On the one hand, it can help you pick out the path that is optimized for your job.įortunately, most CAM software is available on a trial basis. Having a lot of different toolpaths available is a two-edged sword. If you want to get started making some parts quickly, I always tell beginners to start with MeshCam. The level of difficulty will be a function of which CAM software you choose. Further, assume the space between the two is filled with solid material. Extrusion is a pretty easy concept to grasp. The process is pretty straightforward as this video showing that part being made with Cambam shows.Ī lot of that information has to do with the fact that even though the model is 2D, a 3D part must be made. That depends on how you want to go about it.

Tip: Check our library for free DXF files that you can use in your designs. There really are no interesting 3D features, it is the outline that makes the part and the outline is 2D. The part is flat on the top and the bottom. These are not so useful for making 3D parts, but they are still very popular for CNC work because a lot that goes on can be represented in 2D. There are a number of different software packages out that can serve as your Slicer, and most 3D Printers come with one program or another. Most of the time this is a function of a CAD program, but not always.

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