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Support > FAQ

FAQ for the DeskProto CAM software

Frequently Asked Questions about DeskProto

The acronym FAQ is short for Frequently Asked Questions, and this is exactly what this list is. Of course including the answers to these questions. This will help you to directly solve a problem that you might have with DeskProto, without first having to wait for our reply to your email.

On this page: You can browse the list below, or as an alternative you can use the Search option of this website (also present at the top of each page) to find the information you need. The search also covers the FAQ.
Second source of information is the User Forum, which uses it's own search option.


1. Commercial questions about DeskProto.

How to buy, editions, prices, licenses, etc.


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2. General questions about DeskProto and Rapid Prototyping.



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3. File formats.



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4. Installation problems.



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5. Machines and postprocessors.



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6. Graphics problems when using DeskProto.



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7. Other problems when using DeskProto.



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8. Questions on how to use DeskProto.



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1. Commercial questions about DeskProto.

1.1 - How can I purchase DeskProto ? You can buy DeskProto either via one of our resellers worldwide (on the left select your continent),
or directly using our Webshop on the Order page of this website.

1.2 - Can I try DeskProto before I buy ? Yes, you can download the FREE edition at the Download page of this website. This free edition is completely functional, though with a limited set of parameters. In this free edition you can start each of the three paid editions in trial mode: also fully functional, however the resulting parts are marked by a trial cross.

1.3 - Do you charge an annual cost for software maintenance ? No, we don't. Buying DeskProto is a one-time purchase for a perpetual software license. We do not charge any annual cost for maintenance or support: you can use it as long as you like.
Bugfix updates (service releases) and Minor Updates are free of charge, see page Build History for update information. Major Updates are not free, though existing users can update to a new version at special Update prices. Email support is free as well, except for the lowcost hobby license. Support via the User Forum is free for all.
This being said, we also keep adding new features to DeskProto, and need to adapt it for newer versions of Windows. So you should expect that the perpetual license in practice still is limited: at a certain moment your old DeskProto can no longer be used on a fresh Windows version (for instance DeskProto V4 will not start on Windows 7).

1.4 - How long does it take to get my software after I place an order ? Each order needs to be processed manually, which will take some time. In most cases delivery will be the next day, however in case of vacations and/or trade shows it may take longer. Sorry about that.

1.5 - How do I compare the editions of DeskProto ? You can find a list of all supported features per edition in the Comparison table.

1.6 - Is there a discount if I upgrade to a more powerful edition of DeskProto ?
Yes, you can start with a lowcost license and then upgrade later. See the list of special Upgrade prices.

1.7 - What are the differences between the three license types of DeskProto ?
Three types of license are available: Commercial, Educational and Hobby licenses. The functionality of the program is identical for all licenses, the difference is in the license conditions.
Educational licenses and Hobby licenses may not be used for commercial applications (except when these applications generate less than EUR 3000 in annual revenue).
Buying an educational license only is possible for schools, students and teachers (proof required).
Hobby licenses are not sold to companies, and for hobby licenses no free support is given.
Hobby licenses and educational licenses are available ONLY for the Multi-Axis edition.

1.8 - Is it allowed to install DeskProto on more than one computer ?
Yes, you are welcome to install your DeskProto on two computers - as long as you do not use these two copies at the same time. Many of our clients install a copy of their DeskProto software on their CAD computer and one on the PC or laptop in the workshop.

1.9 - Can you supply a turnkey system, including a CNC milling machine ?
Yes we can and most of our dealers can so as well. See the Resellers page of this website: for each dealer (and for Delft Spline Systems as well) you will find a link to their website, showing which machines are available.

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2. General questions about DeskProto and Rapid Prototyping.

2.1 - I know nothing about machining: can I use DeskProto ?
Yes, you can: DeskProto has been especially developed to be used by products designers, jewelers, artists, medics, etc. So you do not need to be a CAM specialists to use DeskProto (though of course for the last group easy-to-use is an advantage as well). The DeskProto motto is "3D CNC machining for non-machinists".

2.2 - Currently we are using CAD software package "XXX": can this be combined with DeskProto ?
Yes, you can: any current 3D CAD system can export DXF files for vector data and STL files for geometry data. Even without any CAD system you can still use DeskProto, by loading a bitmap file (any JPG, GIF, PNG or BMP) and making DeskProto convert that to a 3D relief.

2.3 - I thought that Rapid Prototyping was about stacking thin layers of material: how can DeskProto that uses CNC milling be called Rapid Prototyping ?
Some people indeed do define Rapid Prototyping as a technology to produce prototypes by adding material (Additive RP), which does exclude CNC milling as there material is removed (Subtractive RP). However, in our opinion this definition is incorrect: Rapid Prototyping is about creating a physical prototype: (1) from 3D CAD data, (2) Rapidly and (3) Automatically. The actual process used does not matter and will be a kind of black-box to the designer.
So in our view SRP as offered by DeskProto is a valid RP process.

2.4 - How does Rapid Prototyping using DeskProto compare to Stereolithography and other Layered Manufacturing Technologies (LMT) ?
Both available Rapid Prototyping methods, LMT and CNC have their specific advantages and disadvantages. As a result both have their preferred application areas as well: for CNC these are Concept Models and Styling Block Models, for LMT Functioning Prototypes.
See the publication "CNC versus LMT" (PDF/ 426 Kb) on the articles page of our website.

2.5 - I heard that DeskProto is not suited for high accuracy projects: is that correct ?
Indeed DeskProto has some limitations in accuracy:
For Vector data a limitation is that DeskProto does not support Arc movements: an arc is represented as a series of short stringht lines (a polyline).
For Geometry data two limitations are present:
- first is the STL file: all geometry is represented as a series of flat triangle surfaces. So a cylinder will not be a true cylinder, but a polygon instead. Still in any CAD system you can define the required accuracy in the STL export settings.
- second is the calculation algorithm: DeskProto projects a toolpath pattern onto the geometry. The XY positions of these paths are fixed, DeskProto calculates the Z-value for each XY. This means that the distance between the toolpaths sets a tolerance. For instance with a toolpath distance of 1 mm a cube of 10.5 mm cannot be made: it will either be 10 or 11 (DeskProto will make it 11). This is why DeskProto calls the Path-distance 'Precision': this distance sets the precision.
So it depends on what you need:
-For machining a piston and a cylinder which need to perfectly fit DeskProto is not the right tool; also not for two curved closing surfaces in a mold that need to perfectly match.
-For many other jobs DeskProto is perfect. You can do very accurate jobs, see for instance the ring pictures in one of the Jewelry videos. Molds with flat parting surfaces are OK as well.

