FAQs

All downloads / updates to the software can be found here!

https://bobcadsupport.com/technical-support/software-updates/

 

If this is for a new computer, just download the link from that page and open it when done to run through the installer.

 

If you want to update the software, just check your current build number first and use the same link above to download a newer build if needed.

 

How to find out the current build of the software:

 

For Standalone BobCAD:

Open BobCAD and go to File > Help in the upper right hand corner (see picture)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For BobCAM for SolidWorks:

Open SolidWorks, click on drop-down box next to the question mark and go to BobCAM Help > About BobCAM... (see picture)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For BobCAM for Rhino: 

Open Rhino, click on the "BobCAM" drop-down menu and select "About BobCAM..." (See picture).

 

 

 

 

 

 

The links for how to register the software we be listed below. To register the software, all you will need is your license ID and Password which can be found on your invoice.

 

Register a Demo License: https://bobcadsupport.com/knowledgebase/register-a-demo-license/

Online Registration: Standard License (Node-Locked): https://bobcadsupport.com/knowledgebase/online-registration-standard-license-node-locked/

Offline Registration: Standard License (Node-Locked): https://bobcadsupport.com/knowledgebase/offline-registration-standard-license-node-locked/

Setup a Network License: https://bobcadsupport.com/knowledgebase/19936-2/

Run a Network License as a Service: https://bobcadsupport.com/knowledgebase/how-to-run-a-network-license-as-a-service/

Deauthorizing a License: https://bobcadsupport.com/knowledgebase/transfer-license-automatically-via-the-internet/

To use the software on a different computer, you will need to transfer the license first before registering it on a new computer.

 

Note: You will also need to do this if uninstalling the software or upgrading windows to a new version of Windows (ex. Going from Windows 7 to Windows 10).

 

To transfer the license, follow the guidelines here: https://bobcadsupport.com/knowledgebase/transfer-deauthorize-a-license/

In order to get working G-Code for your machine, you will need a post processor for your Controller / Machine specifically. We have default post processors that you can test out first. However, If you need any further modifications to your g-code or can not seem to find a default post processor that matches your controller specs, go to Step 3 below.

 

Where to Find Post Processors

There are a few different areas where you can find already existing post processors:

 

1. Pre-Installed in the software

 

We have a list of machines (Up to 4 axis) that already come pre-installed into the software like a default Haas 3 / 4 Axis machine, Baileigh Routers, Machines with Fanuc based controllers, Fagor & Siemens controllers; Fanuc, Sodick, Mitsubishi, Agie Agie Wire EDM machines; Haas, Okuma, Mazak, Centroid, Fanuc, Fagor Lathe Machines and much more.

 

To access these Post Processors, simply Start a New Job in the software and select it from the Machine drop-down box.

 

Note: You can save your machine as a default by right-clicking on CAM Defaults in the CAM Tree and selecting “Current Settings”. Then, just select your machine from the drop-down box and click “Save As a Default”.

 

If you are looking for Millturn or other 4 & 5 Axis machines, those need to be requested through our Posting team here:

 

2. Online Default Post Processor Database

 

If you do not see your machine / controller in the list of pre-installed Post Processors, you can try going here:

Default Post Processor Database here: https://bobcadsupport.com/post-processor-resources/download-post-processors/

 

Here, you can find a larger list of Post Processors for up to 4 axis machines.

 

3. Request a Custom Post Processor / Modification to an Existing Post Processor

 

If you went through steps 1 & 2 and still cannot find your machine / controller from the list, go here:

Request a New Post here: https://bobcadsupport.com/post-processor-resources/request-post-processor/

Request a Post Modification here: https://bobcadsupport.com/post-processor-resources/request-post-processor-modification/    

 

If you are testing a default post processor and notice that it needs some modifications to better work with your machine, you can give our Tech Support team a call or email (Phone Number: (727) 489 – 0003 or Email: [email protected]).

 

Note For Post Modifications: Send in the Post Processor you are currently using, an example BobCAD file with a CAM job and a text file with changes that are desired in the g-code. The Tech Support team will evaluate your request and determine where your request needs to go. If it is a simple request with just a few modifications needed, our Tech Support team can make those adjustments for you and send you a revised copy of the Post Processor back for more testing. If it is more involved, they will direct it to our posting department for further evaluation.

