Artcam lives!!!

[bleeth]

Autodesk, after killing Artcam, has licensed it out the team of Artcam developers and it is now alive and released under the name Carveco. It has ALL the functionality of AC Pro (or AC Premium if you followed the Autodesk version) and for a limited time (rumored to be 60 days) the cost is only $1600.00 for full version perpetual use and 12 months direct support. (This is an introductory special)
It is compatible with Artcam files and is the same program as AC Premium 2018.
Check it out at www.carveco.com (http://www.carveco.com).
I've also been told that people with an Artcam license can get it for $1300.

[Brady Watson]

It's the real deal...

[bleeth]

I figured you would be one of the ones right on top of it!

[robtown]

It's the real deal...
So this begs the question... CarveCo or Aspire?

[Brady Watson]

So this begs the question... CarveCo or Aspire?

I'll reiterate what I have answered elsewhere:

IBILD Solutions is now offering full support for CarveCo users and continued support for ArtCAM users. This includes custom video training showing how to setup and machine your 3D scanned part, just like we have been offering for the Vectric suite of software and ArtCAM Pro, since the beginning.

I'm not sure that a comparison video would really tell the whole story. As a user of ArtCAM since v5.5 and Aspire since its inception - they're similar in a lot of ways, but different. I would say that Aspire is probably easier to learn if you aren't already familiar with this type of CAD/CAM. I have a lot of jewelers who use my scanning services that still use ArtCAM (because of the Jewelsmith functionality) - so CarveCo is a real life line for those guys. I also have a lot of 'old' CNC guys who cut their teeth on the DelCAM stuff that still use ArtCAM because they didn't see the need to learn a new program.

As a power user of both programs - they each have their place and both are very capable. Both are fairly unique in the CAD/CAM world since they give you the ability to sculpt your 3D model using voxels (3D pixels) - which allows complete free form control over your model. This lets you retain all of the organic character of your model - including a slip of the chisel or fine surface texture, if that's the artist's intention, without the cold, hard-edged plastic shapes typical of most other CAD programs, like F360 or say Rhino.

The 2-sided functionality in the newer versions of VCP and Aspire and rotary axis operations are very good and easy to set up. The advanced toolpathing options in CarveCo can drastically improve the finish quality of certain types of reliefs. They each bring their own set of tools to the party. I know that probably doesn't offer a whole lot of clarity - but I don't think you can sum it all up in a Chevy vs Ford debate. I also don't think that you necessarily have to chose one over the other...you can use both and there is a lot of cross over between the two with similar hotkeys and general workflow.

FYI - It was a full $9,000 back in 2008 for ArtCAM with ArtREAD and a dongle. CarveCo is $1,600 right now. It's essentially the top version of the last iteration of ArtCAM 2018 Premium with ArtREAD and all the Jewelsmith functionality. For me, it's a steal - and I can keep on supporting my ArtCAM customers going forward. If you're a CNC professional (or CNC junkie) - it's definitely worth having a look.

[robtown]

I've never worked with Aspire, and haven't worked with any Delcam products for years.
I've had my eye on Aspire (as a CNC junkie, no longer a professional) for quite some time.
The fact that Carveco is currently $400.00 less is a huge motivator, as is the fact that Autodesk is no longer producing it.

[Brady Watson]

Response about CarveCo moved from here

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?24997-IBILD-3D-Scans-USS-NJ-Bell&p=204341#post204341


Thanks.
I'm strongly considering buying Carveco.
Both programs are obviously very full featured and capable.
I was just curious to know if you had made a conscious decision to use one over the other for any particular reason.


To expand on my reasons for being so interested.
Aspire has been on my "gonna buy" since I did my machine makeover at the end of last year. It's price is it's price. The intro pricing on CarveCo is why I suddenly feel a sense of urgency.

What kind of work exactly are you expecting to do in either software that you are not doing now?

Either one will most likely do everything that you want. There's a very thin sliver of power users out there that would benefit from using one over the other. Compare the interface & feature lists between the two and pick one.

Everyone has their own reasons for buying a certain brand tool. Some are ok with Ryobi while others have to have top of the line. The most expensive thing you can do is buy the cheap one and then realize you hate it and have to get the other one...so you wind up spending twice as much. This is why I never let price be the ultimate decision maker for any tool.