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3. File formats.

3.1 - Can DeskProto import all STL files ?
Yes: DeskProto understands the complete STL definition, both the binary and the ASCII format.
STL stands for STereo Lithography (sometimes also explained as Standard Triangle Language). Stereolithography was the first additive RP system. It's supplier defined the STL file, and luckily all other RP suppliers followed that definition. The file describes the outer surface of a part as a very large quantity of triangles.

3.2 - Can DeskProto import invalid STL files ?
Yes: where Additive RP systems need a true solid geometry, DeskProto accepts incomplete solids as well. So small defects like gaps, cracks, orphan surfaces etc are no problem: as long as the gaps are so small that the cutter cannot make a visible hole.

3.3 - Can DeskProto import DXF files ?
Yes, but not all, as DeskProto only understands a subset of the DXF format definition. DXF for instance can also contain a 2D drawing with dimension lines, which are useless for DeskProto.
DXF stands for Drawing eXchange File, and is a file definition created by Autodesk for its AutoCad software. As many other suppliers followed that definition it is now widely used. Some care is needed as Autodesk changes the DXF definition with every new version of Autocad.
As Vector-data DeskProto supports a subset of the entities: Point, Line, Polyline, LW Polyline, Circle, Ellipse, Arc, Spline.
As Geometry data DeskProto supports the entities 3D Face and Polyface Mesh (which are the same triangles as present in STL files).
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3.4 - Can DeskProto import VRML files ?
Yes. Again not all, however now 'Almost all'. DeskProto accepts both VRML version 1 and 2, including hierarchy and transformations. Only certain standard objects are not supported. Information on color, lighting and texturing is of course discarded. Note that the standard file-extension for VRML files is .WRL
VRML stands for Virtual Reality Modeling Language, and has been created to use 3D geometry in an Internet web environment, along with HTML files.

3.5 - Can DeskProto import IGES files or STEP files ?
No, IGES files and STEP files can not be used with DeskProto. Reason is that these formats are far more complex than STL, which typically will result in conversion problems. Geometry conversion from system X to system Y using IGES or STEP files in many cases will lead to incorrect results. STL on the other hand guarantees smooth conversions. IGES and STEP are in fact only needed in case the geometry must be remodeled in the second system; for "downstream processes" like prototyping and moldmaking STL is fine. Theoretically speaking using IGES or STEP results in a better surface quality (as the real surfaces are transferred, not a polygon approximation). In practice there is no difference, as in any CAD system the accuracy of the STL file can be freely chosen.
IGES stands for "Initial Graphic Exchange Standard", STEP stands for "STandard for the Exchange of Product model data”. Both are official standards, defined by an international committee of specialists. Both can describe a wide variety of 2D and 3D entities.

3.6 - Can DeskProto import EPS and/or AI files ?
Yes, but not all, as DeskProto only understands a subset of the EPS/AI format definition. For more information see the extensive Forum issue on this subject
EPS stands for Encapsulated PostScript, AI stand for Adobe Illustrator. Both are proprietary format, subject to changes by Adobe.

3.7 - I cannot open my 3D geometry file: how can I find it in DeskProto ?
In DeskProto the Open button and Open command enable you to open a DeskProto Project file (DPJ), which does contain all settings for an existing project. In case you start with a fresh geometry, you need a NEW project, in which you can import your geometry using the 'Load Geometry File' button or command.

3.8 - I cannot open my 2D vector file: how can I find it in DeskProto ?
In DeskProto the Open button and Open command enable you to open a DeskProto Project file (DPJ), which does contain all settings for an existing project. In case you start with fresh vector data, you need a NEW project, in which you can import your vector data using the 'Load Vector File' button or command.

3.9 - I cannot open my bitmap file: how can I find it in DeskProto ?
In DeskProto the Open button and Open command enable you to open a DeskProto Project file (DPJ), which does contain all settings for an existing project. In case you start with fresh bitmap file, you need a NEW project, in which you can import your bitmap using the 'Load Bitmap File' button or command.

3.10 - DeskProto V6.0 does not recognize cutters when opening a V6.1 project file.
In DeskProto V6.1 we have changed the 'encoding' of all text strings. DeskProto V6.0 and older use ANSI encoding, which is OK for western languages but will give problems with non-western scripts like used in Chinese and Russian. DeskProto V6.1 uses Unicode (UTF), which is the current standard for encoding, and supports all scripts (character sets).
So in V6.0 and older project files (*.DPJ) are ANSI encoded, in V6.1 and newer they are UTF encoded.
DeskProto V6.1 can read both types of DPJ file, however older versions cannot always correctly open the new UTF encoded files. A problem is present only when names (part name, operation name, cutter name) are used that contain special characters. Like for instance the ä in the German cutter name "Kugelfräser 6": V6.0 will see this as "Kugelfräser 6"
The solution is to use the "Save As" function when saving a project file in DeskProto V6.1 that needs to be opened in V6.0 (or older). In the Save As dialog you can select a file type in "Save as type", and one of the types is "DeskProto 6.0 project files (*.DPJ)". The new project file then can be read by the old DeskProto version.

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4. Installation problems on various Operating Systems.

4.1 - I cannot install DeskProto on my Windows 95 / 98 / NT / ME / 2000 / XP system.
DeskProto no longer supports these old (obsolete) versions of Windows. Sorry about that.
The Deskproto V7 setup file that you can download does not work on WinXP, we will email you a special Setup for WinXP on request.

4.2 - How can I install the 64 bits build of DeskProto ?
That will be done for you automatically: the DeskProto Setup detects if the Windows on your PC is 32 bits or 64 bits, and will automatically install the 64 bits DeskProto build on a 64 bits system.

