Re: CAD to CNC???

I use Bob cad, and it opens Solid works files, (.stl). Not free but reasonable. You can at least bargain with those guys while saying "no" a few times until the price comes down.
You will need a lot of memory or set your machine to run via DNC while connected to a pc or laptop. 3D shapes that are complicated create huge code files!
I use it almost daily for my business and still find it a little cumbersome to use but it is the only cad/cam software I've ever used. I leaned on tech support pretty hard for a while, but am pretty much self-taught. I in no-wise would call myself proficient,  but I get the job done. If they don't have a "post processor" for your machine,(the part of the software that generates code for a specific machine), they can write it for you.

Good luck.
Denis




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