Welcome to CAD/CAM in Schools |
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What is ArtCAM?
ArtCAM 7 Educational is a unique CAD software program that lets you produce high quality free-form 3D products from your 2D designs, faster than you ever thought possible. This education version includes 97% of the functionality of the commercial ArtCAM Pro 7 (costing over £5000 per seat). Files can be saved and exported ready for toolpath generation in your preferred toolpath software. ArtCAM is used by companies worldwide, to produce an enormous range of different signs, jewellery, engravings and other 3D products.
What will this software do for me and my students?
The software will allow your students to take existing 2D images and create 3D objects from them. It gives a wide range of graphics tools for students to create their own 2D images in order to create 3D products. It allows import of existing 3D models from other CAD software such as Pro/DESKTOP for further 3D relief, including the addition of textures or text on curved surfaces. Any model created in the software can be represented with material colours and textures, reflection maps and backgrounds. Students can export their models for manufacture on any school CNC machine, including laser cutters and routers.
What does the software do?
The starting point in ArtCAM is a 2D image using vectors or colours. The image can either be drawn in the program or imported from any graphic source. The 3D relief is created by defining areas of relief shape and by the addition of textures and other relief shapes stored on file. Further details can be added to the 3D object by smoothing or hand sculpting before output to CNC. Quality presentations of the 3D object can also be created using suitable background images.
Where does it fit into Design and Technology?
ArtCAM supports the designing and making processes in Design and Technology. The software allows students to explore, develop, model and communicate design proposals, and to shape and form materials for quality products.
ArtCAM is a design tool that works alongside other forms of modelling such as freehand sketching or 3D modelling in clay or Plasticine etc. It is very effective in coursework, as it allows the exploration of more organic and natural shapes for a range of projects. The presentation tools allow different backgrounds, lighting conditions and surface rendering to be used to create quality images for evaluation before manufacture.
How does it link with other software?
Any of the images of objects can be saved for use in portfolios etc. and graphics in a wide range of formats (bmp, gif, jpg, dxf) can be imported to create 3D relief.
3D models can be imported from other CAD software such as Pro/DESKTOP for the addition of other relief files, textures or text wrapped to curved surfaces.
3D objects can be scanned and imported into ArtCAM through the pix file format for further work. (Note for schools using Roland machines: the software is Dr Picza that controls the scanning function of the Modela MDX-15E/20E and RotoCAMM TS-30E.)
Compatibility with other CAD systems is achieved through a range of file formats including DXF (for export of layered models for profile cutting). 3D models can be exported through the Stereo Lithography (STL) format to any of the standard CNC or Rapid Prototyping machines for manufacture.
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Where can it be used in school (e.g. KS3, etc)?
Teachers have found that the basic principles of creating models in ArtCAM can be easily understood, so the software can be dependably introduced from Year 7 onwards. GCSE students of Resistant Materials, Product Design and Graphic Products will find ArtCAM invaluable for visualising their design ideas. Advanced Level students can use the software to create complex models using a range of additional tools. In addition, students of Art and Design may use the software for a variety of projects, such as the creation of relief tiles and four-colour screen print stencils which are then cut using a laser.
As the software is licensed for home use, students can spend time learning and using the software, which often means that some students rapidly become expert users.
Download the appropriate procedure depending on your role:
Evaluate ArtCAM Express from http://www.artcamexpress.com/index.php/en/free-trial
This is a demo version of the software. Please be aware that the current ArtCAM Pro for schools has slightly different features.