4.3 - My Chinese DeskProto does not display all Chinese Characters on my Windows PC.
The Chinese version of DeskProto V6.0 uses both Unicode and "Extended ANSI" to display Chinese characters. For Extended ANSI the correct table for that language must be used, which is a Windows setting. Important is that you need to select "Simplified Chinese", as the characters used in "Traditional Chinese" are different. For DeskProto V7 this is no longer needed.
Here are the instructions to select the correct language:
Win XP:
Control Panel > Regional and Language Options > Tab Advanced > Select "Language for non-Unicode programs" and set "Chinese (PRC)"
In Win XP it is also needed to check option "Install files for East-Asian Languages", on Tab page Languages of this same dialog.
Win Vista:
Control Panel > Clock, Language and Region > Regional and Language Options > Tab Administrative > Button "Change system locale..." > Select and set "Chinese (Simplified, PRC)"
Win 7:
Control Panel > Clock, Language and Region > Region and Language > Tab Administrative > Button "Change system locale..." > Select and set "Chinese (Simplified, PRC)"
Win 8:
Control Panel > Clock, Language and Region > Region > Tab Administrative > Button "Change system locale..." > Select and set "Chinese (Simplified, PRC)"
BTW: Win 8 also allows you to completely change the language and make it a Chinese Windows (or any other language).
Newer versions of DeskProto (from V6.1) use only Unicode: for these versions this problem no longer is present.

4.4 - My DeskProto V6 refuses to start, after a successful installation.
Please check if you are running in compatibility mode: this is not permitted for DeskProto.
You can check this via Properties in the Context menu of DeskProto's desktop icon (cursor on the icon, right mouse-click and select Properties).

4.5 - Can I run my old DeskProto V... on a new Windows version ?
For old versions (V5 and older) that still use a dongle the dongle drivers on the old Setup CD may be to old. You can download a newer (this is relative: from 2007) driver setup program: SetupDrv.exe This program (by Microcosm Ltd) will install dongle drivers.
DeskProto V4 and older will have problems (that can be solved) on Windows Vista and Win 7. Problems can be expected with the graphics (the Aero interface needs to be switched off, using option "Disable Desktop Composition"; see I cannot see any picture on my screen), every user will need to have administrative rights, and Windows will annoy you with several UAC warnings that you need to confirm.
DeskProto V5 has solved the graphics problems just mentioned by automatically switching off the Aero feature in Win Vista and Win 7 when starting. Still the administrative rights are needed and the UAC warning will be present.
DeskProto V5 and older can NOT be used on Win 8, on Win 10 and newer !   Reason is that switching off the Aero interface no longer is possible in these versions.

4.6 - DeskProto V6 refuses to start after upgrading my Windows version
After upgrading Windows on a PC, for instance from Win7 to Win8, or Win8 to Win8.1, Win.. to Win10, DeskProto V6.1 will no longer start, giving an error that "Your installation of DeskProto seems to be corrupt".
This will happen after any Windows upgrade, as the copy protection software confuses this with copying to a different PC.
We found that this also happens after a major automatic update of Win10: Windows then will also change it's Product ID, which is the ID that the protection software uses for identification.
The solution is to reinstall the V6.1 (trial) software.
Also see the FAQ issue on this error message and the forum issue on this subject.

4.7 - I cannot find the location of the DeskProto Sample files
DeskProto is installed including some nice sample CAD files (DXF vector drawings, STL geometries and bitmap images). All these files are stored in a folder called Samples. The location of this folder is different for each Operating System, conform the conventions for that OS.
Windows:
The Samples folder can be found in C:\ProgramData\DeskProto 7.1\
This is the standard location in Windows meant for this type of files. Unfortunately Microsoft has made this a hidden folder. You can make it visible in File Explorer ('My Computer'):
- in Win Vista: open Organize >> Folder and Search Options >> tab View and select the option 'Show hidden files and folders'
- in Win7: open Tools >> Folder Options >> tab View and select the option 'Show hidden files, folders (and drives)'.
- in Win8 and Win10: check "Hidden items" in the View ribbon of File Explorer.
MacOS:
The Samples folder is in ~/Library/Application Support/Delft Spline Systems/DeskProto/7.1/
(in which "~/" is your home folder).
Linux:
The Samples folder is in ~/.local/share/Delft Spline Systems/DeskProto/7.1/
(in which "~/" is your home folder).
Older versions:
For previous DeskProto versions use 6.0, 6.1 or 7.0 in the paths shown above.
In DeskProto V5 and older the Samples are stored in \Program Files\DeskProto 5.0\Samples\
In Windows XP the folder \ProgramData\ is called \Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\
To make the folder visible in Win XP open Tools >> Folder Options >> tab View and select the option 'Show hidden files, folders (and drives)'.

4.8 - I get error "Your installation of DeskProto seems to be corrupt" (DeskProto V6).
When at program start the error message "Your installation of DeskProto seems to be corrupt" is given, it is not possible to run DeskProto. This will happen when the time and date settings on your PC have been changed: do not tamper with the time settings in your trial period !
However, this situation can also occur in three other situations:
1- You have upgraded your Windows to a higher version.
2- You are running a DeskProto V6 dated before November 2015. At that time we have corrected a serious bug that disabled the program in 2016 and later (our 'delayed Millennium bug').
3- You are running a DeskProto V6 dated before November 2016 with Windows 10. The Windows 10 automatic updates will change the Windows ProductID, causing this error. From Nov 2016 DeskProto no longer uses the ProductID.
The solution:
Re-install DeskProto: you need to again download and run the DeskProto V6.1 Trial version Setup in order to run the latest build (which will recognize your license). It may be needed to start the Setup via "Run as Administrator" in order to fix this problem, even when are are an administrator.
Important is that this reinstall will also again install all original driver files (cutters, machines and postprocessors). So in case you changed any of these original drivers you can first copy these files to a safe location and restore them afterwards. Driver files that you added will not be affected.
For more information about where these files are stored see FAQ issue I cannot find the location of DeskProto's Driver files.
This problem is no longer present in DeskProto V7.

4.9 - I have bought a new PC: how can I transfer my DeskProto license.
You can simply download a fresh free DeskProto (for V6.1 a trial version) onto your new PC and run the Setup. After installation you can activate this DeskProto (so remove the trial limitation) using the Name/Code combination on your license.
Please uninstall DeskProto from the old PC before you sell or give it to a new user.