I think it's important to mention, just like a CNC, the software comes with ZERO talent. Buying one over the other doesn't matter. If you don't truly do the work and spend the time to learn the software, without fooling yourself, you'll be stuck in dilbert land cutting pre-made 3D clip art and not much else 3D... (The bar has gotten lower over the years - sorry 3D clipart you flooded in polyurethane ain't "it")

If all you need to do is cut 3D and not actually create or modify 3D reliefs, then VCP has all the bases covered for 1/3 the price of Aspire and half the price of CarveCo...

What do you really need?

[robtown]

Response about CarveCo moved from here

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?24997-IBILD-3D-Scans-USS-NJ-Bell&p=204341#post204341





What kind of work exactly are you expecting to do in either software that you are not doing now?

Either one will most likely do everything that you want. There's a very thin sliver of power users out there that would benefit from using one over the other. Compare the interface & feature lists between the two and pick one.

Everyone has their own reasons for buying a certain brand tool. Some are ok with Ryobi while others have to have top of the line. The most expensive thing you can do is buy the cheap one and then realize you hate it and have to get the other one...so you wind up spending twice as much. This is why I never let price be the ultimate decision maker for any tool.

I think it's important to mention, just like a CNC, the software comes with ZERO talent. Buying one over the other doesn't matter. If you don't truly do the work and spend the time to learn the software, without fooling yourself, you'll be stuck in dilbert land cutting pre-made 3D clip art and not much else 3D... (The bar has gotten lower over the years - sorry 3D clipart you flooded in polyurethane ain't "it")

If all you need to do is cut 3D and not actually create or modify 3D reliefs, then VCP has all the bases covered for 1/3 the price of Aspire and half the price of CarveCo...

What do you really need?

I really don’t need either. I do all my 3d work in 3dsMax and send my .stl file to a friend to do my toolpaths in Aspire or AlphaCam

But I’m very interested in learning how to do reliefs in Aspire or CarveCo. Since I’ll more or less be starting from zero in either, just looking for learned opinions.

I have V-carve (like version 5.xx, I never upgraded) and I used PW back in the day when I started, so I should be somewhat familiar with the toolpathing functions in both.

I also have some relief mapping (from photos) ideas I’d like to play with. Which I could, of course, do with 3dsMax bump mapping, but that’s not a terribly efficient way to do it.

Its just time. I’ve made some significant updates to my whole setup, time to catch up the CAM portion, and like I said Aspire has been on my radar for quite some time.

[Brady Watson]

IIRC if you upgrade from VCP to Aspire, it's something like $1440. You'll have to call SB or check the Vectric Portal to view your options.

[bleeth]

What is the difference between Carveco (Artcam Pro) and Aspire? This is what non users have been asking for a long time.
Bottom line is that there are many differences from toolpathing abilities to vector manipulation and relief editing. Carveco has many tools in it that simply don't exist in Aspire.
But I won't compare by using a cheap tool or cheap car analogy. A more accurate analogy IMHO lies in two different models of which both are very good. But one is a sedan and has one set of functions while the other is an SUV and has more functions. The average person doing the real work of designing their own models very quickly learns the limitations of a program. If you are not the type of person who is interested in doing the extreme learning curve in how to generate truly cool reliefs from scratch then you would likely never need the robust functionality of Carveco.
To me, the big difference at this time is that you can buy it for essentially the same price as Aspire. And if you find that you actually are getting into high level 3-d model creation, you can get your annual upgrades coupled with customer support for an annual maintenance. And if not, you have all the tools that are in Aspire plus many more than they likely ever will have.
They were and are programs aimed at 2 different levels of users.
I have been told that the introductory price is only going to be around for a few weeks.
For me personally, I bought Artcam Pro when I first got into CNC and after the split when a few former Delcam employees started Aspire with the purpose of designing a program at a much lower cost that would satisfy the needs of many users I wished them very well in their endeavor but never saw any reason to stop using Artcam and start using Aspire.

[robtown]

IIRC if you upgrade from VCP to Aspire, it's something like $1440. You'll have to call SB or check the Vectric Portal to view your options.

I'll have to double check, but I believe my version of VCP is too old to qualify for an upgrade price. I think I've looked into this before.

