Welcome to BobCAD-CAM!

 

This page serves as a guide to help get setup using the software in a quick and easy process while also providing useful links and resources.

Get up and running with the software in just 4 easy steps below:

Follow These 4 Easy Steps:

1) Installation & Registration

The first step is to Download, Install and Register the software

1. Download your software version from the link HERE. 

2. Open the file when done and run through the Install Wizard.

3. Open the software and run through the Registration Wizard.

Note: Use your License ID and Password provided on your invoice.

 

Other Useful Links:

Online Registration: Standard License (Node-Locked)

Offline Registration: Standard License (Node-Locked)

How to Setup a Network License

How to Run a Network License as a Service

Setup a Network License Through a Firewall

How to Transfer / Deauthorize a license

2) Post-Processor Setup

Once the software is installed and registered, you will need a Post Processor for your machine.

Below we will describe where you can find these post processors. However, since the Post Processor is the most important component of the software, it is important to understand what it is and what its function is in the software. 

There are two components to a Post Processor; The Machine folder that contains the virtual machine in BobCAD and the Post Processor .BCPst file which contains the actual contents that make up the Post Processor.

The Machine folder can be found on your computer here: C:\BobCAD-CAM Data\BobCAD-CAM V(Version #)\MachSim. This folder contains an XML file that stores data such as machine kinematics and parameters and can also contain STL models of your actual machine. This data can be modified in the software by going to the "CAM" tab > “Current Settings”.

The Post Processor is a text file ending in .bcpst located on your computer here: C:\BobCAD-CAM Data\BobCAD-CAM V(Version#)\Posts\(Machine Type). This is the main file that converts the toolpath in BobCAD to working g-code which can be modified for your specific machine.

Below will describe in more detail what a Post Processor is and where you can find one for your specific machine.

What is a Post-Processor

Post Processor is a language definition ASCII text file that acts as a data translator. A Post Processor converts the CAM-generated toolpaths into an NC program that is formatted in a way that can be read and executed by whatever CNC controller it’s intended to work with. There are posting questions that you can switch between and toggle things off and on such as Sequence Numbers or adjusting the feedrate units and Posting Lines which affect the actual output of the g-code on that specific line.

Where to Find Post Processors

Follow the steps below to find a post processor for your specific machine.

The Post Processor you are looking for may already come pre-installed with the software or it may be available in our online library of 600+ Post Processors (found HERE). Sometimes, you may even find a post-processor that is very close to what you are looking for but it just needs a few small modifications (Request a Modification HERE). If you still can't find the Post-Processor you are looking for, please contact our Support team (Phone Number: (727) 489 - 0003 or Email: [email protected]).

1. Pre-Installed in the software

2-axis Lathe, 3-axis Mill/Router, Laser, Plasma, Waterjet, and WireEDM post-processors for most mainstream CNC controllers including Haas, Fanuc, Fagor, Siemens, Heidenhain, and more that already come pre-installed with the software.

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

Note: If you are looking for Mill-Turn or other 4-axis & 5-axis machines, those need to be requested through our Posting team (found HERE).

This video explains how you can access the pre-installed post-processors.

2. Online Default Post Processor Database

If you don't find the post-processor you are looking for among the pre-installed post-processors, there is a good chance that you can find it in our online library HERE. This library contains more than 600 post-processors for 2-axis Lathe, 3-axis Mill/Router, Laser, Plasma, Waterjet, and Wire-EDM machines. This video shows how you can download a post-processor from our online library.

Post Processor Database

Request a Post Processor Modification

If you went through steps 1 and 2 and still can't find the exact post-processor you are looking for in our online library but there is one that is pretty close, you can request a post-processor modification HERE. This video walks you through the process of requesting a post-processor modification.

Request a Post-Processor Modification

Request a New Post Processor

If the post-processor you are looking for is not installed with the software or can't be found in our online post-processor library, you need to request a new post-processor to be built HERE. Watch this to learn how you can submit a post-processor creation request.

Request a New Post-Processor

Other Useful Links:

Online Post Processor Database

What is a Post Processor?

Transfer Machine & Post Processor

3) Training & Resource Locations

Now that your software is installed and configured, you're ready to start learning! Here are the resources available to you:

Quick Start Resources

Get up and running fast with these free resources:

In-Depth Training Options

Choose the training format that works best for you:

Additional Resources

Need Help Choosing? Contact our Support Team at (727) 489-0003 or [email protected]

4) How to Schedule Your Training - Online/Onsite/Inhouse

How to Book Your Online Training with BobCAD-CAM

Step 1: Schedule Your Training Session

When you're ready to get started, simply reach out to our Training Department directly via phone or email and we'll work with you to find a date and time that fits your schedule!

When scheduling, please have the following information ready:

  • Full Name
  • Customer ID
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Training Topics or Modules you'd like to cover
  • Your preferred contact method for the session

Step 2: Receive Your Confirmation

Once your session is booked, you'll receive a confirmation with all the details of your training, including:

  • Confirmed Date & Time of your session
  • Phone Number
  • Any pre-session preparation instructions (such as downloading meeting software or sending us any relevant files in advance)

Please review your confirmation carefully and don't hesitate to reach out if anything needs to be adjusted.

Step 3: Attend Your Training Session

At the scheduled time, your trainer will initiate the session via your preferred contact method. Here's what to expect:

  • Your session will be recorded for your reference after the training
  • Your trainer will cover all requested topics and modules
  • You are encouraged to ask questions and engage throughout the session
  • If you have remaining training hours, your trainer may discuss scheduling future sessions at the end of the call

Step 4: Receive Your Recording & Resources

After your session is complete, you will receive an email containing:

  • A link to the session recording for future reference
  • Any additional support resources related to your training topics

Step 7: Share Your Feedback

We value your experience! Shortly after your session, you'll receive a brief Customer Satisfaction Survey. We kindly ask that you take a few moments to complete it — your feedback helps us continuously improve our training program.

Questions? We're Here to Help!

If you have any questions before, during, or after your training, please don't hesitate to contact our Training Department:

We look forward to helping you maximize your BobCAD-CAM experience!