4.10 - I get warning "An unidentified program wants to access your computer".
This may happen when starting the DeskProto Setup on Windows Vista (when installing a DeskProto with Build date 2016-11-29 = Revision 6246 or newer). Reason is that this Setup uses a newer version of the SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm) to "sign" the .exe files: SHA-256 instead of the old SHA-1.
For Windows 10 this more secure SHA will soon become required, however unfortunately Windows Vista does not recognize it. As Win Vista is becoming very rare we will not fix this problem. The current DeskProto version no longer supports Win Vista. In case you get this error when starting an older version of the DeskProto Setup you can safely choose "Allow" and proceed.

4.11 - What is the answer to the "Anti-robot question" on the download page?
The grey button directly below that question has the text "Email me the Download instructions", so the answer to the anti-robot question needs to be "Email". This same answer is valid for the download pages in other languages.
Sorry that we needed to make downloading complicated: a question like this is needed as otherwise the form is submitted many, many times a day by crawler robots.

4.12 - I get an error mentioning update KB931125.
This error is related to the digital signature that Windows needs in order to allow a program file to start. For some reason this signature could not be validated.
It has been reported to us that for Windows 7 this can also be fixed by installing update KB3033929.
Most common cause is that the "root certificate" for this signature is missing on your PC. Normally the Windows update service should have fixed this, however some clients still get this error. The DeskProto certificate is issued by GlobalSign, on their website you can find a step-by-step description how to fix this:
support.globalsign.com/ca-certificates/root-certificates/update-globalsign-root-certificate-windows-xp-windows-2000.
For WinXP you need to dowload the R1 file, for newer Windows versions the R3 file (can be downloaded on the same page). Installation must be done using the Windows MMC (Microsoft Management Console), following the instructions in the above link. Simply doubleclicking the R1 or R3 file and then following the instructions does not help. In newer Windows versions MMC looks a bit different, the steps to be taken still are possible.

4.13 - (Apple) My Mac refuses to load the DeskProto CD.
This may happen on older Mac computers. It can be solved by keeping the Command key pressed while you insert the CD: then the CD will be opened without a problem.

4.14 - I installed a new DeskProto V7 build but still see the old Help file.
The DeskProto Help system uses a Cache file, and though you installed the new Help file, this cache file still contains a copy of the old file. File location:
in Windows:
C:\Users\yourName\AppData\Local\Delft Spline Systems\DeskProto71\HelpCache\DeskProto_en.qhc
in MacOS:
~/Library/Application Support/Delft Spline Systems/DeskProto71/HelpCache/DeskProto_en.qhc
in Linux:
~/.local/share/Delft Spline Systems/DeskProto71/HelpCache/DeskProto_en.qhc
You can simply delete this cache file, DeskProto will then copy the latest version.

4.15 - (Linux) The AppImage won't start as it cannot find Qt platform plugin "xcb".
When I try to start the DeskProto AppImage the following error is displayed:
This application failed to start because it could not find or load the Qt platform plugin "xcb" in "".
This seems to be caused by using a wrong version of the FreeType library (libfreetype). Several users have reported that they fixed the problem by pre-loading the correct version: start the DeskProto AppImage using
LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib64/libfreetype.so ./DeskProto-7.0-en.AppImage
for V7.0 or
LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib64/libfreetype.so ./DeskProto71.AppImage
for V7.1
This fix has also solved a different font-related issue, though on that PC the path to the library file was different: /usr/lib/x86_64-linux-gnu/libfreetype.so
So keep in mind that a file seach may be needed to find the FreeType library file.
You can even make this pre-loading automatic, see forum topic 1355.

4.16 - (Linux) I cannot move a dialog: the complete DeskProto window moves instead.
When I try to position a dialog screen (for instance the Part parameters) outside the view area this is not possible: the complete DeskProto window moves, and the dialog remains at the same position within this window. This may happen in Linux distributions based on the Gnome desktop. It can easily be fixed, by entering the command
"gsettings set org.gnome.mutter attach-modal-dialogs false"

4.17 - (Linux) The AppImage won't start.
When I try to start the DeskProto AppImage, nothing happens
Cause 1: have you checked the option "Allow executing the file as a program" in the Properties of the AppImage file ?
Cause 2: when double-clicking the AppImage on the desktop does not work it may help to restart Linux: in some case that fixed the problem (some times simply logging off and again logging in did the trick).
Cause 3: for some Linux distributions (for instance Ubuntu 21) one more setting needs to be changed: Right-click on your desktop > Click on Settings > Set "Action to do when launching a program from the desktop" to "Launch the file".
Cause 4: if causes 1, 2 and 3 don't help the error will be caused by one of the libraries in your Linux distribution being incompatible with DeskProto. We found that this is called the "Linux dependency hell": we have not been able to generate an AppImage that runs well on all different distributions and versions of Linux.
What you can do to find out what happens is start DeskProto from a terminal:
1- Open a terminal
2- Change to the directory containing the AppImage, e.g., using cd [my directory]
3- Make the AppImage executable: chmod +x DeskProto71.AppImage
4- Run the AppImage: ./DeskProto71.AppImage
Now Linux will show error information that should explain why the application won't start.
A very simple solution may be present: it has been reported a few times that simply logging out and again logging in solved the problem.

4.18 - (Linux) The AppImage won't start on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
We found that Ubuntu version 22.04 for some reason no longer supports AppImage files. Strange!
You can fix this by manually running these three commands (in which APT stands for the Linux 'Advanced Packaging Tool'):
sudo add-apt-repository universe
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt install libfuse2
More background information on itsfoss.com/ubuntu-repositories.
After adding this library you should be able to execute the AppImage.
Even after this fix we still were not able to start DeskProto by doubleclicking its icon on the Desktop (starting via Terminal or by doubleclicking the AppImage file in Files worked OK). The solution appeared to be simple: instead of doubleclicking right-click the desktop icon and then select "Run as a program". No idea why this complication has been added to Ubuntu.

4.19 - (Linux) My Spacemouse does not work.
The reason may be that DeskProto has insufficient rights to read the hidraw device that is used to connect with the Spacemouse.
That can be fixed by creating a "udev rules" file named [90-3dconnexion.rules]. You will also need a DeskProto V7.1 build dated May 11, 2023 (Revision 11098) or newer. Email us for instructions.

