RhinoCAM

RhinoCAM

RhinoCAM is a CAM software package from MecSoft Corporation that runs as a plug-in inside the popular Rhinoceros 3D modeling environment. This software brings CNC toolpath generation to the Rhino CAD platform, so parts and components can be programmed for milling, turning, nesting and relief carving without leaving Rhino. It is designed to be used by both experienced and novice users and is offered in five configurations - Xpress, Standard, Expert, Professional and Premium - that range from 2 1/2-axis to 5-axis continuous machining. A free demo version can be downloaded from the MecSoft website.

RhinoCAM enables users to quickly and easily generate NC code from 3D models for CNC machining.

Features

RhinoCAM offers a wide range of features to make machining easier, faster, and more accurate.

• Toolpath Editing - Toolpaths can be viewed, edited, instanced and arc-fitted graphically.

• Tool Path Verification - Cut material simulation and part-to-stock comparison help find problems before the toolpath runs on the machine.

• Tool Path Simulation - Toolpath animation shows the motion of the tool over the part and the stock.

• 2 1/2 and 3 Axis Milling - Pocketing, profiling, facing, engraving, V-carving, hole making, horizontal and parallel roughing and finishing, and pencil tracing.

• Feeds and Speeds - A default knowledge base stores feeds and speeds data that can be applied to machining operations.

• Multi-Axis Machining - 4-axis indexed and continuous machining, and 5-axis swarf, surface normal and flow curve machining in the higher configurations.

• Spiral and Radial Machining - 3-axis spiral and radial finishing for round and dome-like features.

• Plunge Roughing - Removes material with plunge moves along the tool axis, which is useful for deep cavities.

• CAD/CAM Integration - Works directly on the curves, surfaces and solids of the Rhino model, so no export to a separate CAM program is needed.

• Machine Simulation - Simulates the motion of the machine tool to check the program before cutting.

• Turning - The TURN module handles roughing, finishing, grooving, threading, parting off and axial drilling on lathes.

• Post-Processors - A customizable post generator outputs G-code for a wide range of CNC controllers.

• G-Code Editor - Lets the user view and edit the generated G-code graphically.

• Tool Library - Supports ball, flat, corner radius, vee, taper, tap, bore, form and stepped tools.

• Holder Collision Detection - Detects collisions between the tool holder and the part.

• Nesting - The NEST module arranges 2D and 3D parts on sheet stock with rectangular and true shape nesting, including part-in-part nesting.

• ART Module - Creates 3D reliefs from bitmap images and converts raster images to vectors for decorative carving.

• Rhino Versions - Current releases run inside Rhino 7 and Rhino 8 for Windows.

• Learning Resources - MecSoft publishes documentation and video tutorials for the product.

With RhinoCAM, users can create CNC programs for parts and components from a variety of materials directly from their Rhino models. The integration with Rhino and the choice of machining modules make it suitable for workshops of different sizes, while the simulation and verification tools help check toolpaths before they are sent to the machine. RhinoCAM is a commercial product for Windows only; it does not run in Rhino for Mac.