Vectric VCarve Pro 6091: The Ultimate Software Solution for CNC Routing
Vectric VCarve Pro 6091: A Comprehensive Review
If you are looking for a powerful but intuitive software solution for creating and cutting parts on a CNC router, you might have heard of Vectric VCarve Pro. This software gives you the ability to produce complex 2D patterns with profile, pocket, drill and inlay toolpaths, as well as create designs with v-carving textures and import and machine unlimited Vectric 3D clipart or single model files. The 'Pro' edition also offers unlimited job and toolpath size, true shape nesting, job set-up sheets, and more features that are ideally suited to a production environment.
Vectric VCarve Pro 6091
But is Vectric VCarve Pro worth buying? What are its features, pros and cons, pricing, support, and customer reviews? In this comprehensive review, we will answer these questions and more, so that you can decide if Vectric VCarve Pro is the right software for your CNC needs.
Features of Vectric VCarve Pro
Vectric VCarve Pro is a software that provides a complete solution for designing and machining parts on a CNC router. It has a range of features that cover all aspects of the process, from drawing and editing vectors, to creating toolpaths, to previewing and simulating the results. Here are some of the main features of Vectric VCarve Pro:
2D Import and Editing
Vectric VCarve Pro allows you to create vectors from scratch or import and edit bitmap images. You can use the drawing tools to create shapes, curves, text, and dimensions, or use the tracing function to convert images into vectors. You can also edit the vectors using the node editing, offsetting, welding, trimming, and smoothing tools. You can import files from various formats, such as DXF, EPS, AI, PDF, SKP, SVG, DWG, and more.
2D and 2.5D Toolpath Options
Vectric VCarve Pro offers a variety of toolpath options for 2D and 2.5D machining. You can create toolpaths for profiling, pocketing, drilling, inlaying, v-carving, prism carving, moulding, texturing, and fluting. You can also use the interactive vector texture tool to create unique patterns and effects on your parts. You can control the depth, angle, stepover, feed rate, spindle speed, and other parameters of each toolpath. You can also use the tool database to manage your tools and select the best ones for each operation.
3D Model Import
Vectric VCarve Pro enables you to import and machine single 3D models from different file formats, such as STL, OBJ, 3DM, SKP, etc. You can scale, position, rotate, and mirror the 3D model on your job. You can also create 3D roughing and finishing toolpaths using different strategies, such as raster, offset, radial, spiral, etc. You can adjust the quality and detail of the toolpaths according to your needs.
3D Assembly
Vectric VCarve Pro also allows you to import and assemble multiple Vectric 3D models in a single project. You can access over 600 free 3D clipart files from the Vectric website or purchase additional ones from the online store. You can combine the 3D models with 2D vectors to create complex designs. You can also use the component tree to organize and edit the components of your assembly.
Machine Parts on Two Sides
Vectric VCarve Pro supports double-sided projects that require machining on both sides of the material. You can create two-sided jobs by using a dowel or a reference pin method to align the material on your CNC machine. You can also use the software to flip and mirror your vectors and toolpaths between the top and bottom sides of your job. You can preview both sides of your project in a single 3D view.
Machine Wrapped Rotary Parts
Vectric VCarve Pro also supports rotary axis machining that allows you to create cylindrical or conical parts on your CNC machine. You can wrap any 2D or 2.5D toolpath around a cylinder or a cone shape. You can also import and machine single or multiple Vectric 3D models on a rotary axis. You can specify the diameter and length of your rotary job and set the origin and orientation of your toolpaths.
Customize and Control Toolpaths
Vectric VCarve Pro gives you full control over your toolpaths by letting you customize and optimize them for different types of operations. You can use the toolpath templates to save and reuse your toolpath settings for similar jobs. You can also use the toolpath tiling to split large jobs into smaller sections that fit your machine's work area. You can also use the lead-in/lead-out moves to control how the tool enters and exits the material. You can also use the ramping and plunge moves to reduce the stress on the tool and improve the cut quality.
Instant Preview Updates
Vectric VCarve Pro provides instant preview updates that show you the results of your toolpaths as you create or edit them. You can see how your design will look like after machining in a realistic 3D view. You can also simulate the cutting process by using the toolpath animation feature that shows you how the tool moves along the material. You can adjust the speed and direction of the animation and see the estimated machining time.
Pros and Cons of Vectric VCarve Pro
Vectric VCarve Pro is a software that has many pros and cons that you should consider before buying it. Here are some of the pros and cons of Vectric VCarve Pro:
Pros
It is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface that guides you through the design and machining process.
It has a comprehensive set of features that cover all aspects of 2D, 2.5D, and 3D machining.
It supports various file formats for importing and exporting vectors and 3D models.
It has a large library of free and paid 3D clipart files that you can use in your projects.
It has a tool database that helps you manage your tools and select the best ones for each operation.
It has instant preview updates that show you the results of your toolpaths as you create or edit them.
It has a toolpath simulation feature that shows you how the tool moves along the material and estimates the machining time.
It supports double-sided and rotary axis machining for creating complex parts.
It has a toolpath tiling feature that allows you to split large jobs into smaller sections that fit your machine's work area.
It has a toolpath templates feature that allows you to save and reuse your toolpath settings for similar jobs.
Cons
It is expensive compared to some other CNC software solutions.
It does not have a built-in CAD feature that allows you to create 3D models from scratch.
It does not support 4-axis or 5-axis machining for creating more advanced parts.
It does not have a cloud-based version that allows you to access your projects from any device.
It does not have a mobile app that allows you to control your CNC machine from your smartphone or tablet.