4.20 - (Linux) The AppImage won't start as it "Could not load a pixbuf from icon theme".
When I try to start the DeskProto AppImage the following error is displayed:
Gtk-WARNING **: ....: Could not load a pixbuf from icon theme. This may indicate that pixbuf loaders or the mime database could not be found..
This seems to be caused by using a wrong version of some linux library. Several users have reported that they fixed the problem by pre-loading a (different) library:
Start the DeskProto AppImage using
LD_PRELOAD="/usr/lib64/librsvg-2.so" ./DeskProto80.AppImage
A file seach may be needed to find the location of this library file on your computer, for instance:
find . -name librsvg*.*

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5. Machines and postprocessors.

5.1 - The CNC machine that we have/want to buy is not listed in DeskProto: what to do ?
This is the question that is asked most frequently.
As the answer offers three options it is quite long, so we made a special page about it: the DeskProto Tips&Tricks page What to do when your machine is not listed.
In addition we also made a Tutorial Video on the same subject: Machine not listed ?

5.2 - The CNC machine that we have is listed in DeskProto, but without the Rotation axis unit that we have. Can we change this ?
In DeskProto it is easy to change your machine definition: you can do so in the Library of machines (Options menu). Adding a Rotation axis can be done by checking the box "Has rotation-axis" in the Advanced machine settings. Do NOT check "A-values may exceed ..." unless you are sure about this. After pressing OK (twice) the rotation axis functionality will be available in DeskProto.

5.3 - On my machine the rotation axis is parallel to the Y-axis
In DeskProto the rotation axis always is parallel to X (called an A-axis), however on some machines it is parallel to Y (called a B-axis).
In Deskproto V6 and older this is not a standard option, still you can trick DeskProto to support such machine. See forum topic 176. This fix will only change the resulting NC file: the DeskProto screen still will show a rotation axis parallel to X.
In DeskProto V7 you can check the option "Machine with 4th axis parallel to Y" in the machine definition (Advanced settings).

5.4 - I cannot change the postprocessor to be used.
In DeskProto it is indeed impossible to directly choose which postprocessor to use for a certain project. Selecting a postprocessor is a two-step process: first you have to edit a machine-definition (Options menu) to connect the postprocessor to a machine, then you have to select that machine (Parameters menu) to be used in your project.

5.5 - What in fact is a postprocessor ?
The postprocessor is the part of the software that, when writing the NC Program File, converts the toolpath information to the correct format that is needed for the selected machine. It is in fact the same as in Windows a printer driver, only in CNC machining the common name is postprocessor. Each printer comes with its own printer driver, and also for every machine an special postprocessor will be needed.
Note that an ISO standard for NC programs has been defined (G-codes), however in practice machines that run on 'standard' G-code each will require different NC files (small differences). Still the postprocessor called "ISO plain G-codes" is a good starting point for these machines.
You can create and edit postprocessors in the Library of Postprocessors (options menu).

5.6 - We have a five-axis CNC machine: can we use DeskProto ?
Yes, you can: since Version 6 DeskProto supports 5-axis machining, in the Multi-Axis edition. Though with two limitations: DeskProto only supports 5-axis machines where the rotations are done by the part (trunnion table), and the support is for indexed machining. Indexed means to machine the part from several sides: each side then is done using three-axis machining, with a part-rotation in-between these operations.
For more information see Lesson 9 of the Tutorial book and the 5-axis video.

5.7 - I let DeskProto send the NC file to my machine, but nothing happens.
In most cases this is due to a misunderstanding about what DeskProto does. DeskProto generates an NC file with toolpath information. DeskProto does NOT control a milling machine: it can for instance not generate step and direction pulses over the parallel port. It also cannot set the machine's workpiece zero point. For this functionality Control Software is needed. See the article An Introduction to CAM Software on the articles page of our website.
DeskProto's option "Send NC program to machine" can be used only for certain machines that function without Control software (for instance Roland machines) or have it built in the machine's controller (industrial machines like Fanuc and Heidenhain). Still for the latter it is preferred to use the special communication software that came with the machine, as in most cases that contains error checking on all communications.

5.8 - The rotation axis (4th axis) is rotating far too slow / far too fast.
Feedrate for rotation axis toolpaths is a difficult issue.
In standard G-code the Feedrate is defined only in linear speed units (like mm/sec, inches/min, etc). The G-code definition does not include a rotation speed command. This means that the controller needs to calculate the correct rotation speed that is needed to reach the prescribed linear feedrate: the closer to the rotation axis, the higher the rotation speed that is needed.
Unfortunately this is a complicated calculation and many controllers do not conform to the ISO G-code specifications in this matter.
For an example see forum issue Rotation axis speed in Mach3.
A more elaborate discussion on this subject can be found on forum issue A axis feed rates.
The good news is that in DeskProto V7 this issue has been solved: DeskProto V7 supports a feature called Inverse Time Feedrate. When using this feature (code G93) the F word in the NC file does not define the speed, instead it defines the time needed to complete the movement (or in fact the inverse of the time). The controller then can simply calculate the correct speed for each of the axes that need to move. So when your machine supports G93 we advise to use that option in DeskProto in order to make your machine move at the correct speed. Note that in June 2023 a bug has been fixed in the feedrate calculation: make sure to use a DeskProto build from June 23 or later.
One more setting that you can check in case of a slow rotation axis is the maximum velocity for that axis as defined in the control sofware. This value generally speaking needs to be higher than for the three linear axes. For Mach3 users: the Mach3 user interface is confusing (wrong) on this point. For more information see the Mach3 forum link just given.

