Designing laser-cut parts can be a complex process. You have to be incredibly accurate with your dimensions if you want to get the best result — and this can be a tedious and complex process.
At EMS, we have a wide array of laser cutting beds and machines, so we know first-hand what it takes to produce the parts designed by Engineers like you.
We want to help you make the right software decision for your design needs, so here are 6 of the most common ones we see that do a good job and are easy to use.
SolidWorks
SolidWorks is one of the most comprehensive laser cutting design software options on the market. It's a solid choice for laser cutting design software that does a lot more than just laser cutting — it can help you create 3D models, simulate, and mold form parts as well.
It has a somewhat steep learning curve, but SolidWorks is one of the best laser cutting design software out there to date once you get past that initial difficulty. It's heavily utilized in the mechanical design and engineering industries and is often considered to be industry-standard.
Pro/Engineer
Pro/Engineer is another laser cutting design software that is laser-specific and more difficult to learn. However, it has a faster learning curve than SolidWorks and will produce laser-cut parts much faster as a result.
This laser cutting design software option is excellent for production laser cutting. Still, if you're looking for laser cutter design software that can do 3D modeling as well, we recommend checking out ProE.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is one of the most widely used 2D modeling software and laser cutting design software — it's a laser-specific laser cutter design software that is similar in structure to SolidWorks but has a much lower learning curve.
This laser cutting design software option is great for those just starting out with laser cutters as it offers laser cutter-specific features and programs.
AutoCAD was designed by Dassault Systems around laser cutting, so you know it's been tested! If you use the latest version (AutoCAD 2014), you can do more than just laser cutting — you can also export your parts to Pro/ENGINEER and SolidWorks directly, which makes this laser cutter design software even more attractive.
Mastercam
Mastercam laser cutter design software is also laser-focused while making the tools user-friendly and easy to understand.
It's also laser-focused, but laser-cutting design software has a steeper learning curve. If you're looking for laser cutter design software that you think will be a quick and easy transition from AutoCAD, this laser cutting design software option may not be the best choice.
It is great for laser cutting parts quickly and easily, so if you're looking for laser cut bed specifications to help with the production of laser cut parts in your business, this software might just fit the bill.
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a CAD software developed by Autodesk that is a cloud-based program. It allows you to collaborate more easily with other engineers to design your mechanical projects.
You can utilize solid modeling, mesh modeling, and parametric modeling with Fusion 360.
Inventor
Inventor has great modeling options and tools for simulations. It is one of the top competitors of SolidWorks and is highly utilized in mechanical engineering, mechanical design, and product development.
It's useful for 3D solid modeling, visualization, simulation, parametric modeling, and product data management.
Contact Us to Produce Your Parts
If you're looking to have someone produce your parts, we can laser cut them for you. Our laser cutting engineers will ensure they are designed correctly and manufactured to the highest quality using laser-cut parts production techniques and the latest laser machines technology.