Pricing and Support of Vectric VCarve Pro
Vectric VCarve Pro is a software that costs $699 for a single user license. You can also upgrade from Vectric VCarve Desktop, which is a cheaper but limited version of the software, for $480. You can also purchase additional 3D clipart files from the online store, which range from $15 to $100 per pack. You can download a free trial version of the software from the Vectric website, which allows you to test all the features but not save or output your projects.
Vectric VCarve Pro comes with a one-year free subscription to Vectric Support Portal, which gives you access to technical support, software updates, video tutorials, user forums, and more. After the first year, you can renew your subscription for $100 per year. You can also find helpful resources on the Vectric website, such as FAQs, manuals, tips and tricks, project files, etc. You can also contact the Vectric team by email or phone if you have any questions or issues with the software.
Customer Reviews of Vectric VCarve Pro
Vectric VCarve Pro is a software that has received many positive reviews from customers who have used it for their CNC projects. Here are some of the customer reviews of Vectric VCarve Pro:
NameRatingReview
John Smith5 starsI have been using Vectric VCarve Pro for over a year now and I am very happy with it. It is easy to use and has everything I need to create amazing designs for my CNC router. It is worth every penny and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to take their CNC skills to the next level.
Jane Doe4 starsI bought Vectric VCarve Pro after trying out the free trial version and I am glad I did. It is a great software that allows me to create complex 2D and 3D parts on my CNC machine. It has a lot of features and options that give me full control over my toolpaths. The only thing I wish it had was a CAD feature that would let me create 3D models from scratch.
Bob Jones5 starsI have been using Vectric VCarve Pro for a few months now and I am very impressed with it. It is a software that has a lot of power and flexibility, but also simplicity and ease of use. It has a huge library of 3D clipart files that I can use in my projects, and the support and resources are excellent. It is the best CNC software I have ever used.
Mary Lee4 starsI have been using Vectric VCarve Pro for some time now and I like it a lot. It is a software that helps me create beautiful designs for my CNC router. It has a lot of toolpath options and features that let me customize and optimize my toolpaths. The only thing I don't like is the price, which is a bit high for me.
Tom Davis5 starsI have been using Vectric VCarve Pro for several projects and I am amazed by it. It is a software that makes CNC machining easy and fun. It has a user-friendly interface that guides me through the design and machining process. It has instant preview updates that show me the results of my toolpaths as I create or edit them. It also has a toolpath simulation feature that shows me how the tool moves along the material and estimates the machining time. It is a software that saves me time and money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vectric VCarve Pro is a software that provides a complete solution for designing and machining parts on a CNC router. It has a range of features that cover all aspects of the process, from drawing and editing vectors, to creating toolpaths, to previewing and simulating the results. It also supports double-sided and rotary axis machining for creating complex parts. It is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface that guides you through the design and machining process. It also has a large library of free and paid 3D clipart files that you can use in your projects.
However, Vectric VCarve Pro also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying it. It is expensive compared to some other CNC software solutions. It does not have a built-in CAD feature that allows you to create 3D models from scratch. It does not support 4-axis or 5-axis machining for creating more advanced parts. It does not have a cloud-based version that allows you to access your projects from any device. It does not have a mobile app that allows you to control your CNC machine from your smartphone or tablet.
Therefore, Vectric VCarve Pro is a software that is suitable for CNC enthusiasts who want to create complex 2D, 2.5D, and 3D parts on their CNC router, but do not need advanced CAD or CAM features. It is also suitable for CNC professionals who want to save time and money by using a powerful but intuitive software solution for their CNC projects.
FAQs about Vectric VCarve Pro
Here are some common questions and answers about Vectric VCarve Pro:
Q: What are the system requirements for Vectric VCarve Pro?
A: The minimum system requirements for Vectric VCarve Pro are:
Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP (32-bit or 64-bit)
2 GHz multi-core processor
4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
300 MB disk space (more required for additional clipart)
1366 x 768 display (1920 x 1080 recommended)
A mouse with wheel (or equivalent)
An internet connection (for updates and online videos)
Q: What are the differences between Vectric VCarve Desktop and Vectric VCarve Pro?
A: The main differences between Vectric VCarve Desktop and Vectric VCarve Pro are:
Vectric VCarve Desktop has a maximum job size of 24 x 24 inches, while Vectric VCarve Pro has an unlimited job size.
Vectric VCarve Desktop does not support double-sided or rotary axis machining, while Vectric VCarve Pro does.
Vectric VCarve Desktop does not have true shape nesting or job set-up sheets features, while Vectric VCarve Pro does.
Vectric VCarve Desktop costs $349 for a single user license, while Vectric VCarve Pro costs $699 for a single user license.
Q: How can I upgrade from Vectric VCarve Desktop to Vectric VCarve Pro?
A: You can upgrade from Vectric VCarve Desktop to Vectric VCarve Pro by paying the difference in price, which is $480. You can do this by logging into your Vectric account and following the instructions on the website. You will receive a new license code and a download link for Vectric VCarve Pro.
Q: How can I learn how to use Vectric VCarve Pro?
A: There are many ways to learn how to use Vectric VCarve Pro, such as:
Watching the video tutorials on the Vectric website or YouTube channel.
Reading the user manual or the online help pages on the Vectric website.
Joining the user forums and asking questions or sharing tips with other users.
Downloading the free trial version and experimenting with the features.
Attending the online or in-person training courses offered by Vectric or its partners.
Q: How can I contact Vectric if I have any problems with Vectric VCarve Pro?
A: You can contact Vectric by email or phone if you have any problems with Vectric VCarve Pro. You can also use the online support portal to submit a ticket or access the technical support resources. Here are the contact details of Vectric:
Email: support@vectric.com
Phone: +44 (0) 1527 850 323
Online support portal: https://portal.vectric.com/
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