Buy Autodesk ArtCAM Premium software

Relief Modeling and CNC Toolpaths in One ArtCAM Workflow

Autodesk ArtCAM combines CAD and CAM in the same desktop workflow: create 2D designs and 3D relief models, calculate machining toolpaths, and save CNC output through a machine-specific post processor. Autodesk also documents an image-to-relief workflow in which a picture is converted into a relief and then machined with a Machine Relief toolpath.

ArtCAM Premium is a fit when the design side of the job is relief artwork and the manufacturing side is CNC machining of that relief, rather than a workflow that starts only from conventional mechanical solid models.

Lifecycle note: Autodesk discontinued ArtCAM on July 7, 2018; official product support ended November 1, 2018. The listings above refer to historical release versions rather than a current Autodesk subscription.

Premium-Specific Component and Post-Processing Tools

Autodesk documents the Component Library as compatible with ArtCAM Premium only for both the 2017 and 2018 generations. In ArtCAM 2017, the Manufacturing Post Processor Utility is also installed by default with Premium rather than Standard.

If assembly components or the integrated post-processing workflow are part of the job, use the Premium scope of these offers rather than assuming the same tools are present in a different ArtCAM tier.

Choose 2018 for Network Deployment; 2017 for the Lower Price

Autodesk states that ArtCAM 2017 does not support creation of a network deployment, while ArtCAM 2018 does. If network-deployment creation is required, choose the $65 ArtCAM 2018 offer. On a verified Windows 7 or Windows 10 workstation, if the core Premium relief-to-CNC workflow is sufficient and that deployment capability is not needed, the $60 ArtCAM 2017 offer is the lowest-priced qualifying choice.

ArtCAM is now a legacy Autodesk product. Autodesk discontinued the product in 2018 with no planned future ArtCAM releases, and Autodesk technical support ended on November 1, 2018. Choose these releases for an existing or deliberately legacy ArtCAM workflow, not when the project requires an actively developed ArtCAM release line.

Windows Compatibility for the Offered ArtCAM Releases

Verify the CNC Post Processor Before Production

ArtCAM converts toolpaths into machine/controller-specific G-code through a post processor. Autodesk says custom post work depends on details such as sample code, machine type and model, CNC axis, units, and toolchanger configuration.

Verify that the exact CNC machine and controller have a suitable post processor or a viable custom-post path before purchasing for production use. This is the key machine-compatibility gate for both offered releases.