DeskProto vs PyCAM

Struggling to choose between DeskProto and PyCAM? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

DeskProto is a Development solution with tags like cad, cam, cnc, milling, machining, toolpath, gcode.

It boasts features such as Imports various 3D file formats like STL, OBJ, 3DS, VRML, STEP, IGES, etc., Supports 3-axis and 5-axis CNC milling, Generates optimized toolpaths for roughing and finishing operations, Simulates toolpaths to detect collisions and other issues, Supports various post-processors for outputting G-code, Includes a customizable CAM editor for modifying toolpaths, Has a simple and intuitive user interface and pros including Powerful CAD/CAM features for a low price, Easy to use even for beginners, Good support for common 3D file formats, Flexible licensing options.

On the other hand, PyCAM is a Development product tagged with cam, cnc, machining, toolpath, gcode.

Its standout features include Imports 3D models in various formats (STL, OBJ, DXF, etc.), Generates toolpaths for 2.5D machining operations like profiling, pocketing, drilling, Supports different machining algorithms like rastering, z-level, contour-parallel, Simulates and visualizes machining operations, Exports G-code for CNC machines, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS), Supports multiple input and output formats, Flexible toolpath strategies, Visual machining simulation.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

DeskProto

DeskProto

DeskProto is CAD/CAM software for machining free-form surfaces on CNC milling machines. It allows importing various 3D file formats, simulating and optimizing the toolpaths for 3-axis and 5-axis CNC milling machines, and outputting G-code.

Categories:
cad cam cnc milling machining toolpath gcode

DeskProto Features

  1. Imports various 3D file formats like STL, OBJ, 3DS, VRML, STEP, IGES, etc.
  2. Supports 3-axis and 5-axis CNC milling
  3. Generates optimized toolpaths for roughing and finishing operations
  4. Simulates toolpaths to detect collisions and other issues
  5. Supports various post-processors for outputting G-code
  6. Includes a customizable CAM editor for modifying toolpaths
  7. Has a simple and intuitive user interface

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Powerful CAD/CAM features for a low price

Easy to use even for beginners

Good support for common 3D file formats

Flexible licensing options

Cons

Limited simulation capabilities compared to high-end CAM software

Less customizable than open-source CAM solutions

Not as widely used as some alternatives


PyCAM

PyCAM

PyCAM is an open-source, cross-platform tool for generating CAM programs for CNC machining. It offers 3D model importing, multiple machining algorithms, simulation and visualization, toolpath editing, and G-code output for various CNC systems.

Categories:
cam cnc machining toolpath gcode

PyCAM Features

  1. Imports 3D models in various formats (STL, OBJ, DXF, etc.)
  2. Generates toolpaths for 2.5D machining operations like profiling, pocketing, drilling
  3. Supports different machining algorithms like rastering, z-level, contour-parallel
  4. Simulates and visualizes machining operations
  5. Exports G-code for CNC machines

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS)

Supports multiple input and output formats

Flexible toolpath strategies

Visual machining simulation

Cons

Limited support for 3D surfacing and 5-axis machining

Steep learning curve

Lacks some advanced CAM features compared to commercial software