[robtown]

What is the difference between Carveco (Artcam Pro) and Aspire? This is what non users have been asking for a long time.
Bottom line is that there are many differences from toolpathing abilities to vector manipulation and relief editing. Carveco has many tools in it that simply don't exist in Aspire.
But I won't compare by using a cheap tool or cheap car analogy. A more accurate analogy IMHO lies in two different models of which both are very good. But one is a sedan and has one set of functions while the other is an SUV and has more functions. The average person doing the real work of designing their own models very quickly learns the limitations of a program. If you are not the type of person who is interested in doing the extreme learning curve in how to generate truly cool reliefs from scratch then you would likely never need the robust functionality of Carveco.
To me, the big difference at this time is that you can buy it for essentially the same price as Aspire. And if you find that you actually are getting into high level 3-d model creation, you can get your annual upgrades coupled with customer support for an annual maintenance. And if not, you have all the tools that are in Aspire plus many more than they likely ever will have.
They were and are programs aimed at 2 different levels of users.
I have been told that the introductory price is only going to be around for a few weeks.
For me personally, I bought Artcam Pro when I first got into CNC and after the split when a few former Delcam employees started Aspire with the purpose of designing a program at a much lower cost that would satisfy the needs of many users I wished them very well in their endeavor but never saw any reason to stop using Artcam and start using Aspire.

I also seem to remember that VCP does a better job at actually v-carving. Better and more efficient. Has that carried forward through the years?
I guess if that's an issue (for me) I could just try to install my old copy of VCP on my new CAD machine... or keep my old XP box running.

[bleeth]

Better than what? VCP is a more basic program that has nothing in it of any note not included in either of the two programs discussed here.
However, just as many Aspire users will have no reason to acquire Carveco due to their actual needs, VCP also serves the needs of many very well.
My intent, rather than getting into a bunch of back and forth regarding other programs, was and is to simply inform our community of what is undoubtedly interesting news to some.
You may want to start another thread titled something like "Help me choose a program to buy please".

[robtown]

Better than what? VCP is a more basic program that has nothing in it of any note not included in either of the two programs discussed here.
However, just as many Aspire users will have no reason to acquire Carveco due to their actual needs, VCP also serves the needs of many very well.
My intent, rather than getting into a bunch of back and forth regarding other programs, was and is to simply inform our community of what is undoubtedly interesting news to some.
You may want to start another thread titled something like "Help me choose a program to buy please".

Some time ago, I managed a job remotely that required star shapes v-carved into the front of a trunk. The folks that were trying it initially had either Alpha Cam or Artcam, I don’t recall, and the renders they kept sending me had flat areas in the bottom of the stars when we wanted a point. Paul Zank, I believe, stepped up and created the toolpaths and did the actual trunk, if I remember correctly, using v-carve. I went on Vectric’s website and made a post extolling the virtues of vcp vs. alphacam (or artcam). Vetric reached out and actually gave me a copy of vcp because of it.

Yeah, I get that Artcam has v-carving as does Aspire. My recollection is that, back then, one of them did it better and more efficiently.

Don’t need “help” with anything. Just looking for learned opinions.
Sorry if this bothersome.

[waynelocke]

There is no right answer. It is like "I can't decide between a Ford and a Chevy." There is unlikely to be a blinding light on the way to Damascus.

If you are using VCP then maybe Aspire is the way to go since you know how Vectric functions and the best software is the one you know.

I have no experience or first hand knowledge of Artcam. The only complaints I have ever heard were "it's too expensive." Software is like a marriage. It is very hard for most people (me) to change software and make the commitment in time and effort needed to learn a new program.

One thing I have wondered about is the cost of owning and upgrading Carveco, Vectric has about a major upgrade a year at a cost 0f about $450. What will be the upgrade costs for Carveco and how often? If you use either program a lot then that may not matter. I upgrade Aspire pretty soon after every new version and never regret it but it may be a consideration. I know that the Carveco is a perpetual license and you can use it without ever upgrading it but that is not the same as not being able to afford to. Among the questions I would have for Carveco are "Can you sell your license and what is the cost for transfer?" How many versions back can you upgrade? I believe that Aspire lets you upgrade any version for the same price. I recently spent $1600 for a new license for my Cad program which I have used for over 20 years because they will only upgrade from two versions back.

