【CNC Applications】Makera Carvera Desktop CNC Machine: A Guide to 8 Highly Practical Software Programs
Got a CNC machine and want to start creating, but don't know where to begin?
Below is a curated list of "easy-to-learn and use" software suitable for the Carvera, which can be applied to different types of applications. Easily master the Carvera Smart Desktop CNC Machine for 2D carving, 3D relief carving, cutting, PCB manufacturing, and more!
Carvera Controller
A powerful machine requires top-tier control software. The Controller software fully supports your Carvera machine , running on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS systems via wired or remote connections. The software also automatically checks for updates; the latest version can be downloaded below.
> Windows USB Driver
> Click here for installation instructions and full versions
Carvera Firmware
Carvera firmware is the software embedded within the hardware device. You can download and perform real-time upgrades or updates for the machine directly within the Carvera Controller.
> Click here for installation instructions and full versions
Carvera CAM (Coming Soon)
Carvera has announced that Carvera CAM will support 2D, 3D, rotary modules, PCB, and laser paths, allowing you to accomplish more within a single piece of software.
Recommended Carvera CAD / CAM Software
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a cloud-based CAD/3D modeling, CAM, CAE, and PCB software platform for product design and manufacturing.
Compared to other industrial software, Fusion 360 is relatively easy to learn and offers an all-in-one solution. If you are a beginner in CAD and CAM and are interested in manufacturing parts for mechanics, electronics, robots, drones, or similar, Fusion 360 is a great choice. It is free for students or startups with full features, and there is also a free personal version with some limitations.
VCarve Desktop
VCarve Desktop allows for the creation of complex 2D patterns using contour, pocket, drill, and inlay toolpaths. It can also produce 3D and rotary reliefs by importing 3D model files.
It can also be used for laser engraving with an add-on module. Suitable for woodworking, jewelry making, artwork creation, and more.
Kiri:Moto
Kiri:Moto is a free, open-source, browser-based application that bridges the gap between 3D design and manufacturing through CAM, 3D printing, and laser output tools.
No software installation is required; all data and processing occur within the browser window. It can import STL, OBJ, and 3MF files and output GCode or SVG.
3-axis and 4-axis CAM operations include: roughing, hole drilling, profiling, tracing, and more. Preview your jobs in advance with animations to see the results before milling begins.
Carvera Laser Engraving Software
LightBurn
LightBurn is layout, editing, and control software for laser cutters. With LightBurn, you can:
- Import patterns from various common vector graphic and image formats.
- Arrange, edit, and even create new vector graphics within the editor.
- Apply settings for power, speed, number of passes, cut order, brightness, contrast, and dithering modes.
PCB CAM Solutions
PCB CAM Solutions
Carvera has developed an intuitive Gerber (PCB file format) to DXF (CAD file format) converter, making it easy for you to use VCarve Desktop or other CAM software you are already familiar with.
PCB toolpaths are as simple as other 2D toolpaths. You can refer to the following YouTube installation tutorial.
Click here to learn more about the Makera Carvera Desktop CNC Machine