ArtCAM vs Aspire

[Kyle Stapleton]

Can someone tell me the anything about ArtCAM? I know a lot of people are using Aspire and like it, but just trying to see what else is out there.

[donclifton]

The guys at vectric worked for Delcam. Delcam cost around $7500 + support. Aspire is much easier to use and support is free.
Don

[phil_o]

I had Artcam and found it difficult to learn. Aspire takes a bit of work to learn but Vectric has a very helpful library of videos to help with many aspects of the program. Best thing to do is to download the free version and check out soe of the tutorials.

Phil

[zeykr]

Check with Gary at http://www.beckwithdecor.com/ about artcam. He is a dealer and very knowledgeable. Get the trial versions and compare.

[bleeth]

Artcam is harder for some and easier for others. It has much more capability in 3-d creation than Aspire, as well as some other differences that a lot of people like. Which is actually best for you in the long run depends a lot on an in-depth analysis of what you plan to do in your projects. You can download a demo of Aspire from their site and Artcam Insignia demo from their site. (Insignia is not as powerful as Pro but is also a very good program with 3-d creation tools more similar to Aspire than Pro and also much less money than Pro). if you contact Gary Beckwith at www.beckwithdecor.com (http://www.beckwithdecor.com) he will be very helpful in going over Artcam more precisely and knows the right questions to ask you to help you.

(disclaimer: I own Artcam Pro and love it. I bought it originally from SB but recently upgraded to the latest version through Gary due to his highly knowledgable and quick response support. He is not only a rep for them, but a regular user and Beta tester as well).

[joe]

Donald,

Aspire has NO support other than a forum, that's made from lots of people who aren't necessarily skilled.

They don't train support people. Artcam trains their sales staff and you are assigned to that person for support. For example when I have problems I call up and get direct answers to my questions. And if you have Skype they will take over and get you going. Have you tried calling up England to get any one on support?

I have both programs and there is a difference. ArtCam is a full 64 bit program with direct support. Aspire is much smaller 34 bit and has not direct help. But that is just a small difference between them.

Giving advice is best if you've had experience with both programs. It's like saying AVCEEGE router is the best when you haven't have the opportunity to work on something else.

Joe Crumley

[jamesb]

Joe - your clearly a talented sign maker and have provided a lot of useful knowledge and info on many forums with regard to how to make and finish signs. In this case though I am afraid your post is not accurate.

One key aspect of Vectric software is we design it from the start to require as little support as possible. This is good for both the customer and us.

This does not mean that we do not provide excellent training and support for those that want it.

We have a dedicated support website: http://support.vectric.com - on there you will find free training videos and files (17+ hours of tutorials and reference videos for VCarve Pro). A searchable FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section. Access to the User Forum which is both an excellent resource and great place to have questions answered - certainly your way off the mark to describe our forum members as unskilled. On top of that we have the monthly free projects and access to free gadgets for the software too. If you look on this page http://support.vectric.com/contact you can see how you can contact us directly either by email or phone.

For anyone interested in our software they can come to the website and download a trial version of any of our programs, use the actual training material and files that we expect them to learn it with and even check compatibility with their CNC using the sample files. This allows them to decide for themselves whether they think we provide a good program and good support or not. Only at a time they are completely sure they can do what they want with the software do they need to pay.

This is a good place to start for someone comparing products: http://www.vectric.com/products/learn-about-vectric-software.html

We have thousands of very happy and productive customers including many of the good folk on this forum - anyone using VCarve Pro ShopBot Edition or PartWorks is already using the Drawing and 2D and 2.5D Toolpath part of Aspire.

Hopefully this will help the OP get a more balanced view when looking into the different programs available.

Thanks,
James

[MarkPrescott]

Vectric also has a yearly user conference held in different parts of the USA each year. Not only is it a good place to meet other users and see many things that were made with their products but it's two days packed with Vectric people training on their products.

Mark

[jerry_stanek]

Very well said James I have always had good support from Vectric except for the one little problem I had with Photo Vcarve that we talked about a couple of years ago about the slow rendering on my files when zeroing on the table.

[joe]

Greetings James,

The outstanding quality within Aspire is your superior input in it's development. With your background and understanding of the process it has turned out to be one fine product.

