Frequently Asked Questions
RhinoCAM
RhinoCAM is an advanced CAM software plugin that operates directly inside of Rhinoceros (Windows only). It is used by CNC programmers and machinists to generate multi-axis toolpaths, perform machining simulations, and create G-code for CNC machines.
No, RhinoCAM is a plugin that requires a licensed installation of Rhinoceros to run. Its seamless integration means it uses the native Rhino environment, making the workflow intuitive for existing Rhino users.
RhinoCAM is known for its deep integration with the Rhino 3D modeling environment, which provides a seamless workflow and associativity to model changes. Its comprehensive set of features, from 2½ to 5-axis machining, and a wide selection of post-processors make it a powerful and cost-effective choice for professionals who already use Rhino.
RhinoCAM includes a wide library of post-processors and supports machines that require G-code, including 3-axis mills, 4-axis rotary tables, and full 5-axis machines.
Currently, RhinoCAM is a Windows-only application, compatible exclusively with Rhinoceros for Windows.
Yes, a fully functional demo is available. Click here to download the trial version.
VisualCAM is the underlying CAM engine used across our product line. RhinoCAM is the Rhino-specific implementation, fully integrated into Rhino’s modeling environment.
RhinoCAM-MILL
Yes, RhinoCAM-MILL is one of the core modules in the RhinoCAM suite. You can purchase it individually or as part of a bundled configuration.
It works with a wide range of machines, from standard 3-axis mills to advanced 5-axis machining centers. You’ll also get hundreds of ready-to-use post-processors for popular machine brands.
Yes. MecSoft provides documentation, tutorials, and support resources to help you get started quickly. Training options are also available for teams who want to accelerate adoption.
Absolutely. In addition to the included library, RhinoCAM-MILL comes with a post-processor generator so you can create outputs tailored to your specific machine and controller. We also offer a post-processor writing service to handle complex post-processing requirements
No, it’s designed for Rhino 8 on Windows only.
Yes. You can download a fully functional demo to test its features before making a purchase decision.
RhinoCAM-Turn
No. RhinoCAM-TURN is a module within the RhinoCAM suite and is included in the Standard, Expert, Professional, and Premium configurations.
It supports a wide range of 2-axis CNC lathes and turning centers from most leading machine tool manufacturers.
Absolutely. In addition to the built-in library, RhinoCAM-TURN includes a post-processor generator for creating outputs specific to your machine and controller.
Yes. You can request a demo version to explore its turning capabilities before making a purchase.
RhinoCAM-TURN is fully integrated into Rhino 3D, allowing users to program, simulate, and generate G-code without switching between CAD and CAM platforms. This seamless workflow saves time and reduces errors compared to using standalone CAM applications.
RhinoCAM-TURN is designed specifically for 2-axis turning. For advanced milling or multi-axis operations, RhinoCAM’s other modules such as MILL or Premium configurations may be more suitable.
Yes. RhinoCAM-TURN is a plugin that requires a licensed installation of Rhino 8 (Windows). It integrates directly into your existing Rhino workflow.
Yes. MecSoft provides documentation, tutorials, and support resources to help you get started quickly. Training options are also available for teams who want to accelerate adoption.
RhinoCAM-TURN is widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, general machining, tooling, and custom manufacturing where cylindrical or turned parts are common.
RhinoCAM-TURN is included in Standard, Expert, Professional, and Premium configurations. It is not available in Xpress.
RhinoCAM-NEST
Yes, RhinoCAM-NEST is included free with all RhinoCAM-MILL configurations. It can also be purchased separately if needed.
You can nest 2D shapes on sheet materials, including wood, composites, plastics, and sheet metal.
Rectangular nesting is best for quick layouts of parts with standard shapes. True shape nesting uses the actual part geometry, including rotations and grain rules, to fit irregular shapes and achieve maximum sheet utilization.
Yes. RhinoCAM-NEST allows you to export layouts as DXF files or generate G-code directly for supported CNC machines.
Savings vary depending on part geometry and material type. However, customers typically report significant reductions in material waste compared to manual nesting methods.
Yes, by optimizing part layouts, RhinoCAM-NEST is widely used in industries that cut flat sheets using CNC laser, plasma, or waterjet systems.
No, it is compatible with Rhino 8 for Windows only.
