Most commercial clients do consider DeskProto as a
lowcost 3D CAM package, as they compare it with the 3D CAM software packages for toolmakers which are available at a much higher price.
In contrast, for most
hobbyist users, who have a small CNC mill in the garage, DeskProto is an expensive software package. In order to also offer an appropriate solution to these private users and to small companies as well, a
Lite edition of DeskProto has been developed. DeskProto Lite is available at a much lower price. Basically DeskProto Lite is the same program as DeskProto Full, however, most of the Parameter tab pages will not be present (part parameters and operation parameters). So the number of available options is reduced for DeskProto Lite, all other functionality is identical for both editions.
As some hobby users also need advanced functions like rotation axis support, waterline strategy and subsegments, in 2009 a third edition of DeskProto has been released:
DeskProto V 4.2, as a lowcost solution in times of crisis. In order to compare these three editions you can use the
comparison table.
In DeskProto Lite the following parameters are available:
Part parameters:
Scale
Mirror
Rotate
Bottom level (no free segment, only the minimum Z-value to be machined can be set).
Operation Parameters:
Cutter
Precision (toolpath distance and stepsize along toolpath)
Speeds (feedrate and spindle speed)
Roughing (skin thickness and layer height).
Machining Simulations.
Simple 2D machining.
Bitmap machining.
In DeskProto Lite rotation axis machining and support blocks are not available, and of the three Wizards thus only the Basic Milling Wizard is available. DeskProto Lite offers all options needed for plain three axis machining.
When purchasing the full version of DeskProto, the client receives a package containing a CD, a protection dongle, two manuals, etc, all in a nice box.
In contrast, the distribution of DeskProto Lite is completely
Internet based: all items needed are available via the website or by email. The
software can be downloaded from the website (as a 30 days trial version). When purchasing a license the user receives an registration code by email, which can be used to remove the 30 days time-protection.
Manuals can be downloaded from the website as well (as PDF files). An order form to purchase DeskProto Lite can be opened when starting the software.
For pricing information see the
order menu of this website.
The difference between Lite and Full is that in Lite most TAB pages of both Part parameters and Operation parameters are not present. As a result, most of the Wizards are only available in DeskProto Full. Except for these differences the two programs are identical.
Here is a list of the most important differences, further see the
comparison table.
Part parameters present in Full, not in Lite:
Inverse milling
Rotation axis milling
Segmentation (milling part of the geometry)
Support blocks (for two-sided milling)
Ambient options (Z-height for the ambient area)
Translation options.
Operation Parameters present in Full, not in Lite:
Choice in strategies (Lite offers parallel to X only)
Detailing a limited area (operation subsegment)
Border options
Movement options (climb/conventional and dynamic feedrate control)
Advanced options (ambient skipping and collet collision check).
Project 2D contour on 3D geometry.
Project Bitmap relief on 3D geometry.
Wizards present in Full, not in Lite:
Two-Sided Milling
Rotation axis milling
N-Sided milling
The Script wizards are not available in Lite either
All other features in DeskProto are exactly the same in both DeskProto versions, so DeskProto Lite shares the same easy-to-use interface. Both versions can read each other's project files, so after upgrading to Full all projects created with Lite still can be opened. Obviously we do offer users of DeskProto Lite a special upgrade price when buying the full version.
Do download both
trial versions to exactly see the differences.