The last consideration I have is that Carveco is a brand new company albeit with Artcam alums. If you purchase Carveco as your 3d modeling and toolpathing software you are betting that they will be around. I don't know anything about the company or the people but "new company" perks up the ears. The streets are full of new companies which failed even though they had great products. I'm sure that that is a big reason the that the introductory price is where it is — making the bet more tempting.

I don't know the answers to any of those questions but they would be among the ones that I would ask.

[robtown]

There is no right answer. It is like "I can't decide between a Ford and a Chevy." There is unlikely to be a blinding light on the way to Damascus.

If you are using VCP then maybe Aspire is the way to go since you know how Vectric functions and the best software is the one you know.

I have no experience or first hand knowledge of Artcam. The only complaints I have ever heard were "it's too expensive." Software is like a marriage. It is very hard for most people (me) to change software and make the commitment in time and effort needed to learn a new program.

One thing I have wondered about is the cost of owning and upgrading Carveco, Vectric has about a major upgrade a year at a cost 0f about $450. What will be the upgrade costs for Carveco and how often? If you use either program a lot then that may not matter. I upgrade Aspire pretty soon after every new version and never regret it but it may be a consideration. I know that the Carveco is a perpetual license and you can use it without ever upgrading it but that is not the same as not being able to afford to. Among the questions I would have for Carveco are "Can you sell your license and what is the cost for transfer?" How many versions back can you upgrade? I believe that Aspire lets you upgrade any version for the same price. I recently spent $1600 for a new license for my Cad program which I have used for over 20 years because they will only upgrade from two versions back.

The last consideration I have is that Carveco is a brand new company albeit with Artcam alums. If you purchase Carveco as your 3d modeling and toolpathing software you are betting that they will be around. I don't know anything about the company or the people but "new company" perks up the ears. The streets are full of new companies which failed even though they had great products. I'm sure that that is a big reason the that the introductory price is where it is — making the bet more tempting.

I don't know the answers to any of those questions but they would be among the ones that I would ask.

A learned opinion, based on years of experience... perfect.

I don't need anybody to make my choice for me, nor do I not have any experience myself.

Being that I'm currently getting by just fine with a 10-11 year old copy of VCP running on an old XP machine (that stays off or unplugged from the network when I don't need it to be), upgrade paths and costs aren't a huge consideration for me. What would be a consideration is whether or not I'm just renting the software and will be required to pay out yearly, which doesn't seem to be the case with either option.

I'm a hobby user at best anymore. I do maybe one or two paying gigs a year anymore, and I don't really make much on those as they're usually more along the lines helping or donating to folks or causes I feel are worthy of my help.

But I do have some relief ideas that I'd like to play with, that I could absolutely do with my current options. But currently I have the, money, time, and inclination to go ahead and update my CAD/CAM solutions.

Thank you all for your time. (I'm probably more of a Ford man myself...)

[robtown]

FWIW...
Pulled the trigger on the (Carveco) purchase this AM.

[benchmark]

Please keep us updated on how you get on with Carveco

[robtown]

Absolutely

[Brady Watson]

FWIW...
Pulled the trigger on the (Carveco) purchase this AM.

Very good...Hold the spacebar down when in 3D view to move it around...F2 for 2D view, F3 for 3D view. Many of the same shortcut keys as VCP if you used them...

[garyb]

Very good...Hold the spacebar down when in 3D view to move it around...F2 for 2D view, F3 for 3D view. Many of the same shortcut keys as VCP if you used them...

Pressing down on the mouse roller wheel button does the same, makes it quicker and easier than holding down the space bar.
Gary

[SteveNelson46]

I think there are still a few unanswered issues. For instance, post processors. Does Carveco have choices for other machines and are they included in the program? Another issue is tech support. Are they one of those that have good marketing but "Send us an email and we'll get to you as soon as we can" or are they readily available after hours and on weekends. Their website is pretty bare so we don't have a lot of info and Vectric's tech support would be difficult to match. Does it run on all Windows platforms and versions? The introductory low cost may seem to be a good deal right now but, $1600 is still a lot of money to invest in a risky startup company without a little more info.

[Brady Watson]

I think there are still a few unanswered issues.

Does Carveco have choices for other machines and are they included in the program?