RhinoCAM-ART
Yes. RhinoCAM-ART is included free of cost in all RhinoCAM-MILL configurations.
It is used to convert artwork, raster images, and designs into 3D machinable geometry for engraving, carving, and decorative CNC machining.
Yes. RhinoCAM-ART can generate machinable 3D reliefs directly from bitmap images.
Industries such as jewelry, sign making, woodworking, and artistic model making frequently use RhinoCAM-ART.
RhinoCAM-ART focuses specifically on artistic design and engraving workflows, while other RhinoCAM modules (like MILL or TURN) are geared toward standard machining and manufacturing operations.
No. RhinoCAM-ART is compatible with Rhino 8 for Windows only
VisualCAD/CAM
RhinoCAM is a plug-in that runs inside Rhino 3D, while VisualCAD/CAM is a standalone package with its own CAD (VisualCAD) and CAM (VisualCAM) modules. Both products, however, use the same CAM engine from MecSoft.
Yes. VisualCAD, the CAD component, is completely free. You only pay for the CAM modules and configuration that fit your needs.
It is widely used in woodworking, prototyping, artistic machining, production machining, and custom manufacturing.
Absolutely. You can start with Express or Standard and move up to higher configurations like Professional or Premium as your shop requires more advanced features. If you need additional CAD features there is an upgrade path to Rhino+RhinoCAM as well.
VisualCAM includes a huge library of post-processors that can be used for most common controls. We also offer custom post creation services to match virtually any CNC machine.
VisualMILL
VisualMILL is a module within the VisualCAD/CAM suite. It requires VisualCAD (included free of charge) as its CAD platform.
VisualMILL includes hundreds of free post-processors and a post-processor generator, supporting virtually any CNC mill on the market.
Yes. Advanced configurations of VisualMILL support continuous 5-axis machining, in addition to 2½, 3, and 4-axis strategies.
It is popular among toolmakers, aerospace and automotive suppliers, woodworking shops, prototyping labs, and general manufacturers.
Both are powered by the same CAM engine. The difference is that VisualMILL runs inside the standalone VisualCAD platform, while RhinoCAM-MILL runs as a plug-in inside Rhino 3D.
Yes. MecSoft offers a free trial so you can evaluate VisualMILL’s capabilities before making a purchase.
Yes. MecSoft provides documentation, video tutorials, and technical support. Training options are also available for teams looking to accelerate adoption.
VisualTURN
No. VisualTURN is a module within the VisualCAD/CAM suite. It runs on VisualCAD (included for free).
It supports a wide range of 2-axis CNC lathes and turning centers, with hundreds of included post-processors and a generator for creating custom ones.
VisualTURN is popular among general machinists, automotive suppliers, aerospace manufacturers, and prototyping shops.
Yes. VisualTURN allows customization so your G-code matches the exact requirements of your machine and controller.
Both share the same CAM engine. The difference is that VisualTURN runs inside VisualCAD (standalone), while RhinoCAM-TURN runs inside Rhino 3D.
VisualTURN is designed specifically for 2-axis turning. For advanced milling or multi-axis needs, consider VisualMILL or the premium configuration of VisualCAD/CAM.
Yes. MecSoft offers a demo version so you can evaluate its turning capabilities before buying.
VisualNEST
No. VisualNEST is a separately priced module within the VisualCAD/CAM suite.
You can nest 2D profiles or 3D part outlines, whether they are rectangular or free-form.
Yes. VisualNEST allows grain direction and rotation limits to maintain part alignment.
Absolutely. A live preview lets you verify and adjust layouts before output.
Yes. VisualNEST integrates seamlessly with other VisualCAD/CAM modules for a complete design-to-production workflow.
Yes. VisualNEST automatically calculates sheet requirements and material utilization.
VisualART
No. VisualART is a separately priced module within the VisualCAD/CAM suite.
It is popular among jewelers, sign makers, woodworking shops, and model makers who need artistic machining capabilities.
Yes. VisualART can convert raster bitmap images into machinable geometry that can then be processed with VisualCAM’s toolpath strategies.
Yes. VisualART works alongside VisualMILL and other VisualCAM modules to machine both imported 3D models and geometry generated from artwork.
VisualART outputs standard G-code and works with most CNC routers, mills, and engraving machines, using built-in or custom post-processors.
Yes. MecSoft offers a demo version so you can test VisualART’s capabilities before making a purchase.