Now for the issues:

Each year ArtCam also has an annual meeting also. Perhaps someone hasn't done their homework. The last one was held in New Orleans.

Support:

What I consider support doesn't come from forums, CD's or printed material.

Aspire has done a outstanding job with their video's and wonderful printed explanations of how the program works. At the time it was far ahead of anything ArtCam offered. However there is NO, one on one, support like their competition. When you purchase ArtCam you have a trained support person assigned.

Now who's going to call England without an 800#?

My support person has Skype and he can log onto your computer and guide you through the challenge at hand. Now that's what I call support.

For those who don't know, James and I are good friends going back to when he was still in knickers.

Joe Crumley

[srwtlc]

Really Joe, did you just roll the window down on your Caddy and spit tabacca on my Dodge Caravan!!

Gets me where I want to go for a lot less and with a much smaller yearly maintenance bill! All your fancy support comes at a cost!

[kevin]

Kyle

I guess your getting a debate which is good .I'm someone that is trying to set up cabinet making program ,What does it mean in the year 2014 which software there are purist who say a CNC has no business in a real cabinet shop .I think a student should know how to operate both

[srwtlc]

Why pay more than 3x plus yearly fees when you don't need it and don't need the extra hand holding. Many hobbyists and small business owners can't justify the cost of ArtCam and Vectric's products fill that void perfectly.

[kevin]

Scott

I priced Art-cam express starts at 100.00 then you add the extra in my cause for 3d plus a huge 3d clip art library came out to 1,200 about the same as aspire . Scott check there web site
Personal the art-cam clip art is heads and shoulder above aspire

[gundog]

The OP seems to be a teacher from reading his signature Artcam may very well have a program for educators and his question is very valid.

Not everyone on here is a hobbyist or small shop owner. I think Joe's reply on this subject was very well expressed I am not sure why some of you want to make the comments that you do.

For the record I have Aspire but I am always interested in what others have and use and their opinions on other products. Especially talented guys like Joe. I don't know Joe but I have seen his work on here and heard how well Bill Paulumbo spoke of his talents when guys like that speak I listen.

Mike

[joe]

Scott,

I'm sorry you took offence.

It pleases me you're happy with what you have and I wish you well. You're probably much better at 3D than I am. For me, when I get stumped it's a quick phone call that gets me moving down the road. Not only that, my support will often show me other ways to get my job done faster. He often helps shows me ways to shorten my cut times. We probably require more support than you do.

O by the way, I didn't bring this subject up. However everyone should be aware of the other side of the topic. So lets move on.

Joe Crumley

[srwtlc]

No offense Joe. Just standing with James on the accruacy and tone of your first post. Much in the way my light hearted comment seems to have been taken as being offended or offending, the tone of your first post seemed to dis Vectric products.

Each program has it's strengths/weaknesses and each has it's own place within the CNC world. Like I said, not everyone can afford ArtCam Pro and for those, be they hobbyist, large or small business, schools on a limited tech budget, Aspire is a more affordable solution. As others have stated, try the demos of each, compare the features, compare the interface/workflow, support options, after sale bonus features, yearly update/upgrade costs and decide which is best for you.

Kevin, we're comparing ArtCam Pro and Aspire. Express is a good entry point though, but from what I can see, with that module, you still can't modify or create your own models, so you would need further upgrades to reach ACP/Aspire level.

Moving on.

[kevin]

Scott I was surprised about Art cam express I download the trial .You pay for each module like 3d an extra 120 example .

For about 1200 you have a full blown software same features as Aspire.But for a school art cam is easy to setup for an indexing head [once you learn how to run an indexing head everything else seems simple ] Aspire is hard .That's why I think you have to try both

I still use and love part works easy simple and inexpensive

4 years ago I ask the same question this is a good subject

[adrianm]

For about 1200 you have a full blown software same features as Aspire.

You might want to check the facilities of Express against Aspire. It's a long way from having the same features of Aspire even if you pay for all the extras.

As with all software it's important to compare apples with apples and oranges with oranges.

[kevin]

http://www.artcam.com/express/modules.asp

Here the modules it would be interesting to hear from someone who has it to give an opinion

[garyb]

One of the problems about these open forum comparisons is that they are mostly personal views, which I classify as the Ford vs Chevy syndrome.