5.9 - I cannot find the location of DeskProto's Driver files
DeskProto uses a file to define each machine, postprocessor and cutter. All these files are stored in a folder called Drivers. The location of this folder is different for each Operating System, conform the conventions for that OS.
Windows:
The Drivers folder can be found in C:\ProgramData\DeskProto 7.1\
This is the standard location in Windows meant for this type of files. Unfortunately Microsoft has made this a hidden folder. You can make it visible in File Explorer ('My Computer'):
- in Win Vista: open Organize >> Folder and Search Options >> tab View and select the option 'Show hidden files and folders'
- in Win7: open Tools >> Folder Options >> tab View and select the option 'Show hidden files, folders (and drives)'.
- in Win8 and Win10: check "Hidden items" in the View ribbon of File Explorer.
MacOS:
The Drivers folder is in ~/Library/Application Support/Delft Spline Systems/DeskProto/7.1/
(in which "~/" is your home folder).
Linux:
The Drivers folder is in ~/.local/share/Delft Spline Systems/DeskProto/7.1/
(in which "~/" is your home folder).
Shortcut:
Since DeskProto V7.1 a shortcut is present: in each of the three library dialogs a button is present "Open location" which will show that location, opened in FileExplorer/Finder/FileManager.
Older DeskProto versions:
For previous DeskProto versions use 6.0, 6.1 or 7.0 in the paths shown above.
In DeskProto V5 and older the Drivers are stored in \Program Files\DeskProto 5.0\Drivers\
In Windows XP the folder \ProgramData\ is called \Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\
To make the folder visible in Win XP open Tools >> Folder Options >> tab View and select the option 'Show hidden files, folders (and drives)'.

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6. Graphics problems when using DeskProto.

6.1 - The window to graphically edit segment or support is blank / black / transparent.
This may also happen when doing a Zoom Window on the main screen. In almost all cases the problem could be solved by downloading and installing the newest drivers for the graphics card.
Important is that using the button "Update Driver" in the Device Manager does not always find the latest driver ! We found this for a client using a laptop with onboard Intel HD graphics. The Inter Driver had build Build 8.15.10.2104 and Update Driver reported that this was up-to-date. Still the Intel DownloadCenter showed that the latest driver was Build 8.15.10.2622. Downloading and installing that driver solved the problem.
An issue with the "Intel Driver Update Utility" is discussed on Tips&Tricks page Display driver blues.
In case of graphics problems you can also try if changing the driver's settings will help: in most drivers it is possible to select from several options that balance performance and quality and several levels of hardware acceleration.
Finally, in the DeskProto preferences (tab page advanced) some graphics optimization settings can be changed, which also might do the trick.

6.2 - My computer screen shows strange behavior (invalid icons on buttons, 'textured' surfaces, etc).
We have heard this problem a few times, related to using other Open-GL based applications. The problem could always be solved by downloading and installing the newest drivers for the graphics card. Do note that the installation of some other OpenGL based application possibly can damage/overwrite a driver that did function correctly before.
It may also help to change the driver's settings for Hardware acceleration, see forum issue Graphics problems when using DeskProto.

6.3 - The graphic windows of DeskProto show strange behavior (missing or repeated lines).
This is an old DeskProto problem, that we could not reproduce nor fix until in Sept 06 we found a PC that showed the error. It should be solved in builds dated Sept 06 or newer.
The problem was related to the Vertical Synchronization of the display, and it could be solved by switching that Off: Open the Display Properties dialog, tab Settings, button Advanced, tab "Your graphics card". For NVidia GeForce: menu "Performance & Quality Settings", check "Show advanced Settings", Select "Vertical Sync", uncheck "Application controlled" and next select Off.

6.4 - The rendering on the screen shows red or black parts in the surface.
Red parts (V6 or newer) or black parts (V5 or older) in the rendering indicate that the backside of the surface is visible. Sometimes just one triangle is black, sometimes a larger part or even the complete geometry.
STL files contain information about which side of the surface is the outside and which is the inside of the object, so which side should be black. Obviously normally the inside is completely invisible, so it needs not be rendered and/or machined. In some cases this information is incorrect: the STL information marks invisible parts as being on the outside.
In DeskProto you can influence this with the option "Skip backfaces" in the Project Parameters dialog (parameter menu): see the help information at that point. You can experiment using the Teapot sample geometry, as there you can see the inside of the teapot half.
Do not confuse this with the brown surfaces that result from the option "Show downward faces": that option shows any undercuts (area where the cutter cannot reach).

6.5 - I cannot see any picture on my screen
After loading an STL file the geometry is not drawn on the screen. When I move my mouse it briefly flashes, not more.
This is a known problem for an older DeskProto version (V4 or older) running in Win Vista or Win 7: it is caused by the Aero interface combined with an Open GL drawing. It can be fixed by changing some display settings in Vista, see the description at the end of the forum page on this subject..
DeskProto V 5.0 automatically switches off the Aero interface at program start.
In current DeskProto versions (V 6.0 or newer) this is no longer needed as these versions are fully compatible with the Aero interface.

6.6 - DeskProto complains about insufficient OpenGL capabilities of the graphics card (ATI/AMD cards only)
When installing a Windows driver for an AMD Graphics card (formerly ATI) you can choose between two versions:
1- the Catalyst Software Suite
2- the WDM Integrated Driver (preferred by Microsoft)
Here you need to select the Catalyst suite, as the WDM driver (Windows Driver Model) does not support OpenGL. Windows then will fall back on its old software renderer (OpenGL V1.0) to create the graphics, which misses some features and will make DeskProto very slow.
This same issue may come up after upgrading from Win8 to Win8.1: the upgrade will automatically install the wrong driver. You can select the correct driver in the Device Manager:
Expand the list of Display adapters, right-click on your display adaptor and select Update Driver. Select "Browse my computer for driver software", then "Let me pick from a list" and pick an OpenGL compatible version of the driver (not a type "WDDM" driver).

6.7 - On my hig-res screen (4K pixels) the DeskProto icons are too small to be recognized.
First please check the build date of your DeskProto: in Februari 2016 we have fixed a few issues with Windows text sizes above 100%. If needed download and install an update.
The icons still are too small though. Here we can only offer a workaround: use the Windows Magnifier to magnify the screen to 200%. You can pin the Magnifier to the taskbar to keep it available.
.
6.8 - DeskProto says "OpenGL extension missing" for Print Image and Generate Contour (MacOS).
In the Apple version of DeskProto the commands Print Image (File menu) and Generate Contour (in the dialog to graphically set the Operation Area) will result in this error message:
"OpenGL extension missing
Your graphics card does not support sufficient OpenGL extensions for this option.
Downloading a newer OpenGL compatible display driver might help."
The problem is that Apple does not fully support OpenGL: they want applications to use their own graphics language, called Metal. Same for Microsoft: they want to push their own language, called DirectX. Unfortunately, for DeskProto these can't be used, as the same source code is used for Apple, Microsoft and Linux. We have two suggestions about how to deal with this:
- make a screenshot (Shift+Command+3 or Shift+Command+4) and print that
- ask Apple to fix their limited support for OpenGL......

