User:DpProxyMan/DeskProto (The Non-Machinist's Cam)

DeskProto is a desktop CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) application. Supported operating systems include Windows, macOS and Linux. Developed by Delft Spline Systems, this multiplatform application is available in four progressive featured editions - Free, Entry, Expert and Multi-Axis - with a current audience composed of designers, mold makers, artists, woodworkers, educators and hobbyists - for the most part non-machinists.

History
Delft Spline Systems released DeskProto V1.0, February 19, 1996 initially targeting industrial designers as prime user group. The app's design intent was to expedite a phase of manufacturing known as prototyping - essentially creating a proof of concept model in the shortest possible time. In doing so, DeskProto and similar CAM applications contributed to the evolution of Rapid Prototyping (RP). Hence, CAM - often overlooked by the less informed - has become an integral part of modern CNC reliant industries.

Licensing
DeskProto 's proprietary licensing platform relies upon the purchase of a perpetual license. The exception being the 'Free' edition - an introductory level cam application. DeskProto's licensed editions are priced according to the following intent of use categories - Hobby, Commercial and Educational.

Features
CAM products, including DeskProto, share a common goal - G-code aka RS-274 generation compatible with CNC machine controllers such as Mach3, Mach4, NC Studio etc... By interpreting various graphic formats such as 2D vector files, 3D geometry files and bitmap files, CAM programs create corresponding toolpaths in the form of computer numeric control (CNC) code aka G-code. CNC machine controllers translate the G-code to machine movement directives in turn rendering a physical object in a user selected material. The following is a general summary of desirable features applicable to modern Cam applications including DeskProto:
 * Multiplatform support
 * Dual user interface - Wizard-based for novice users and Dialog-based for the experienced
 * Accepts three main graphic formats - Vector, Geometry and Bitmap
 * Compatible file formats - DXF, SVG, EPS, AI, STL, DXF, BMP, JPG, TIFF, PNG
 * Multi-axis support - includes Continuous & Indexed (4 & 5 axis rotary) machining
 * Automatic feed rate control & Collet collision detection
 * Simulated multi-axis toolpath preview
 * Implements a gentle learning curve
 * Efficient G-code generation allowing user configurable postprocessors
 * Multilingual
 * Help formats: App integrated, YouTube, PDF, Email and Forum