CAM software, at its the most basic level, enables you to define your machinery, the material you’re using, and many other perimeters that contribute to the toolpath your machine will follow.

Whether you’re using a CNC machine, a robotic arm 3D printer, a laser engraver, or another machine driven by CAM software, it pays to know your options and how to get the most out of them.

In this article, we’ll go through the best free CAM software around, giving an overview and listing the features of each. Before we dive into the list, though, let’s review what makes a standout CAM program and the feature to look for.

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Choosing the right software means understanding what you need and what the products deliver. When evaluating the software we recommend, consider the following features.

• Types of CNC supported: We’ve mainly included programs that support more than one machining technique (milling, laser cutting, or plasma cutting, for example) or that bring some additional advantage to the table, such as pre-manufacturing simulation.
• Broad functionality: We’ve focused on programs that offer a breadth of features, so it’s possible to set up the whole machining process from one program while maintaining quality and finish.
• File formats: There’s a wide variety of file formats used in CAM software, and depending on how you generated your CAD file, you might be restricted to certain file types. We’ve ensured that the programs featured here cover a wide range of importable formats.
• Integrations: The process of converting files and moving between programs as you prepare a file for manufacturing can be time-consuming. We’ve prioritized software that works smoothly alongside other tools or that can handle multiple steps of the process alone.

So, now that we know what we’re looking for, let’s get on to the list!

Yes, we’re starting the list with an option that (depending on the version and intended use) has a price tag, but bear with us.

Fusion 360 is very popular software for manufacturing mainly because it seamlessly integrated CAD and CAM in a unified environment. It won’t be the easiest program to learn for beginners but if you’re looking for a robust option, you can’t go wrong.

Fusion 360 is free for student, educators, start-ups, and a limited-feature version is free for your personal use. The good news is that most CAM features in the program are available in all the free versions. The only CAM features you can’t get for free are advanced simulation and generative design, some multi-axis machining options, and certain tool libraries. The tool library includes information such as tool geometry, feeds, speeds, and other parameters, but the free version has a robust selection. You’re also limited in your ability to develop custom add-ins.

Fusion 360’s CAM has settings for milling and laser (so, 3D and 2D) with a complete range of features and functions. It supports 3MF, STL, DXF, and many other common 3D file types. Some of its stand-out features include “Adaptive Clearing”, which optimize toolpaths for efficient material removal. This feature helps prolong tool life and enhance machining efficiency. There are also simulation and verification tools that let to visualize and analyze the toolpaths before sending them to the machine. This helps identify potential issues and ensures the accuracy of the machining process before you waste material and time.

Fusion 360’s cloud-based approach allows users to access their designs and projects from different devices, collaborate in real-time (somewhat limited in the free personal-use version), and share design data with team members.

• Creator: Autodesk
• OS: Windows, MacOS
• Features:
  • Integrated CAD and CAM features
  • Third-party add-ons
  • Simulation of the G-code before post-processing
  • Post-processing
  • Many tool options
  • Offset for cutting compensation
  • Spindle-speed customization
• Free: For qualifying students, educators, start-ups, plus limited-feature version for personal use

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Fusion 360

FreeCAD, as the name suggests, is primarily CAD rather than CAM software, but, it has more than capable CAM capabilities.

It’s an open-source 3D modeler based on parametric modeling, meaning that you can use it to create technical designs such. Its modus operandi consists of designing 2D sketches, which can be converted into 3D shapes by using operations. Users can then switch back to sketch mode as much as necessary to make additions or adjustments.

Additional to the CAD functions, FreeCAD has great CAM functions, as well as simulations (both mechanical and fluid) and a movement studio. To access any of these functions, and particularly the CAM function, FreeCAD has working layouts called Workbenches. To switch to CAM, you select the Path Workbench, where you can generate G-code for operations with tools such as mills, lathes, laser cutters, and other similar CNC machines.

FreeCAD runs on Windows, Linux, and MacOS and can import and export SVG, STEP, STL, DXF, and more common CAD files. Note that FreeCAD uses only metric measurements. All other programs on our list can be used in metric or imperial.

• Creator: FreeCAD
• OS: Windows, Linux, MacOS
• Features: 
  • Wide range of 2.5D CAM operations
  • Operations like contouring, drilling, and engraving
  • Works with many tool types, available in a library or customizable
  • Process simulation
  • Advanced operations like profiling, helix, slots, and V-carving
  • 3D operations include pockets and waterlines
  • G-code operations to add comments, stops, or custom G-code lines
• Free: For everyone

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OpenBuilds CAM is a free web-based program that can be used to set up CNC routing, laser cutting, plasma cutting, and even drag knives. It has a built-in parts library to access pre-existing models, and it supports DXF, SVG, PNG, BMP, JPG, Gerber, and Excellon files (though, notably, not STL).

It also has a simple 2D drawing interface to create models directly in the program, although it might be better to import drawings as the tools for this are very limited. It can also be integrated with OpenBuilds Control, by the same creators, which is control software for your CNC hardware.

