Interesting articles on CAM, CNC and DeskProto

DeskProto Software Review: Is it worth it?

The Mellowpine website offers content on woodworking, CNC, home decor, home makeovers, and furniture restoration. John Abraham, editor of Mellowpine, is a CNC hobbyist. His articles about CNC offer a wealth of information: CNC basics and reviews of both hardware and software. John tested the DeskProto software and wrote an elaborate software review (August 2022).

Read the article: DeskProto Software Review: Is it worth it?

3D CAM for Milling and Rapid Prototyping

Anthony Lockwood, editor of Desktop Engineering (no longer existing) selected DeskProto Version 6.1 as his Pick of the week for the issue dated Nov 27, 2013.

Read the article: 3D CAM for Milling and Rapid Prototyping

3D Printing versus CNC machining (English)

Compare 3D Printing (additive) and CNC milling (subtractive) as methods for Digital Manufacturing. Article in TCT Magazine, June 2013, written by Lex Lennings.

Read the article "Digital manufacturing" on-line on the TCT website.
The printed version was shortened by the editors:
Read the article "Digital manufacturing" as it was printed (PDF/ 1.5 MB)

3D Printing versus CNC machining (Dutch)

Compare 3D Printing (additive) and CNC milling (subtractive) as methods for Digital Manufacturing (article in Dutch). Article in De Constructeur, Feb 2013 (the Netherlands), written by Lex Lennings.

Read the article "Digitale fabricage" (PDF/ 831 KB) - in Dutch !

DeskProto

Read about why Sara Lee / DE decided to quit Unigraphics, and to start using SolidWorks and DeskProto instead. Article from Cad User Magazine (Great Britain),
written by David Chadwick in 2002.

Read the article "DeskProto" (PDF/ 381 Kb)

An Introduction to CAM Software

What is the function of CAM software, how does it relate to other software packages used, what types of CAM software do exist, and which filetypes are used for communications. A very basic introduction. This was the "Article of the Month", written in 2001 by Lex Lennings, for the (no longer existing) Desktop CNC comparison table website.

Read the article "Use-of-cam" (PDF/ 74 Kb)

Selecting Either Layered Manufacturing or CNC Machining

Two fundamentally different methods are currently available for Rapid Prototyping: Layered Manufacturing Technology (additive) and CNC milling (subtractive). In order to create a prototype using RP, a designer will have to choose one of both methods. This paper gives guidelines for choosing the most appropriate method.
Article written by Lex Lennings, for the Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing 2000 Conference, organized by SME/RPA.

Read the article "CNC versus LMT" (PDF/ 426 Kb)

RP with CNC

In the past few years, CNC milling has proved to be a valuable tool for prototypers. Reliable results and value for money mean that this class of technology shouldn't be overlooked. Article written by Lex Lennings, for Prototyping Technology International 99 (which never was published).

Read the article "RP with CNC" (PDF/ 593 Kb)

The DeskProto approach offers true Concept Modelling

In order to be used as a real Concept Modeler an RP system has to meet a number of requirements. After explaining these requirements a system is presented that indeed does meet them: DeskProto. This system is both low priced and fast, in contrast to many other 'Concept Modelers'. Article written by Lex Lennings, published in Prototyping Technology International 98

Read a web version of this article

DeskProto 1.0 voor Windows (Dutch)

This article has been added as historical background. It has been written in 1996, a few months after the release of DeskProto Version 1.0. Author Dick Simonis regularly reviewed new software for PCM (Personal Computer Magazine): at that time a very popular journal. The magazine no longer exists, and there is no online archive.

Read the article "DeskProto 1.0 voor Windows" (PDF/ 811 Kb)

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