Is there a trial period of the full version available?

This is very important, you wouldn't buy a new car without having a thorough test drive first to make sure it has the performance and features you expect.

Even if you are looking at a low cost solution it is essential that you try it first as it can be very difficult to get your money back if you subsequently find it doesn’t perform as expected.

Some companies will offer a 30 day sale or return trial period, we have heard of cheques being bounced when the system is returned. Our advise would be to post date the cheque so it cannot be cashed until after the trial is completed.

You can test drive the full version of SprutCAM (with full support) for 30 days totally free of charge.

Is there good (any) product support?

Ask to speak to an existing user, and ask them what the support for the software was like from the supplier. User forums are useful, but you are at the mercy of fellow users to get support, it's important to ensure that support is there when you need it.

Again, you can test this while using the demo version of SprutCAM because this includes full customer support free of charge.

Is there an extra charge for postprocessors?

With some CAM systems you will incur extra costs for the supply and

modification of postprocessors. We have heard of figures of £1000+ for

supplying postprocessors. Ask when you are speaking to the sales rep.

"How much do your postprocessors cost?" and also "How much do you charge

for postprocessor modifications?". We strongly recommend getting the answer in writing, preferably on a quotation.

We don't charge for supplying any postprocessor that are available from our extensive library.

We will also undertake most minor modifications free of charge. In fact we will undertake modification work for you during your trial period.

Check the costs of future updates..........

The way some systems are marketed, it 'appears' that you will get any updates to the software free of charge for life...........what you actually get with most systems are 'in version' updates free. These are generally 'bug fix' updates, and when there is a new version e.g. version 3 ->

version 4 you find out that you have to pay for this. There is nothing wrong with this, just make sure you are aware of possible future charges.

Sprut Technology (UK) Ltd. include all minor (new build) and major (new version) updates with all version 4 systems purchased, for the first 12 months at no extra charge. After this period there is an optional support contract available to maintain this cover. This costs £275 for Machinist versions, and £450 for Expert versions.

Do I have to buy a specific CAD system to be able to run CAM?

Some CAM systems are designed to run directly inside the working environment of a specific

CAD system, this means that you may have to purchase a second seat of this CAD software to be able to use the CAM software. This can add quite a bit to the cost of a CAM system.

It may also mean extra training on the CAD software before you can start using CAM.

SprutCAM runs independently of CAD software, but can be linked to a variety of CAD systems if required using Addins. Some SprutCAM customers have no CAD software at all, their customers are supplying all the required CAD data.

But I need 3D CAD, why doesn’t SprutCAM have this?

There are a variety of reasons why SprutCAM doesn’t have any 3D CAD capabilities, but basically, most people require different abilities from a 3D CAD package. Some people require a parametric design system capable of creating assemblies and ‘Bills of materials’, others just want to be able to draw a complex ‘freeform’ 3D model for packaging etc.

Some companies where the design and manufacturing departments are run totally separate, need to ensure that design integrity is maintained. If the manufacturing department can modify a design without having to contact the design department this can lead to very expensive mistakes.

Most CAD that is included in a CAD/CAM package is a compromise, and we feel it is far better for you to choose a 3D CAD system that best suits your requirements.

We are happy to advise you on which systems may be best suited for your requirements.

I do 2D & 3D machining, are there extra charges for this?

Some CAM systems are sold on a modular basis, which means you pay extra for the particular type of machining that you wish to do. It is important that you check the costs of all the modules that you will need both for now, and in the future.

SprutCAM Machinist is for 2/2.5D machining and SprutCAM Expert does 2/2.5D and 3D Machining. Customers on a support contract who are using SprutCAM Machinist can upgrade to the Expert version for the difference in cost from what they paid for their Machinist version and the current cost of the Expert version.

Also, as new machining capabilities are added to SprutCAM, all existing customers on support contracts get these updates at no extra cost. For example, in Autumn 2006 we are expecting new Lathe capabilities (SprutCAM 2007).

We will be updating this page from time to time, so check back soon.