...are they readily available after hours and on weekends.

Does it run on all Windows platforms and versions? The introductory low cost may seem to be a good deal right now but, $1600 is still a lot of money to invest in a risky startup company without a little more info.

All post processors are included for any machine controller that you are likely to have.

Yes. It's better than that. You can live chat with support and they have staff on the clock for international time zones. You can also use the forum. You can also use email.

Yes - However, don't expect it to run on XP or Vista. If you aren't running at least Win7, you don't need to spend money on this program - you need a new computer.

Can't address the 'risk' thing, as that is personally subjective. All I know is I spent $9k in 2008 for the same program; now it's $1600. I've run a job shop that does it all for 20 years. It's a tool expense for me. I'll get it all back. If you are a hobbiest it most likely is not for you for a number of reasons. One being, if you haven't previously considered ArtCAM, researched it and recognized the value of the program's features, you aren't likely to ever need them. Just get VCP to cut pre-made 3D files. Aspire if you want to do some 3D modelling. Way easier to learn - more than enough power and features than you most likely will ever use. Nobody's ego wants to hear that - but it is the truth.

Right now their website is sparse - but it, and their forum will be adding more info and features as time goes on.

Shopping on price is dumb. If you don't like the cheaper one, you have to go buy the other one, now you've spent double.

[robtown]

All post processors are included for any machine controller that you are likely to have.

Yes. It's better than that. You can live chat with support and they have staff on the clock for international time zones. You can also use the forum. You can also use email.

Yes - However, don't expect it to run on XP or Vista. If you aren't running at least Win7, you don't need to spend money on this program - you need a new computer.

Can't address the 'risk' thing, as that is personally subjective. All I know is I spent $9k in 2008 for the same program; now it's $1600. I've run a job shop that does it all for 20 years. It's a tool expense for me. I'll get it all back. If you are a hobbiest it most likely is not for you for a number of reasons. One being, if you haven't previously considered ArtCAM, researched it and recognized the value of the program's features, you aren't likely to ever need them. Just get VCP to cut pre-made 3D files. Aspire if you want to do some 3D modelling. Way easier to learn - more than enough power and features than you most likely will ever use. Nobody's ego wants to hear that - but it is the truth.

Right now their website is sparse - but it, and their forum will be adding more info and features as time goes on.

Shopping on price is dumb. If you don't like the cheaper one, you have to go buy the other one, now you've spent double.

Curiously, they list "Shop Sabre" in their list of supported machines on the site, but not "ShopBot".

I'm fairly certain that this is just an oversite since they've always had an SB post (unless they removed it when AutoCAD took it over?). Plus, can't you use gcode in SB3? I did send them an email pointing this out and asking for clarification on the possibility of selling the license and transferring it to another user.

They haven't replied yet, but I'll update you guys if and when they do.

I'm a hobbiest, I took the chance. I think it will be worth it. I feel like it's nothing but good for Carveco AND Aspire that Carveco succeeds.

On edit: I clicked over to https://carveco.com/carveco-software/supported-cnc-machine-tools/ and I see ShopBot now...

[Brady Watson]

ALL of SB's myriad of post processors are in there...Not sure where you are looking.

There is a PostP folder in Program Files.

32751

[Brady Watson]

Attached for Rob...just in case

[robtown]

Look at all those postprocessors... Looks like I'll be able to export directly to my plotter as well.

Thanks. I've been so busy at work this week, I haven't even taken the time to install carveco yet.

I'm going to run it on my Mac Book Pro and I wanted to install Parallels first so I don't have to reboot (via bootcamp) every time I switch OS's.

[SteveNelson46]

All post processors are included for any machine controller that you are likely to have.

Yes. It's better than that. You can live chat with support and they have staff on the clock for international time zones. You can also use the forum. You can also use email.

Yes - However, don't expect it to run on XP or Vista. If you aren't running at least Win7, you don't need to spend money on this program - you need a new computer.

Can't address the 'risk' thing, as that is personally subjective. All I know is I spent $9k in 2008 for the same program; now it's $1600. I've run a job shop that does it all for 20 years. It's a tool expense for me. I'll get it all back. If you are a hobbiest it most likely is not for you for a number of reasons. One being, if you haven't previously considered ArtCAM, researched it and recognized the value of the program's features, you aren't likely to ever need them. Just get VCP to cut pre-made 3D files. Aspire if you want to do some 3D modelling. Way easier to learn - more than enough power and features than you most likely will ever use. Nobody's ego wants to hear that - but it is the truth.

