2D Output

Usual file format for export from 3D CAD is DXF

• Techsoft 2D Design for users who require sophisticated drawing and design features.  Whether you need to produce engineering drawings, parts to be cut on a knife cutter, miller/router, or laser cutter, or smart graphical presentation sheets, 2D Design V2 has been carefully developed to give you all the tools you need – and all in one place.

• Techsoft 2D Primary is accurate drawing & design software for Key Stage 2.  Based on TechSoft’s Secondary level software 2D Design, 2D Primary offers simple, yet powerful drawing functionality combined with easy to use bitmap tools (e.g., clip and mask photographs).  2D Primary has in-built drivers for CAM so not only can you draw things, you can make them too! Knife cutters provide the means to cut stickers, or to cut and score card to create greeting cards, packaging nets, etc..

• Techsoft 2D PCB is effectively two programs in one package; a simple to use PCB design package and a PCB manufacturing system. The system allows the use of a STIKA, CAMM 1, or ColorCAMM to cut out the tracks in sticky backed copper foil, or the use of a RotoCAMM, EGX-350E, MODELA, or CAMM 2, etc., to engrave around the tracks, drill the holes and cut out the board, for a completely finished PCB.

 

• LaserCam 2D from Denford is for use with Laser cutting machines. Simple designs can be created quickly and accurately and output to a laser with minimum effort. A host of import options make it the ideal way to manufacture logos, designs and projects on most types of Laser cutter & engraver.
• QuickCAM 2D Design from Denford is an advanced, yet simple to use, wizard based 2D CAD/CAM package. You can create designs quickly and accurately, then run the CAM wizard to create CNC machine toolpaths. It features various import options to allow images, PCB’s and designs from other CAD packages to be manufactured. The customisable post processor and advanced printing facilities provide outputs to most desktop CNC and laser machines. Also can output PCB designs with drilling feature.

 

• SureLab from Trotec has been developed in cooperation with CadLink and features additional features specific to Suregrave. It’s packed with engraving-specific features that provide complete design and production tools. SureLab supports dye sublimation printers, vinyl cutters and CNC machines. Free demo download (outputs 10 times before registration necessary).
• PhotoLaser+ from Trotec will process digital images and ensure the highest quality laser engraving output. 

 

3D Output

• Boxford 3D GeoCam will output to all the common school CNC machines and has additional cutting strategies as well as the usual  raster cutting. With Boxford's own machines the link to manufacture is seamless.

• RapidPro (also from Boxford) imports a solid model and, using a special “wizard”, takes just a few clicks to “slice” the model. The slices are then cut out of sticky-backed paper in conjunction with a vinyl cutter (for instance a Roland CAMM-1), nesting as many slices as possible on a sheet to minimise paper usage. To further minimise material costs, the model can be scaled and the required number of sheets is displayed at any chosen scale. Thicker slices can also be output to Laser Cutter or profile cut. See details here (PDF).

• Techsoft's Visual Toolpath is a 3D machining program designed specifically for the educational user. Visual Toolpath will output to all Techsoft's 3D capable miller/routers and is supplied free with TechSoft’s MDX-40AE, MDX-540E and RouterCAM machines. All other Roland Machines from TechSoft are supplied with free 3D CAM software such as SRP Player or Modela Player/Virtual Modela.

 

• QuickCam Pro from Denford is an advanced, yet simple to use, wizard based CAM package, which is used to create cutter paths for machining 3D parts on a milling machine or router. Both STL files and image files can be imported.

• Virtual Reality CNC Milling 5 is an improved and updated version of CNC machine control software incorporating Denford PCB Manufacturing Software and 2D DXF import facilities. Enhanced features provide the user with new machining capabilities, simplified options in datum setting, improved tool and work offset features and a virtual reality 3D simulation engine.

Older machines and software

• Suregrave Engrave Lab: Exporting DXF files to Engrave Lab from Pro/DESKTOP can result in a scaling problem because the import is in inch units. For the solution see "Scaling factors for SureLab DXF files"

•  SureCAM machines: Excalibur and Wizzard can be "driven" directly from Techsoft 2D Design to produce cut out shapes from sheet materials. 3D-GeoCAM is the recommended software for the production of 2D (contour) or 3D tool paths created in ProDESKTOP, ArtCAM or any other package capable of producing an STL file. SureCAM machines are backwardly compatible with Millwizard and MiniCAM. Galaad and Gawain softwares can also drive SureCAM machines. MiniCAM is no longer available.

• Tools for (Isel) Educam machines: Rotozip cutters are inexpensive from B&Q, etc and have 25mm cutting depths 3.2 (1/8th inch) cutters and will 'zip' through all non metalic and soft metal materials with ease. Fit into 1/8th collet and are brilliant for cutting out and for roughing cuts in 3D.

• Exporting assemblies from Pro/DESKTOP as .stl file: If you try to export an assembly as STL, you will get a file format registering 0 bytes. Pro/DESKTOP 2000i2 was unusual among CAD software in allowing assemblies to be exported as STL files. The solution is:

• Welsoft for older Emco F1 milling machines is no longer available.

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