If you need professional cam software to make your projects computer aided manufacturing, and you can't find anything that is compatible with Linux, you have come to the right place, because here I will show you the best CAM programs that you can install on your favorite distro and that work perfectly.
These programs are wonderful alternatives to other well-known ones that are only available for Windows and/or MacOS, and they have nothing to envy. So, without further delay, let's see what these programs are and what they can offer us.
What is CAD software?
CAD (Computer Aided Design) or computer-aided design, is a software used to create 2D and 3D designs, whether they are building plans, three-dimensional objects, mechanisms, etc. Imagine having a digital canvas where you can draw, model and design any object, from a simple mechanical part to a complete building; this is what you have with software such as the famous LibreCAD or FreeCAD (open source alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD, for example). This type of software not only offers a GUI with a multitude of drawing tools, they also usually offer a command interface for modeling through instructions.
What is CAM software?
CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturer), or computer-aided manufacturing, is software that takes those CAD designs and turns them into instructions for a machine, such as a 3D printer or CNC machine. CAM then analyzes the 3D model and generates a machining program (G-code) that tells the machine how to cut, drill, mill, print the object, and so on. It’s like telling the machine, “Take this design and make it a reality.” This is similar to what happens with traditional printers, when a document or image is translated into instructions for the printer to move the print heads and reproduce what you want to print.
In short, CAD is where you design, and CAM is where you manufacture. For example, if you want to create a custom metal part, you would first use CAD software to design the part in 3D. Then, you would use CAM software to generate the G-code that will tell a CNC milling machine how to cut the part out of a block of metal.
Best CAM Software for Linux
Now, you're probably wondering what CAM software is compatible with Linux, since there are usually well-known proprietary packages for Windows, such as MasterCAM, Autodesk Fusion 360, SolidCAM, HSMWorks (SolidWorks add-on), Esprint, PowerMILL, SurfCAM, GibbsCAM, Vertric, etc. Well, below we will see some that you can use from your distro:
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 (now called just Fusion) is a powerful software tool developed by Autodesk, one of the world's leading companies in computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). This integrated cloud platform offers a complete set of functionalities covering everything from conceptual design to final product manufacturing. However, Autodesk does not usually develop for Linux, as you may know, but the positive thing about this case is that it can be used online, from any web browser, so you can use it from your distro.
Among the latests Moravia's compositions Fusion 360 Key Features:
- 2D and 3D design: allows you to create detailed 3D models using a variety of techniques, such as solid, surface and parametric modeling. In fact, it is not only suitable for CNC machining, but also for additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing.
- Integrated CAD/CAM: Combines CAD design and CAM manufacturing tools into a single interface, making the transition from design to manufacturing easier, and you won't have to depend on two different programs.
- Simulation: Enables simulation analysis to evaluate the performance of designs before manufacturing, reducing costs and development time.
- Generative design: Uses artificial intelligence algorithms to generate multiple design options based on a set of user-defined constraints and objectives.
- PCB Design: Not only can it design parts and mechanisms, it also integrates tools for electronic circuit design, allowing engineers to prototype electronic products more quickly and efficiently.
- Cloud Collaboration: With an Autodesk account, you can also take advantage of other Autodesk cloud benefits, such as real-time collaboration with other design and manufacturing teams, and more.
- Direct and parametric modeling: offers flexibility to work with both direct models (modifying the geometry intuitively) and parametric models (based on dimensional relationships and constraints).
- Assemblies: It allows you to create complex assemblies of multiple components, managing the relationships between them, such as fitting together gears or motor shafts so that they move together, etc.
- Rendering: Generates realistic images of designs for visualization, simulation, animation and presentation purposes.
- CAM Post Processing: Generates optimized G-code for different CNC machines, ensuring precise and efficient manufacturing.
- Libraries and applications: You have a wide range of libraries and applications developed by the user community, which extends the capabilities of the software.
BlenderCAM
BlenderCAM is not a full-fledged software itself, but is an open source plugin for the popular 3D modeling software Blender.. This tool allows you to transform your 3D designs into machining instructions (G-code) that can be used directly on CNC machines. What makes BlenderCAM special is its seamless integration with Blender, meaning you can seamlessly move from 3D design to manufacturing.
In addition, we can also find highlights on the table:
- Blender integration: If you already know how to design using Blender, it will be perfect, because by integrating with it, you will be able to use your knowledge to create what you need and then the plugin will take care of going directly to generate the G-code to manufacture.
- G-Code GenerationBlenderCAM offers a variety of machining strategies, such as profiles, pockets, drilling, and parallels, allowing you to create custom toolpaths for your projects.
- Machining simulation: Before sending the G-code to your CNC machine, you can simulate the machining process directly in Blender. This allows you to visualize how the part is created and make adjustments if necessary, without having to mess up a real block of material.
- Personalization.: Being open source, BlenderCAM is highly customizable. You can modify the source code or create custom scripts to suit your specific needs.
- Free: It is completely free and open source, meaning you can use it without restrictions and contribute to its development.
bCNC
bCNC is another open source software, multiplatform (Windows, Linux, Mac) and free, designed specifically to control CNC machines. It stands out for its ease of use and its wide range of functionalities, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced users. Thanks to it you will be able to:
- CNC machine control: bCNC communicates directly with your CNC machine, sending the G-code commands necessary to perform cutting, drilling and other operations.
- G-code Editor: It includes a built-in G-code editor, allowing you to manually create and modify machining programs, making necessary adjustments or optimizations.
- Simulation: Like the previous ones, it allows you to simulate the tool paths on the screen to verify that the machining program is correct before sending it to the machine.
- Self-leveling: It performs a self-leveling process of the work bed, which guarantees greater precision in machining.
- Digitization: can convert images into height maps, allowing you to create 3D reliefs and cuts.
- Customisable: It offers a high level of customization through scripts and plugins, allowing you to adapt it to your specific needs.
f-Engrave
F-Engrave is free and open source software designed specifically to convert text or commands and images into G-code, the language that CNC machines understand. It is a very popular tool among CNC engraving hobbyists due to its ease of use and ability to produce high quality results. In fact, it is closely related to The LinuCNC project that we will see later.
Between main features include:
- Converting text to G-code: allows you to enter text directly into the program and convert it into tool paths for engraving.
- Converting images to G-code: You can convert grayscale images into toolpaths, allowing you to make detailed engravings from photographs or drawings.
- Customizing fonts and sizes: offers a wide variety of fonts and sizes to customize your engravings.
- Depth and speed settings: allows you to adjust the cutting depth and feed rate of the tool to obtain the desired results.
pycam
Lastly, PyCAM is another open source software, written in Python, designed to generate tool paths (G-code) for 3-axis CNC machines. It is a highly customizable and flexible tool, making it an excellent choice for users looking for greater control over the code generation process. In addition, it is perfectly integrated with LinuxCNC, which I mentioned earlier. In addition, it stands out for:
- G-code generation: PyCAM can generate G-code from 3D models in STL format or 2D models in DXF or SVG format.
- Machining strategies: It offers a wide variety of machining strategies, such as roughing, finishing, drilling and engraving, to adapt to different types of jobs.
- Personalization.: Being open source, PyCAM is highly customizable. You can modify the source code or create custom scripts to suit your specific needs.
- Supported platforms: It works on multiple platforms including Linux, Windows, and macOS, since Python is an interpreted language, and you only need an interpreter to make it work on any system.