some tests in, but since I can only really play around with my CNC on weekends, and the past 6 weeks or so have been busier than usual I never got around to it. It'll be on my list of things to do though, just need to get my Shapeoko setup inside an enclosure I'm working on.

[@sfarcus]

What do use for a pc and video card? My openscam experience is very sluggish. Not the case in your demo.

[@WinstonMakes]

The computer this is running on is a Core i5-650 (3.2 GHz, mid-range dual core all the way from 2010) and a GTX 460 (also several years old). But I've run the program on mid-range laptops without too much issue. Loading the file initially might take a couple seconds, but after that it always smoothed out for me.

[@sfarcus]

Thank you for the feedback. I dont need bleeding edge, but the 2005ish pc is not cutting it. I was trying to find if there is a better video card the cad/cam. It appears opengl is approach here and might have different requirements compared to a gaming card.

[@sfarcus]

I'm also using cambam and viacad. The 3d stl files in cam is where things screetch to a halt.

[@hyperhektor7733]

What is the Name of the intro music please?

[@apristen]

How did you run PyCAM under Windows? :-) pycam.sourceforge.net/requirements/ - it says "The latest releases do not run under Windows." :-(

[@joge9837]

Hi im german and i have no experience in cnc milling but i want to buy the schapeoko 2 is that a god idea ? I am 16 years old ...

[@WinstonMakes]

Compared to pre-built CNC machines, the Shapeoko takes a little more effort to get running. But if CNC is something that really interests you, then the process of building your own machine and learning to use it is can be very valuable. Otherwise, there are machines or kits out now (or coming soon) that are smaller, but also cheaper. If you are not sure CNC is for you, then those would be less expensive ways to learn. For someone else, I wrote this: "For newcomers, there are two big factors to consider in my mind: 1) Price-performance ratio: The usable machining area is quite generous compared to other kits and pre-built CNCs in the price range. And although the Shapeoko is belt driven and less accurate than screw-driven models, the difference in a well-tuned machine is literally a fraction of a millimeter. For most Makers, this is perfectly acceptable. Plus, the design is much more modular and extensible. It will grow with you better than other machines. 2) Effort: This can be either a pro or a con. The Shapeoko comes as a kit only, so you have to put it together. In my eyes, if you're a Maker this should be a challenge you embrace. Plus the experience of building your CNC and discovering how to use it is an immensely educational undertaking."

[@joge9837]

Winston Moy thanks for the help ! I wait until other cnc machines come out were are cheeper and easy to handle with .

[@Linglither]

I've discovered that pycam likes to import stl files that were exported as ascii instead of binary.

[@EFalegname]

Hi,could you do a video on how to create a laser raster engraving on Linux. Please!!

[@BboyPunchi]

great review. any chance you'll be reviewing cambam in future?

[@WinstonMakes]

+Andrew Pun I've been waiting for the perfect project to make the best use of the demo period, and one just came up... should be in a couple weeks.

[@mihailazar2487]

FreeCAD also can do 3D surfaces and engraving, Dburring and 4axis operations I think as of 2020 it's the best one to use

[@alonyouval3452]

Hey, im very interested in free 4D milling. Can you plese send me some links about the topic?

[@joedanero]

Great Vid Winston. Thanks for explaining the difference between 2.5 and 3D. I'm trained and experienced in this field and that tidbit seemed to have been left out...or I was out to lunch that day :)

[@ahero4heor]

I was over at Maker Faire and ran into the guys at Inventables where they were showing off the Shapeoko 2 and Easel, their cloud-based CAM software. Obviously, among other topics, I had to tell them about your videos

[@WinstonMakes]

Appreciate the support man. What did you think of Easel btw? I was hoping to give it a shot, but they changed their minds about public beta testing right after SXSW.

[@ahero4heor]

It's more of a customization engine that's meant for engraving or 2.5D than a true CAM program, at least from what they had to show us. As far as ease of use goes, it was by far the easiest way to machine something I have seen, or even 3D print - running a Makerbot Replicator is more complicated! Although it may just be the fact that it's only working in 2.5D that makes it so simple

[@WinstonMakes]

ahero4heor Hmm, that's about what I expected from the previews. Reminds me of the 3D printing interface that's baked into Windows 8, lets you scale or modify a lot of parameters for parts, but isn't a full-on replacement for traditional CAD/CAM software. But glad to see Inventables trying to lower the barriers to entry for CNC.