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7. Other problems when using DeskProto.

7.1 - After running DeskProto (V5 or older) in Windows 2000, I get an error message "The memory could not be read".
The full error message is "The instruction at '[address]' referenced memory at '[address]'. The memory could not be read. Click OK to terminate the program." This is a bug in Win 2000: see support.microsoft.com (Article ID: 262490). Can be solved by installing a free Win 2000 upgrade.

7.2 - DeskProto (V5 or older) refuses to recognize the dongle.
The dongle is needed to prevent illegal copies of the DeskProto software. Two types are available: for the parallel port (shipped until 2003) and for a USB port.
For a parallel dongle: by default the DeskProto Setup only installs the USB dongle drivers. In order to also install the parallel dongle driver:
- insert the DeskProto CD in the CD drive
- in the Run command (Start button) enter "E:\dongle\setupdrv.exe /par" (E: may be a different character on your PC). This will also install the parallel dongle driver.
For a USB dongle it may be needed to download and run a newer version of the dongle driver. You can download a newer (this is relative: 2007) driver setup program here: SetupDrv.exe.
You can find more about possible Dongle problems in the Reference manual (Version 5.0).

7.3 - I have inserted my USB dongle before installing DeskProto (V5 or older), and now the dongle is not recognized.
When inserting the dongle, the New-Hardware-Found Wizard starts searching for appropriate drivers. As DeskProto was not yet installed these were not yet present, so perhaps your Windows now uses incorrect drivers. You can check this in the Control Panel, System, at the Device Manager (for some Windows versions a Tab in this dialog, for others a button). The USB dongle is listed as "USB Security Key" under "Software Security Token". After opening the Properties for this device you can check and if needed change the drivers. Do not forget to reboot afterwards.
For more information see the Dongle troubleshooting section of the Reference manual (Version 5.0).

7.4 - My part is damaged when rotation axis machining on a Mach3/Mach4 driven machine.
It seems like some of the rotation axis toolpaths are incorrect, though on the DeskProto screen all looks fine. This problem may be caused by an optimization setting in Mach3.
Please check dialog "General Logic Configuration" of the Mach 3 Software. On this (huge) page you can find a section "Rotational" with two checkboxes, called "Rot 360 rollover" and "Ang Short Rot on G0".
If one of these options is checked this may be the cause of the error.
Here is what the Mach3 manual says about these two options:
Rot 360 rollover: if checked, it will measure a rotary axis modulo 360 (0 to 360 then restart at 0). Otherwise, it will keep counting up (for example, two revolutions would be 720).
Ang Short Rot on G0: if checked, it makes any rotary axis treat the position given as an angle modulo 360 degrees. Moves will be by the shortest route to that position. For example, if the axis were at 0 degrees and a request was made to rotate to 359 degrees, it would rotate -1 instead of +359.
The Rollover option introduces an extra movement to A=0 for every A-movement, which may destroy your part (and will take very long).
The Ang Short option needs to be unchecked as well: your machine needs to follow the route that was prescribed - rotating via the shorter route may destroy your part.
So for all clarity: both options need to be unchecked !
In Mach4 the setting that causes this error is "A Rollover", to be found on tab General of the Mach4 Configuration dialog. That checkbox may NOT be checked. Read more about the Rollover error in this forum issue.
A completely different cause has been reported as well: incorrect settings for Acceleration and for Step pulse (in Mach3/Mach4) may result in your machine loosing steps.

7.5 - When using the rotation axis, the part is a mirror image of the geometry.
The cause of this problem is the rotation direction of the A-axis. DeskProto follows the standard that says "Positive rotation is defined as a counterclockwise rotation looking from X positive towards X negative" (EIA Standard RS-274-D).
Positive and negative directions are the same for X, Y and Z on all machines, unfortunately this is not the case for A: in practice we have seen both rotation directions being used. Note that this is about the rotation of the part (when looking from X positive towards X negative). This needs not be the same as the motor rotation: placing the motor on the other end of the rotation axis will reverse the rotation direction of the part.
For many machines it will be possible to reverse the direction in the software configuration of the machine. The alternative is a change in the DeskProto postprocessor:
Options menu >> Library of postprocessors >> OK on warning >> select your post and press Edit >> Movement tab >> put a minus sign in front of the value in field "Factor" of column (A).

7.6 - On my multi-core processor PC DeskProto uses only one of the cores.
In order for a program to use more than one core (or processor), 'multi-threading' is needed. The calculation then is divided into separate 'threads', each thread being assigned to one core. DeskProto supports multi-threading, however only in case more than one operation is present. Then it will create a separate thread for each calculation.
So in case of a PC with 8 cores, only a project that has 8 operations will be able to reach 100% CPU load. If it is critical then you can split up a 'heavy' operation, using subsegments to limit the area for each of the new operations.

7.7 - Parallel toolpaths on a Mach3 driven machine are shorter than on the DeskProto screen.
This problem may arise when a large Stepsize along toolpath has been set in DeskProto. It is caused by the Constant Velocity (CV) option in Mach3, which is switched on as DeskProto writes the command G64 at the start of each NC file. This option is needed to prevent jerky movements while machining. The constant speed is achieved by allowing the cutter to "smoothen" the toolpath by not exactly touching all points in the toolpath.
For strategy parallel at the end of each toolpath two 90 degree angles are present. When the Constant Velocity option decides to skip exactly touching those two points the toolpath will become too short, leaving some area unmachined. The can be solved in the "General Logic Configuration" dialog of the Mach 3 Software. On this (huge) page you can find a section "CV Control" with a checkbox called "Stop CV on angles >". Check this box and enter value 89: that will prevent smoothing the 90 degree angles in the toolpath. Which is needed for good results anyway.
You can find a more detailed explanation of the CV control in YouTube video Exact Stop vs Constant Velocity in Mach3.

7.8 - After a long toolpath along A the machine keeps the very high A-value.
For machines that allow A-values above 360 degrees a climb toolpath or conventional toolpath along A keeps increasing the A coordinate till a very high (or very low) value. After completing the NC program some machines will reset that to the A coordinate between 0 and 360 for the current position, other machines will keep the high A-value.
In forum issue Resetting A-Axis to zero when chaining you can find instructions about how to reset A without having to do all rotations backward.

