DeskProto vs SolidCAM

Struggling to choose between DeskProto and SolidCAM? 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, SolidCAM is a Development product tagged with cad, cam, cnc, machining, milling, turning, wire-edm.

Its standout features include 2.5D and 3D milling, Turning, Mill-turn, Wire EDM, CAD/CAM integration, Automatic feature recognition, Simulation and toolpath verification, Post-processor customization, Multi-axis machining support, and it shines with pros like Seamless integration with SolidWorks, Comprehensive machining capabilities, Efficient toolpath generation, Powerful simulation and verification tools, Customizable post-processors.

Feature	DeskProto	SolidCAM
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

Product Overview

DeskProto

Description: 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.

SolidCAM

Description: SolidCAM is CAD/CAM software designed specifically for programming CNC machine tools. It provides machining solutions for a variety of industries including mold & die, aerospace, automotive, and medical. SolidCAM features tools for efficient 2.5D and 3D milling, turning, mill-turn, and wire EDM.

Key Features Comparison

DeskProto Features

• 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

SolidCAM Features

• 2.5D and 3D milling
• Turning
• Mill-turn
• Wire EDM
• CAD/CAM integration
• Automatic feature recognition
• Simulation and toolpath verification
• Post-processor customization
• Multi-axis machining support

Pros & Cons Analysis

DeskProto

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

SolidCAM

Pros

• Seamless integration with SolidWorks
• Comprehensive machining capabilities
• Efficient toolpath generation
• Powerful simulation and verification tools
• Customizable post-processors

Cons

• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Limited support for non-SolidWorks CAD systems
• Relatively expensive compared to some alternatives

Pricing Comparison

DeskProto

• One-time Purchase
• Subscription-Based

SolidCAM

• One-time Purchase