[@hdkivela2]

PyCam uses ASCII stl-files. Blender and many others creates binary stl-files. Cloud Compare is beautiful software that can make the conversion easily.

[@WinstonMakes]

Aha, thank you for pointing that out.

[@abo.elfotouh]

I think FreeCAD is better than both with all can and analysis features.. hope you give a review

[@manahter]

Hi, I am developing a CNC addon for Blender. You can review the links. Blender nCNC Addon; www.github.com/manahter/nCNC nCNC - Simply Engrave Text in 5 minutes kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYrVZYGef7J6eaM nCNC - Tutorials; kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXK0l4Vum552iac

[@aspeaerospaceprecisionenging]

@@manahter Mastercam you can download free home learning edition

[@manahter]

@@aspeaerospaceprecisionenging Does it work in Linux?

[@aspeaerospaceprecisionenging]

@@manahter I don't think so :(

[@manahter]

@@aspeaerospaceprecisionenging I usually use free software. Thank you :)

[@Zwcky101]

I know it's not free. But have you tried Artcam?

[@thebeststooge]

LOL, I just found this video and there on the screen was my monster stress tester I made eons ago (was the Safety Feature Drink Coaster). Someone actually made that thing too and with the current machines, and slicers, I think it could be even easier.

[@StanislavJochman]

with pycam you must have stl converted to ascii for example in 123d design than everything works

[@THOMASTHESAILOR]

Blender STL files work great in PyCam.. I made a video of the process, including the milling, to show the quality.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5Oxh4uugK6tsNU

[@Janopooh]

Nice Video, you answered questions that i hadn't even thought of. Good job!

[@THOMASTHESAILOR]

I can't get either one of these installed..

[@THOMASTHESAILOR]

It comes up with errors and missing files.. I had to read the error and search for the files.. I finally got PyCam working, and it works good.. I made a ten minute video on making a little Car, using PyCam and my homemade CNC router.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5Oxh4uugK6tsNU

[@elsunshine9976]

how do you generate g code for a 4 or 5 axis cnc?

[@WinstonMakes]

With more advanced software, MeshCAM, Fusion360.

[@aspeaerospaceprecisionenging]

Mastercam you can download free home learning edition

[@movax20h]

I wonder if PyCam is working better these days. But I guess slow speed is just the nature of the Python. And what about BlenderCAM? It also looks very promising.

[@WinstonMakes]

I agree, it does look like it has potential. Haven't used it yet, but I'll definitely have to give BlenderCAM a try.

[@jjjjcc3356]

Ballsoonurchincam it sweet

[@Linrox]

Interesting. When i looked at Freemill a few weeks ago, it said that it was not a standalone product and that i needed Visual Mill for it to work. So i went some were else. Not interested in paying those kinds of prices. $$$

[@THOMASTHESAILOR]

FreeMill ain't free, unless you already paid.. PyCam is, 3D milling works great with Blender STL files in PyCam.. I made a video of the whole process.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5Oxh4uugK6tsNU

[@darlaandbunnies1276]

words blows like anything. Don't know the speed. but is a storm.

[@TECHNO_TURK]

cant even open stl in openscam

[@aspeaerospaceprecisionenging]

Mastercam you can download free home learning edition

[@THOMASTHESAILOR]

Pycam is the only free software here, but, it doesn't work any more.. Developers have been trying to upgrade it, and they broke it.. Then gave up.. Pycam is not an option anymore... Older versions of Pycam won't work on newer computers That's sad, cuz it used to work great for free software.

[@AtienzaLouie]

Whenever you do any kind of 3-axis machining toolpaths off STL files you will be limited by the machining strategies, because there really is no true object geometry to extract in the file. Thus things like the objects you sampled take a lot longer to mill. MeshCAM will detect some object geometry with STLs but it is not as good. Fusion360 blows these programs all away, and you'd be rewarded for the steeper learning curve with better more accurate parts.

[@THOMASTHESAILOR]

Free software in not usually as good as expensive software.. Fusion360 is out of reach for 99% of CNC Hobby Guy.. I made a little Car in Blender and exported it as STL, PyCam did pretty good (not great), 3D milling on my homemade CNC router.. MasterCam wouldn't do it.. I made a 10 minute video of the process in PyCam and I showed the cutting too, so you can see the quality.. . kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5Oxh4uugK6tsNU If ya want a better milling job, just triangulate and subdivide your object in blender, it creates more lines in the STL file.. PyCam will be more accurate..

