3D printer and CNC routers

[m.marino]

ViaCAD Pro with the PowerPack gives you a basic slicer and also a reasonable CAD program that does NOT have the IP issues that Fusion360 has. I strongly suggest folks read T&C's before agreeing to things as theirs have a rather nasty bite to them. Yes it is a nice program. Over lap between the two is small and normally dealing with file type more than dealing with g-code or machining operations. I work in both worlds as my job and while some of my tools help each there is very different uses that both require. Blender is a good free tool but has a hill to climb to really get good with it.

I would ask yourself does drawing 3D model with the chalk give you enough to be able to look at all sides and see that one point that is not going to machine well? 3D printing has it's uses and they are many and varied. The current tech has metal printers up to 95% solid IF you believe the folks making the machines. CNC still rules the roost when it comes to time and production, unless you are dealing with a part that is extremely complex than and pretty much only then does a 3D printer out shine. IS that changing? Yes and 3D printing is moving forward very fast and very interesting. CNC is still a veru good way to go and there is a huge field that CNC is the only way to go, so no one is not going to remove the other.

Good luck on buckling down and getting CAD under your belt. Depending on what you are planning and what the budget is i can give rather good list from basic to professional that can get you where you want to go. Only expect atleast 2 weeks of serious study to get good at any CAD system.

Michael
MM0MSU

[Zeeflyboy]

program that does NOT have the IP issues that Fusion360 has

What IP issues would those be exactly?

Any designs/IP you create using Fusion are completely yours. If you look at the terms of service for Fusion, Section 2.1 starts with
"2. CONTENT.
2.1 Your Content is Yours. You maintain ownership of and responsibility for Your Content and responsibility for Your conduct while using the Service Offering."

http://www.autodesk.com/company/lega...rms-of-service

The only real issue I can see comes to security if doing work for an agency that has requirements as to how data relating to their projects is stored... specifically regarding on site storage/encryption which would be an issue with the way fusion runs it's could services. Unlikely to be an issue for any hobby enthusiast!