CAD
Computer Aided Design represents your part geometry to the
computer. Popular CAD programs include AutoCad, CADKEY,
Pro Engineer and Rhino among others. The CAD program stores
the shapes you enter as computer files. Most CAD programs
can store geometry in a DXF file format, which may ease
the prototyping process for simple geometries as FlashCut's
control software can read DXF files directly.
CAM
Computer Aided Manufacturing converts the geometry into
tool-paths, or commands that can be understood by machine
tools. The command language is called G-Code. FlashCut uses
G-Code instructions to control your machine tool to make
3-D and 2-D parts. For creating simple 2-D parts, (parts
with consistent XY cross sections) FlashCut can automatically
translate a DXF file into industry standard G-Code without
the use of CAM. If the part has complex 3-D surfaces, you
will need a CAM program to generate the G-Code. CAM programs
integrate directly with CAD packages so that you do not
have to reenter your geometry. Popular CAM programs include
MasterCam, SurfCam, Gibbs, DeskProto, BobCad/Cam, Vector,
Visual Mill, X-CAM, and Rams among others.
CNC
Computer Numerical Control software and electronics control
your machine to physically cut your 2D or 3D parts out of
real materials such as plastic, aluminum and steel. FlashCut
is a Windows based CNC package of software and electronics
that gives you visual, real-time control of 2, 3 or 4 axis
machine tools from an industry standard G and M Code file.
FlashCut's state of the art electronics create precision
timed motor pulses to control our powerful stepper and servo
drives and motors for precision machining and positioning.