Right now their website is sparse - but it, and their forum will be adding more info and features as time goes on.

Shopping on price is dumb. If you don't like the cheaper one, you have to go buy the other one, now you've spent double.

I have used Artcam in the past but it's been a few years. It was a great program but the expense for ownership was just a little above my budget. Actually more than just a little. It would be nice if Carveco had a demo where one could experiment a bit before taking the plunge but alas... Based solely on your advise I bought the program. That probably wasn't a wise decision and I really would liked to have had a little more information but I liked the program so much in the past that I figured "what the hell". It does have a pp for a Camaster but only for the Cobra and nothing for the rotary lathe. I contacted tech support but they only responded with a "canned" message and stated that if I had any problems to contact them again. I kind of expected that answer but, hopefully, they will advise or help me revise the PP at a later date.

Shopping for software based on cost alone is dumb. That is why it is essential to do the research first.

[Brady Watson]

Steve, Check your PM.

[bryan]

Well gang I made the switch over from AutoCad ArtCam 2018 to CarveCo and couldn't be more happy!
Installed smooth, all 3600+ releif files pulled over, no issues
Opens quicker then the last ver of AutoCad ArtCam
But maybe the nicest item is I don't have to fire up my old Dongle ArtCam to open old files anymore, they just magically open up in CarveCo, So freaking great!!!!
Ok going to draw all night now ;-)

[Brady Watson]

Congrats Bryan... having fun with the interactive relief tools yet? :cool:

[SteveNelson46]

Well, I should have followed my own advise. Carveco is a great program and the pricing structure is okay but without a post processor for my Camaster Stinger it is almost useless. The generic WinCNC PPs may work but the included Cobra one definitely will not. I have the Fast Tool Change feature and the Ornamental lathe that need addressing also. Not sure where to go from here. Maybe look into the refund guarantee.

[bryan]

Congrats Bryan... having fun with the interactive relief tools yet? :cool:

Brady you talking about the smudge, carve, smooth, etc tools? if so yes alot of time the standard file I have needs a bit of tweaking for the clients request and nothing like the power to remove or add what you need to make them happy or at least a bit happier some clients will never me happy 100% by I do what I can and tell them that :-)

[garyb]

Steve
Post processors are editable that you can adjust, then option 2, have you contacted Camaster about an updated post p ?
Gary

[Gary Campbell]

Well, I should have followed my own advise. Carveco is a great program and the pricing structure is okay but without a post processor for my Camaster Stinger it is almost useless. The generic WinCNC PPs may work but the included Cobra one definitely will not. I have the Fast Tool Change feature and the Ornamental lathe that need addressing also. Not sure where to go from here. Maybe look into the refund guarantee.

Steve..
Why are you asking about a CAMaster PostP on the ShopBot forum without asking on the CAMaster forum first? As Gary B states, the Carveco posts are virtually as editable as Vectric's are. They were basically cut from the same cloth, so to speak.

[SteveNelson46]

Maybe I should ask the question on the Camaster forum but we were talking about software. Maybe the posts are as editable but with Vectric's software I didn't have to edit or adapt anything. Plus, the initial cost is nearly the same minus $400. CNC machining is not my career, just a hobby.

[Brady Watson]

Maybe I should ask the question on the Camaster forum but we were talking about software. Maybe the posts are as editable but with Vectric's software I didn't have to edit or adapt anything. Plus, the initial cost is nearly the same minus $400. CNC machining is not my career, just a hobby.

Steve,
Don't take this the wrong way but there's no need to get rammy about a post processor. It's the weekend. It's a new software company. Do them a solid and send them your working vectric post processor and ask them for help. It isn't a big deal and they'll make it right.

Checking into the refund guarantee? Did you really just go there? Seriously?

Bryan...no...if I have time I'll send you a little demo... you'll love this...