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8. Questions on how to use DeskProto.

8.1 - I have chosen a different machine/cutter, however the resulting NC program file does not change.
In the past we have seen some users that tried to change the cutter or the machine using the Libraries in the Options menu. In that case nothing will change indeed, as the Options menu is only meant to change the machine- and cutter-definitions and the default settings. To indicate which of the machines/cutters must be applied, you have to use the Parameters menu. For the Machine the Part Parameters dialog, for the cutter the Operation Parameters dialog.

8.2 - I rotated the geometry, however the toolpaths appear to be for the original rotation.
DeskProto includes two different ways to rotate your geometry. One is for viewing only (mouse rotation, thumb-wheels, etc) which only influences the camera position, not the actual orientation of the geometry in space. The second is for 'real' rotations, and can be found in the Part Parameters. Do note the different behavior of the Orientator (the three axes in the left bottom corner of the screen): it does rotate when rotating the view, it does not rotate when rotating the part.

8.3 - I cannot influence the datum point (zero position) of my geometry.
We see two possible causes. The first is that you interpret the Orientator (the small cube with three axes in the left bottom corner of the screen) as an indication of the datum point (WorkPiece zero point). This is not true: it only indicates the direction of the axis system, so it will never move (only rotate). You can see the current position of the Workpiece zero point by checking the option "Orientator on workpiece zero point" in the Subjects in View dialog.
Secondly you might be confused by DeskProto's automatic translation: as a default DeskProto does translate you part, making the top-front-left corner of the bounding box (the material block) the workpiece zero point. This is OK for most cases, if not you can change the translation settings in the Part Parameters dialog: in V6 and older tab Translate, in V7 tab Zero-point (not available in the Entry Edition).

8.4 - The workpiece zero point is different for operations with different cutters.
In most cases this is not an error but a misunderstanding instead. On the DeskProto screen you see two different black dots (V4) or downward red arrows (V5 or newer), one for each Operation. Each black dot / red arrow indicates the start of the toolpath, not the workpiece zero point. And indeed this first point may be different per operation: a thick cutter needs to move further outside of the part than a thin cutter. You can see the current position of the Workpiece zero point by checking the option "Orientator on workpiece zero point" in the Subjects in View dialog.

Still it may be that indeed an error is present: in some cases the control software performs an extra translation, shifting the zero to the extreme left-front tool position.
For instance the control software PCNC and WinPCNC: in the Parameters menu the command Misc... will lead to tab page Misc. parameters (in German "Sonstiges"). Here for Zero point in File ("Nullpunkt in Datei") the option Bottom ("Links unten") might be selected. This is not correct: it should be set to Origin of co-ordinates ("Koordinatenursprung"). We heard that in other versions of WinPCNC this setting is present on tab page Coordinates (in German "Koordinate").
Resetting this parameter is not all: unfortunately PCNC will restore this incorrect setting when opening an NC file that it has opened in the past. So when opening such NC file you need to use command "Open without parameters".
As we are discussing WinPCNC: there is one more setting in this program may case problems. On tab "Import formats" you can select which units should be used for the Feedrate (mm/sec, mm/min or inch/min). When this setting is different from what DeskProto assumes the speed is incorrect: either far too slow or far too fast, and the latter will make the machine loose steps.

8.5 - I need a prototype that needs to be machined from all sides: how can I achieve this ?
As on a 3-axis milling machine the tool comes from one direction only (mostly from above, so from the positive Z-axis), you cannot machine the bottom of the part. Basically you have three options to create the complete model that you need:
1. you can machine two separate parts and attach them later (this is the easiest: see lesson 2 in the DeskProto Tutorial),
2. you can machine one block of material from two sides (use the Two Sided Milling Wizard - not available in the Entry Edition - or see lesson 3 in the Tutorial), or
3. you can use a Rotation axis device to rotate the part during machining (Multi-Axis edition only).

8.6 - How do I tell the machine where I fixtured the piece of material to be machined ?
This is in fact machine-dependant. Obviously the machine does not know where to start: you will have to tell by setting the workpiece zero point. DeskProto makes that easy by using the left-front-top corner of the material block as zero point. On most machines you can just move your tool to that position and tell the machine to use that position as workpiece zero point. Please consult your machines manual or your dealer for more help on this subject.

8.7 - I need both roughing and finishing toolpaths. How to achieve this ?
It is common practice to use a roughing operation first and then a finishing operation. Roughing means to remove excess material as quickly as possible, so using a large distance between the toolpaths and if possible a thick cutter. The finishing operation that follows uses a small toolpath distance for a smooth resulting surface.
In DeskProto this can be done by using two operations for the part (to create a second operation press Add operation or Copy operation in the Part parameters). The first operation is for roughing, the second for finishing: you can use appropriate names for clarity. In the Operation parameters for the Roughing operation you can use the options Skin and Layer height on the Roughing tab page. See the Help for more information. The Finishing operation will remove the remaining skin of material: small cutting forces for a smooth surface. For more information see the instruction video on Roughing and Finishing.
The easiest way to achieve this is by using one of the Wizards.
When the same cutter has been selected for both operations, the resulting toolpaths will be saved in one NC file, otherwise DeskProto will save two separate files. Unless of course your machine has an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC).

8.8 - I want to fine-tune the results of the (Two Sided Milling) Wizard. Is this possible ?
Yes, it is, and in fact we often do so as the wizard's settings are not optimal for every part. The changes that are needed most are:
- Adding operations. Run the wizard with the settings for the largest cutter (is needed to make your support blocks large enough). After finishing the wizard, create the finishing operation for each part, NOT by "Add operation", but instead by "Copy operation" (in the Part parameters). This is needed to copy all settings that the wizard made in the operation.
- Changing the cutting depth: when cutting a sphere the cutter does not need to go deeper than halfway down for each side. You can change the depth by editing the Z-min value of each Operation's subsegment.
- Editing the support blocks, as these are not always put at optimum locations. Note that DeskProto stores these blocks at Part level, so you will have to make the same changes twice: for both parts !
Note that the two-sided wizard is not available in the Entry Edition.