My Story

I have been a technology and engineering teacher for the past five years.  Both schools I have taught at had very nice desktop CNC milling machines.  However, the machines were never getting used do to the fact that the software to create toolpaths for the parts was so difficult that students couldn't understand it and so expensive that it was only possible to put it on one machine.  Throughout the last five years, I have been searching high and low for a CAM software that is easy to use, educationally sound, works seamlessly with many machines, and is inexpensive enough for all schools to use.  Finally, I have found a great software called DeskProto and I want to share it with you.

What exactly is DeskProto?

DeskProto is a computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software which allows a user to take a 2D drawing or 3D solid model created in software programs such as Pro Desktop, AutoCAD, Pro Engineer, Solidworks, AutoDesk Inventor, etc. and create toolpath geometry to machine out the design on a desktop CNC milling machine.  DeskProto has an incredibly easy to use Windows based interface that allows students to seamlessly machine out their designs. 

Two Versions: DeskProto Light and DeskProto Full

There are two versions of DeskProto: DeskProto Full version and DeskProto Light.  DeskProto light is very adequate for most school use.  DeskProto full version is good for advanced students at the high school level.  The full version allows you to perform two sided milling, 4th axis milling, choose different toolpath geometry (i.e. spiral, parallel, etc.).  There are packages available which include copies of each version.  If you have any questions on which version is best for you, please Contact Me.

What are the benefits of DeskProto?

- very easy to use

- includes a Wizard which walks the students through creating a toolpath

- works with a variety of popular education machines

- has safety "warnings" which prompt students when they insert an incorrect

parameter (i.e. too fast of a feed rate, too large of a depth of cut, etc.)

- contains a very visual, user friendly interface

- very quick, takes only 6 easy steps to create toolpath geometry

- contains a simulation which shows exactly what part will look like after machining

- allows students to print off a project data sheet which includes all milling parameters

- contains sample files along with easy to use tutorials

- INEXPENSIVE, INEXPENSIVE, INEXPENSIVE!

Is there curriculum included?

I have tested this software extensively and have created a curriculum package for you.  Along with this software, you will receive directions on how to set up this software to work with your machine, a CAM/Rapid Prototyping PowerPoint, student-based tutorial, example 3D design files, a CAM/Rapid Prototyping student assessment quiz, and teacher answer sheet all in digital format on a CD.  All of these items have been field tested with middle and high school students and will help you and your students become successful with DeskProto in no time. 

How do I order DeskProto software?

You can download a trial copy of this software at http://www.deskproto.com/download/download-dp.htm that will expire in 30 days.  If you are interested in ordering this software, you can click on the ORDER DESKPROTO link at the top of this page.  The Order page has a pricing list and an order form.  When I recieve your order form I will process your information and send you an unlocking password for the software along with the Curriculum CD. 

I GUARANTEE you will not find a better price on this software from any other vendor.  If you do, we will honor their price!

If you have any questions please Contact Me.