• Creator: OpenBuilds
• OS: Windows, Linux, MacOS
• Features:
  • 2D drawing
  • Simulation in normal time or sped up
  • Display bar with mouse and keyboard functions
  • Export directly into OpenBuilds Control to communicate with the machine 
• Free: For everyone

Blender is among the most popular free 3D modeling software out there, with native uses including artistic modeling, sculpting, architecture, animation, and more. Blender is completely free and open source and, thanks to add-ons, it can do even more than its already extensive repertoire. Add-ons may be official or 3rd-party developed, and luckily for us, BlenderCAM is also free and open source.

With BlenderCAM, you can create custom toolpaths, as well as implement some preset ones like sine waves and Lissajous curves. You can also create pockets, follow paths, work with offsets, and more.

• Creator: BlenderCAM
• OS: Windows, MacOS, Linux
• Features: 
  • Toolpath parting from existing model
  • Stock material automatically calculated from the outer bounds of the model
  • Measuring tools
  • Curve Booleans for interesting shapes
  • Intarsion and overcuts, which transform hard edges into cuttable curves
  • Silhouette offsets from models
  • Pockets
  • Mathematical shapes
• Free: For everyone

FreeMill, as the name indicates, is a free milling module for programming CNC mills and routers. FreeMill, coupled with the free CAD software from the same company, VisualCAD, gives you a great entry level CAD/CAM product that is, we’ll say it again, completely free. You need VisualCAD to run FreeMill, but you can also run FreeMill as an extension of Rhinoceros, wish is a popular commercial 3D computer graphics and computer-aided design application that is not free.

The standalone version of FreeMill will only work on Windows systems, but Mac users can still use it integrated with Rhinoceros. It’s worth noting that users have reported lagging and a few issues when working on FreeMill alone, so depending on the project, the full version may be worth it. FreeMill supports a wide range of file formats, including STEP, STL, OBJ, FBX, SMT, SKP, DXF, and SLDPRT (SolidWorks part).

• Creator: MecSoft Corporation
• OS: Windows (standalone or integrated), MacOS (only integrated with Rhinoceros)
• Features: 
  • Toolpath creation
  • Features for roughing and finishing
  • G-code simulation
  • Exporting G-code
  • Post-processing
• Free: For everyone

Estlcam is not free software, but at just $59/year it is definitely affordable. It’s designed exclusively for milling. It’s a bit more of a 2D basic interface than the previous programs featured on this list, but it’s very complete in what it offers.

You can customize the toolpath direction and depth, the type of cutting to be done (i.e. carving or making holes), and finish the setup. It can open DXF, PLT, e25, JPG, PNG, and even GIF files. One notable feature is the automatic toolpath, which is used to guess the most desired cut to follow based on the drawing.

This program only runs on its own and can’t be integrated into other software. There are official support tips and video tutorials available, which combined with the simple interface, make this a good option for beginners. The only limitation for some users is that it’s designed for Windows operating systems.

• Creator: Estlcam
• OS: Windows
• Features:
  • Choose between automatic or manual toolpath
  • Part milling and hole drilling
  • Capable of engraving, carving, and aligning
  • Settings for start leveling, toolpath depth, and chamfering
• Free: For a trial. $59 per year otherwise

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PyCAM is a toolpath generator for 3-axis CNC machining. It loads 3D models in STL format or 2D contour models from DXF or SVG files. The resulting G-Code can be used with LinuxCNC or any other machine controller.

PyCAM runs on Linux only and is a great companion to another free software LinuxCNC.

The software supports both 2D and 3D machining operations, and you can create toolpaths for a variety of CNC machining tasks from milling to engraving. The program also provides options for specifying cutting parameters, tool geometry, and machining strategies.

PyCAM offers a rather user-friendly interface that makes it accessible for users with varying levels of experience in CAM software.

This free software hasn’t been updated since 2019, but is still a functioning program and you can’t beat the price.

• Creator: PyCAM
• OS: Linux
• Features:
  • Toolpath handeling
  • Export toolpath as GCode files
  • Specify path precision vs. processing speed
  • Shows a simulation of tool moves
• Free: For everyone

Kiri:Moto is a free web-based CAM software designed for creating toolpaths and generating G-code for 3D printing and CNC machining. It is known for its user-friendly interface and accessibility through web browsers, making it a versatile choice for users involved in both 3D printing and CNC milling.

Unlike a lot of the featured programs there, Kiri:Moto operates entirely within a web browser, making it accessible from various devices without the requirement for specific operating systems.

The software can import 3D models in various file formats, such as STL, and generate toolpaths for CNC milling machines, including setting up cutting strategies, specifying tool geometries, and defining machining operations.

There’s even a simulation features that allow users to preview and visualize your toolpaths. There are also predefined material libraries and machine profiles. Once the toolpaths are generated and simulations are to your liking, export G-code.

Kiri:Moto also has an active community you can lean on for problem solving and advice.

• Creator: Kiri:Moto
• OS:cloud-based
• Features:
  • Toolpath handeling
  • Export toolpath as GCode files
  • Laser engraver CAM tools
  • Shows a simulation of tool moves
• Free: For everyone

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