Since Kyle originally asked about ArtCam, I’ll respond to him, if you would like to give me a call or email your contact number I will be happy to call and discuss.
You can download the Express and Insignia versions of ArtCam online, or if you prefer ArtCam Pro I can set you up with a trial version.
I will be happy to do a live session with you on line showing the different capabilities of each version.
Now I note you are educational, if you are looking at this for the school computer lab then ArtCam has an EDU licensing where we can set you up on your network server with multiple seats in the lab.

For those not familiar with the ArtCam product line, it is available in 4 versions.
Entry level, ArtCam Express ($149) with 10 add-on modules available
Intermediate level, ArtCam Insignia ($2500)
Professional level, ArtrCam Pro ($7500) and ArtCam Jewelsmith. for the Jewelers.
Versions are totally upgradable to the next version at a reduced cost.

There is also an optional annual ArtCam Advantage Package available for Insignia, Pro and JS. For Insignia its $450 for Pro & JS $1200.
What does AAP cover, the new release version, access to the aap website for free reliefs and additional support tips, discounts to the usergroup meetings and one we take great pride in at BDP unlimited personal one on one support.

AAP is totally optional, but its features make it a worthwhile investment.
As Insignia is the closest version in comparison to Aspire then the pricing is very comparable. Aspire has some more features than Insignia and Pro has considerably more.

Like shopping for a Ford or Chevy, it’s the end user who has to try the product, check for ease of operation, make sure is has the features and comfort level you need including warranty and support packages, speak to their support contact personally then make an educated decision based on fact.
Gary

[Kyle Stapleton]

Wow, did not know I would be opening a can of worms.

I asked this question because I was not sure if I could upgrade the version of Aspire (1.029) ($400.00 upgrade +50.00 transfer) that came with the used bot I just pickup for the school. Long story short, I can and I will.

That being stated I try to teach as many software programs that I can/afford so Gary I will be giving you a call later today or this week.

Something to add about support for Aspire is that if you have a shopbot their support person does "how to's" a lot and you can call them up to ask for help (I did a while back and I did not even have a bot)

[bob_reda]

Kyle,
I don't believe that you opened up a can of worms, just a discussion. Everybody has their loyalty to think what is best. I believe that Gary gave a excellent explanation as well as James. I honestly believe that both have pushed the other to perform better, as is the case with competition. The truth being told, I would venture to guess that 80 % of the people using either of these, don't really need it, they could probably do with less program, meaning less cost. I have seen Joe's work on several sites, about as excellent a signmaker that there is, and most of his work is layered 2d work, I see very little 3d work(but I must confess, I have not seen all his work). Alot of the disagreement, in my humble view stems from many years ago, even before Aspire existed. There where so many hacked copies of artcam out there, that the folks on the forums hesitated giving advice because of this. Spending that much and giving advice to people who may or may not have a legit copy of the software made their forum just about useless. I just visited their website today and it seems they kinda of solved that problem wanting to know what version you are using. Think about this, those that invented aspire are the same ones that invented Artcam. How can you go wrong with either. I have an older version of artcam, I didn't go for the annual maintenance fee, just because the amount of 3d work I do does not justify it. Don't get me wrong, I do 3d work, but have found that i can buy a model for less than what it would cost me in time to do it myself. I mainly use Aspire to manipulate models rather than design them., I use artcam to make a model if I have a coloring book style bitmap, i can make a model from that in a matter of minutes using colors.
Well, I think I have been long winded too much already. Thanks for taking the time to read it

Bob

[cabnet636]

This years "Aspire Camp At Mcgrews" is set for May 15, 16 and 17. James has mentioned Bringing a few more from over the pond with him this year and both Friday the 16th and Saturday the 17th will be dedicated to the vectric software, Friday will be all about Machines and related Bits, Tool strategy, nesting etc, Ryan Paterson and Joey Jarrard along with others will present on Friday !! Naturally the BBQ Lunch on Saturday along with all the other goodies you fellows have become accustomed to will be in place. As always I am greatful for the shopbot community which has become a mainstay in the success of this Camp. the Show and tell you guys bring is always my favorite, I personally want to invite all !!

I will have registration set and ready by Monday and will post in the Camps section !