 

 

For Existing Customers:

To transfer a machine & post processor to the new version of the software go here:

1. Check Windows Updates 

After updating it, restart your computer. Then, go back and double check to make sure that windows is completely up-to-date because it may update in separate chunks. 

 

2. Link Graphics Card with BobCAD

Open "Device Manager" and show your "Display Adapters". You should see an AMD or NVIDIA graphics card. If you just see Intel, you probably do not have a dedicated graphics or the dedicated card was not properly installed on your computer and is not showing up in the list card which could lead to your performance issues. 

  

To link the Graphics Card: Right click on your desktop and select your control panel for your graphics card. For NVIDIA, go to "Manage 3D settings" --> "Program Settings". click the "add" button and select BobCAD. Then, click apply at the bottom right of your screen, For AMD, there is a tab called "gaming". Click on that and click the add button. find BobCAD and add it. Restart your computer after it is linked.   

 

3. Check Graphics Card Updates

Go back to the display adapters in your device manager to your graphics card. Right click on it and select properties. Click on the drivers tab. You can update it from here, but it does not always find the most up-to-date driver. I suggest going to your graphics card company's website to find the most up-to-date drivers and download and install it from there. Restart computer when finished.

 

4. Check BobCAD Updates

You can find updates by going to File --> Help (in the right corner)

(SolidWorks: Question Mark > BobCAM Help > About BobCAM... Rhino: BobCAM > About BobCAM...)

Then, Go to the software update page and update the software if needed here: https://bobcadsupport.com/technical-support/software-updates/

Getting Started Training Resources:

This section will list helpful links / videos to get you started using the software.

 

• Getting Started training videos:
• Getting Started Files: located in the software by going to File > Help > Getting Started
• Training Professor Series (For Advantage Plan Customers):
• Official Youtube Channels:
• Help System:
• Live Virtual Training Events:
• Recorded Virtual Events:
  • Tier 1 (For All):
  • Tier 2 (For Advantage Plan Customers):
  • Tier 3 (Paid):

 

In-Depth Training Resources:

This section will list other training resources that can help expedite the learning process.

 

• One-on-One Online Training Sessions (OLT):

 

Live one-on-one trainings with one of our trainers. It can cover anything about the software including teaching with customer parts to better understand how certain parts get applied using BobCAD-CAM. We can tailor the training towards your area of expertise.

 

• Inhouse Training:

 

Join us at our home office in sunny Tampa, Florida, located just 10 minutes from the white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.

Choose from a wide selection of standard CNC programming and CAD design coursework or create a personalized curriculum with our training team that best fits your manufacturing industry and job types. Bring the entire team; we can accommodate large group sizes.

When training at our facility, we provide workstations for you to work step-by-step along with the instructor. These are highly interactive sessions that can be completely personalized around your jobs and parts.

 

• Onsite Training:

 

BobCAD-CAM offers On-Site training classes to be held right there at your shop, right where your machines are so that you can be trained in your own environment. The training is customized to suit your needs for the products that you manufacture.

Learn how to utilize all features of the software that can help you become more productive and save time, including tips and tricks that help you cut corners and maximize efficiency. Every question is relative when it’s being asked by a coworker, so every minute of the training is beneficial for everyone. See immediate results with your investment when you schedule your own On-Site Training today!

 

• Seminars:

 

3 day in person instructor led training seminar to become proficient in the latest version of BobCAD. This covers CAD Functions, as well as CAM Functions for 2 and 3 Axis Milling Machines.

 

Other Knowledge Resources:

This section will list other useful resources to further your knowledge of BobCAD.

 

• Online Knowledgebase:
• Post Processor Information:
• Forum:
• Submit a Ticket to Tech Support

You can find all Downloads / Updates to the software here: https://bobcadsupport.com/technical-support/software-updates/

If you are still having troubles after searching through our Knowledgebase, you can contact tech support with the following info below:

 

Tech Support Knowledgebase: https://bobcadsupport.com/knowledgebase/

Submit a Technical Support Ticket: https://bobcadsupport.com/technical-support/request-ticket/

 

Or, contact using the info below:

Phone Number: (727) 489 – 0003

Email: [email protected]

If you are interested in learning more about our live support, use the info below to find more information:

 

Purchase a Support Plan: 

 

Or, contact using the info below:

Phone Number: (727) 489 – 0003

Email: [email protected]

Connect to our growing community! You can create a FREE account and start interacting with other BobCAD users and staff today!

 

Our new BobCAD-CAM forum can be found here:

forum.bobcad.com