[bleeth]

FYI: Post processors are generally supplied by the Machine Manufacturer to the software company.
Interestingly enough, there have been some issues with SB's processor in the past (not sure if they have been worked out or not) in which some files when created just had way too many lines.
AC had been supplied a new PP by SB for the release. At the time I was trying to get it working right with SB but it wasn't resolved and I ended up using an older pp. Of course, I had no thought or reason to "slam" AC.
There is a nice demo someone posted on the Autocad Artcam forum of 3D distortion and smudge in action. Starts with a basic vector square, raised to a dome with the shape editor, and then really gets interesting.
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/artcam-forum/the-rebirth-of-artcam-to-carveco/td-p/8657294/page/5
Scroll down the page and you will see the video.

[robtown]

I heard back from carveco on my inquiry about license transfer.
They verified that in the case of a private sale, license and maintenance can be transferred. They did not specify if there would be a fee involved.
Unrelated:
I did finally install Carveco and started playing around. So far so good. I think I'm going to be very happy with this software.

[SteveNelson46]

Steve,
Don't take this the wrong way but there's no need to get rammy about a post processor. It's the weekend. It's a new software company. Do them a solid and send them your working vectric post processor and ask them for help. It isn't a big deal and they'll make it right.

Checking into the refund guarantee? Did you really just go there? Seriously?

Bryan...no...if I have time I'll send you a little demo... you'll love this...

No, I really don't want to go there. Only as a last resort. It's really a great program and I was just frustrated.

I just received an email from Carveco with an attachment containing a PP for the Stinger. To be honest, I really didn't expect a response this quick and it was truly astounding customer service. I will give it a test as soon as I can.

[robtown]

Congrats Bryan... having fun with the interactive relief tools yet? :cool:

Re; those relief tools...
Remember... with great power, comes great responsibility... ;)

[sawkerf]

Any idea if the introductory offer is still in effect?

[garyb]

No, lt is finished and has now gone to its regular pricing
Gary

[bill.young]

Does anyone know how much of the regular price is the software and how much is the maintenance contract? I couldn't find out on their website.

[EricSchimel]

Boom!

https://store.carveco.com/products/carveco-software-maintenance-online

They hid it down at the bottom of the page.

[garyb]

Bill, its under the online store tab, you may have to select to get pricing
Gary

[bill.young]

It's certainly well hidden...I've tried Chrome and Firefox and can find the total cost of the software and maintenance in the store, but not just the cost of the annual maintenance.

[garyb]

the price of the software is set, which includes 12 months of maintenance is the way I'm reading that, and it appears the yearly maintenance has not be set yet but would expect it to be comparable to previous Delcam versions with a modest inflation increase.
Gary

[Brady Watson]

Yearly maintenance is around $1500. For those with sticker shock, CarveCo is about the same price as ArtCAM was 20 years ago give or take $150. Maintenance fees are also about the same. I'm really glad I was able to get in on the introductory offering.

[garyb]

Although I don't like to speculate on other companies pricing structure, just for clarity, maintenance for Delcam Artcam Pro and Jewelsmith was $1200, Insignia was $450. Since Carveco only comes in premium version at present, which is equivalent to Jewelsmith and being in line with the selling price structure I expect maintenance will be $1350. Knowing what you get under the maintenance, to me it's a its well worth the money spent.

Now as a business its overhead, its a tax deductible expense. if we take the 1350 and divide by 12 months = 112.50. most people pay more for TV per month than that. As a business you should pro rata the cost and add as overhead to each job, its the same for any other software upgrade, lease or maintenance package you may use.
Now as a hobbyist, it may well be a sticker shock, but as its perpetual license software, it's not a requirement to take maintenance or upgrades at every release .....
This is just food for thought not to start an open argument over software !
Gary

[gerald_martin]

Does anyone know what the policy for skipped updates will be? For example - if a "hobby user" skips 5 years then pays for a year of maintenance will that bring him current? That's how Vectric does it - but I am curious what CarveCo's policy will be?

Gerald

[garyb]

Gerald, I believe you are a little confused as to what maintenance is and covers. What you're really referring to in your above post is upgrades, whereby you may skip a couple of years then upgrade to the latest version with a one lump sum cost for that upgrade version.
Maintenance is a yearly contract cost, which includes all upgrades, support etc , you only do one or the other not both.

If the answers to your questions are not included in Carveco's website, then i would recommend you email them direct so as to avoid speculative answers.
Gary