Go to the "Machining" tab. Select "Roughing Toolpath" (e.g., 6mm end mill), then "Finishing Toolpath" (e.g., 3mm ball nose). Use the "Simulate" tool to preview the cut.
| Feature | ArtCAM 2018 Portable | VCarve Pro 12 | Fusion 360 (Manufacturing) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Abandonware (Free/Unspported) | $699 (One-time) | $680/year (Subscription) | | Portability | Yes (USB run) | No (Requires local install & license) | No (Cloud license, requires login) | | Ease of Use | Moderate (Familiar UI) | High (Simpler interface) | Steep (CAD/CAM integrated) | | 3D Relief Art | Excellent (Native) | Good (Requires Aspire for full power) | Poor (Not designed for artistic relief) | | 4th Axis | Basic | Advanced (Wrapped rotary) | Advanced (Simultaneous) | | Support | Community only | Official Vectric support | Autodesk forums | new artcam 2018 portable exclusive
While it is not supported, not legal in many jurisdictions for commercial use, and comes with inherent security risks if downloaded from untrusted sources, its technical merit is undeniable. For the hobbyist who needs to carve a lithophane or a wooden sign from a USB drive in a basement workshop without Wi-Fi, this portable legend offers a robust, functional solution. Go to the "Machining" tab