[@ChipxNZLimited]

Have you tried Fusion 360 yet?

[@WinstonMakes]

+ChipX Not yet, it's on my list though. I have a project I'm CADing up in Inventor, so that might be a good opportunity to try...

[@ChipxNZLimited]

Winston Moy Well you also have the free Inventor HSM Express for Inventor. Great for 2.5D, it even has a couple of 3D strategies.

[@ElCitzen]

mesh cam free link?

[@aspeaerospaceprecisionenging]

Mastercam you can download free home learning edition

[@pleabargain]

Good stuff! Thanks for posting!

[@RCT3GOD]

That my thing at 5:56 the portal button

[@spudnickuk]

Free cam is not Free . You need to buy the main software of there Cad sftware to use the plugin of Free mill. around £400 for the basic (Express ) software and pro is about £5000, i would rather buy Solidworks As for Pycam Well that is for Linux and Unix systems, good software but you will strugle due to the lack of tool features

[@ponyswaves8603]

Du hast ja mal 0.0 ahnung vom Cam viel zu kleiner fräser für das mazda logo. sowas funktioniert in der praxis dann halt leider nicht. lass besser die finger davon und lerne den beruf

[@X25_Networking]

If you will talk a little bit slower, i can understood everything. But so it´s really hard for me...

[@aspeaerospaceprecisionenging]

Mastercam you can download free home learning edition

[@imranarain2739]

thanks for this video

[@hosseinhayati9820]

Thank you foe sharing :) Please turn down the back ground music ;)

[@DivyesshSivakumar]

He uses fusion360 cam design now

[@aspeaerospaceprecisionenging]

Mastercam you can download free home learning edition

[@BengalsOfRidanos]

that music like noise added to the video is very annoying

[@HARLYZZCCC]

NICE VID AGIN THUMBZZ UPP!!

[@tarabottogino]

AWESOME

[@renderuthis]

$2000 for aspire and $500 for meshcam not much difference to me its all more than I'll pay for a hobby cnc

[@renderuthis]

lots of the software has stuff most will never use.

[@HARLYDAVIDZ]

Very nice video comparing software!!

[@XriderPL]

Estlcam😊 cambam😊

[@siwilson1437]

Not free

[@mihailazar2487]

07:12 that's because it's Python DUUH Python is slow AF who knew ?

[@manahter]

Hi, I am developing a CNC addon for Blender. You can review the links. Blender nCNC Addon; www.github.com/manahter/nCNC nCNC - Simply Engrave Text in 5 minutes kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYrVZYGef7J6eaM nCNC - Tutorials; kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXK0l4Vum552iac

[@mihailazar2487]

@@manahter I'll definitely check it out, dude

[@agustin7995]

Meshcam it´s no longer free

[@northotagogolf]

Enjoyed the content but please don't talk at 100 mph.

[@uavinsky]

true rap-god

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

lol - Bing.

[@frankbutler6503]

Yeah, good stuff. But in my opinion this fast speaking is very exhausting.

[@davidarf]

Yet another pile of irritating background noise - why are so many presenters petrified about a few milliseconds of silence between words.

[@jackg8lii223]

Could you manage to speak a little quicker? Then we would get NOTHING at all from all your effots to make these videos.

[@JosephUsher]

Maybe you could manage to LISTEN a little quicker?

[@aspeaerospaceprecisionenging]

Mastercam you can download free home learning edition

[@kdanagger6894]

Any thoughts on BlenderCam ?

[@mihailazar2487]

Blender CAM ca, in theory do everything OpenCAMlib does that being said ... I banged my head against a wall for 2 days tryina do a 3D surface operation with it

[@mihailazar2487]

Blender CAM ca, in theory do everything OpenCAMlib does that being said ... I banged my head against a wall for 2 days tryina do a 3D surface operation with it in the end it DID work ... but ... idk there's a metric fuckton of options that are no texactly obvious what they do it's like "Button X" and the tooltip says "click this button to do X" which is not very helpful if someone figures out how to properly use it and make a nice video tutorial or article about it then I'm gonna start using it otherwise imma stick with FreeCAD's Path workbench