Artcam software and laser engraving

[Martin Boekers]

I have seen some really cool things Artcam has done with a CNC.
My question is are the files able to be output or exported to a grey scale
for the laser?

Has anyone worked with Artcam and lasers?

What do you think?

They now are advertising the "Expess" version for under $150.00
(there is a free demo to try it out)

It is modular, so upgrade modules can be purchased as you need the
more advanced tools.

Whatcha think?

Marty


www.artcamexpress.com/

[Bruce Boone]

Yes, ArtCAM can definitely output grayscale. I used it when doing some rotary waxes for pens. I went back to see if the file could be done as grayscale and saw that it could. I haven't yet experimented with the files and the laser. I'm waiting on a new laser where I will definitely be trying some techniques like that.

[Belinda Barfield]

Marty, we have Artcam for CNC. I work in Engravelab with the laser. I've imported vector files from Artcam, but I've never tried to import a greyscale. If I can get some time in Artcam tomorrow, I'll give it a try.

[Martin Boekers]

Marty, we have Artcam for CNC. I work in Engravelab with the laser. I've imported vector files from Artcam, but I've never tried to import a greyscale. If I can get some time in Artcam tomorrow, I'll give it a try.

Thanks Belinda,

Do you have a "full" version?

I have a call to do some portraits into wood plaques
and seeing some videos on Artcam, the process doesn't seem too
difficult (things are not always as they seem)

I may get the demo and fiddle around with it first.

How do you like it, overall?

Thanks!

[Belinda Barfield]

We have what Artcam calls 2.5D full version. I don't get to work in Artcam that much. My only basis for comparison is Engravelab. Node editing is 1000% better in Artcam than in Engravelab. For vector work some of the drawing functions are better for odd shapes. I love the "clip" function in Artcam. We also have Aspire 3D but I haven't had the opportunity to use that software more than once or twice.

[Chuck Stone]

I'm going to have to figure out which of these to try. Just brought home a
CNC router, but there's no software to go with it. I just looked at the price
of Aspire. When I stop choking, I'll look again to see if I mis-read a decimal

[Wil Lambert]

I have ArtCAM and it will output grayscale that work fine in my laser. I am not sure if Express offers the same output. Since it's a trial I would check it out. Good Luck, Wil

[Wil Lambert]

I'm going to have to figure out which of these to try. Just brought home a
CNC router, but there's no software to go with it. I just looked at the price
of Aspire. When I stop choking, I'll look again to see if I mis-read a decimal

Apsire is a good product for the money. Check out ArtCAM and it's price. It will make Apsire look much more appealing. Wil

[Robert Walters]

Will,

That was kinda rude of ya...

If Aspire was choking Chuck, you could of at least given him a warning before looking at the ArtCam price tag

"Hello 911, I'd like to make a reservation..."

[Martin Boekers]

Will,

That was kinda rude of ya...

If Aspire was choking Chuck, you could of at least given him a warning before looking at the ArtCam price tag

"Hello 911, I'd like to make a reservation..."

I have checked Artcam pricing and I agree $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.$$ Maybe they should have a disclaimer before you
open the web page!

I have seen some of the 3D modeling and as I said it was pretty slick. I don't think
the $150 version will do what I need since I am looking for laser output. It doesn't
seem th have the 3D capabilities I need.

If anyone knows of a 3D modeler that can handle greyscale output to work from portraits, building photos and logos let me know

[Chuck Stone]

I fired off a note about ArtCam, since they won't even give a price online.
Apparently they feel that they need to be talking to you when you hear
what they're going to charge.
But I made an appointment with a rep and we're going to meet for a
cappuccino in the hotel lobby over by the grand piano. I'm only allowed
to bring a chauffeur and a masseuse, although they told me they would
provide both at no extra charge. So I went out and bought a driver's cap
for my accountant. We'll see if that fools them..

[Jiten Patel]

Haha, Chuck, that cracked me up. Brilliant. Software is hella expensive, but they produce things most of us could never do hence the price tag. Bit like lasering. Produce something that no-one else can or at least no can do as well and attach a price tag to boot!

[Martin Boekers]

For those just curious now about pricing check here;

www.shopbottools.com/mProducts/software.htm

Yes you did read correct that is $7000.00 not sure if you have an annual
license fee on top of that or not.

Everything I have heard though this software is tremendous.

You would have to make quite a few "doohickeys" though to justify it.


Marty

[Lee DeRaud]

For those just curious now about pricing check here;

www.shopbottools.com/mProducts/software.htm

Yes you did read correct that is $7000.00 not sure if you have an annual
license fee on top of that or not.

Not sure about annual license fee either, but I noted that the package is keyed to a USB copy-protection dongle, with the following "features":
1. if the dongle is lost, you have to rebuy the software, and
2. if the dongle dies, you have to return it to them before they will replace it. (Note that you'll be dead in the water in the meantime...and if I'm not mistaken, they're based in the UK.)

That would be a deal-breaker for me even if I was working from Bill Gates' petty-cash account.

[Larry Robinson]

If you do not intend on doing 3D stuff on your router look at Aspires little brother Vcarve Pro. Both are great programs.