Easy to use CNC Design Software for Makerspaces.

VCarve Pro Makerspace Edition

VCarve Pro Makerspace Edition allows Makerspace members to design their projects at home using the FREE Makerspace client edition of VCarve Pro, then bring those files to be cut using the licensed software at the Makerspace!

Makerspace Benefits:

INCREASE
MEMBERS

Easy to use CAD software and the ability to design projects at home.

MANAGE
DEMAND

Members bring their designs ready to cut, reducing demand on facilities.

SET MACHINE
GUIDELINES

Easy to use CAD software and the ability to design projects at home.

POWERFUL
SIMULATION

Minimizes mistakes at the machine saving wasted materials and tooling.

VCarve Pro Makerspace Edition

Vectric’s VCarve Pro is a powerful and easy to use software solution for people wanting to design and machine parts for a wide variety of CNC machines. However, investing in toolpathing software for members of a Makerspace who don’t own their own CNC machine can be prohibitively expensive. Using the standard software at a Makerspace is possible, but often awkward, restricting the time that can be spent on design and toolpath creation to the time which can be spent at the Makerspace using the software on their computers.

Which is why we have created VCarve Pro - Makerspace Edition. This special edition of VCarve Pro allows Makerspace members to work on their projects at home on their own computer using the free trial edition of VCarve Pro then bring their files to the Makerspace, save out their toolpaths on the Makerspace master edition and cut their projects on the CNC.

The Makerspace can install the specially licensed software on up to 5 PC’s, these MUST be connected to the internet. When a member opens a file they have been working within the Client Edition of the software on their own computer, VCarve Pro Maker Edition will contact a web server run by Vectric to get permission to open the file. When permission is received, the file will open as though it was written by any normal version of VCarve Pro; from there they will be able to save their toolpaths to run on the CNC at the Makerspace.

To obtain a Makerspace Client Edition a member just needs to download the free trial edition of VCarve Pro and activate it with a MakerspaceID code that can be generated from the Makerspace Edition installed at the main facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Makerspace Managers

How much does the Makerspace Edition cost?

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The Makerspace Edition will be licensed on an annual basis for a fee of US$99 per year for qualifying Makerspaces. This license fee will entitle the Makerspace to install the software on up to 5 machines located at the Makerspace and all upgrades to the software are free during the 12 month period. We have adopted this license model to ensure that we can keep the Makerspace software up to date at all times to ensure compatibility with the Makerspace Client Edition.

The license agreement for the Makerspace Edition only allows licensed makerspace users to load files from the Makerspace Client Edition for cutting on CNC machines at the licensed makerspace, it is expressly forbidden to generate toolpaths from a Makerspace Client file for use on CNC machines not present at the Makerspace premises. The Makerspace Edition of the software must only be installed at the Makerspace location. If these conditions are violated, the VCarve Pro Makerspace license will be revoked.

How to Manage Users

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Managing users within the Makerspace Edition involves registering members with the makerspace and granting them access to the software. Here's how it can be done:

  1. Registration with the Makerspace:To use the software, individuals must be registered as members of the makerspace. Registration is typically handled by the makerspace admin or an authorized personnel.
  2. Makerspace Admin Registration Process:The makerspace admin can register members by utilizing the 'Organization' tools within the V&Co platform. Access to these tools allows the admin to manage the makerspace's user base effectively.
  3. Adding and Removing Makerspace Members:Makerspace admins have the authority to add new members to the makerspace. Similarly, they can also remove members if necessary, based on the makerspace's policies and requirements.
  4. Inviting Members via Email List:Makerspace admins can streamline the registration process by uploading a list of emails using a CSV file. This feature enables admins to invite multiple individuals to join the makerspace simultaneously.
How do I download the Makerspace Edition Software

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Once the purchase of the Makerspace Edition is complete and the makerspace's organization is set up within V&Co, you can easily download the software directly from the V&Co platform. Follow the steps below to access and download the Makerspace Edition:

  1. Visit the V&Co website at https://portal.vectric.com.
  2. Log in to your V&Co account using your credentials associated with the makerspace organization.
  3. Upon successful login, navigate to the organization's dashboard or the designated section for software downloads.
  4. Look for the Makerspace Edition software in the list of available downloads.
  5. Click on the download link or button associated with the Makerspace Edition software.
  6. The software installer file will be downloaded to your computer.

Once the software installer file is downloaded, you can proceed with the installation process following the provided instructions. After installation, you will be ready to access the Makerspace Edition software and begin using its features and tools within your makerspace.

How do I set up the Software at the Makerspace

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To set up the Makerspace Edition software at your makerspace, follow the steps below. This process involves logging in with your makerspace account and registering the device:

  1. Launch the Makerspace Edition software on the device you want to set up at the makerspace.
  2. If prompted, click on the "Login" button to initiate the login process.
  3. Your default web browser will open and redirect you to the makerspace login page.
  4. Enter your registered makerspace account credentials (username and password) on the login page.
  5. Follow the instructions provided on the login page to complete the login process.
  6. After successful login, return to the Makerspace Edition software.

Makerspace Users

What is VCarve Makerspace Edition and how does it work?

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The Makerspace Edition of VCarve Pro provides members of a participating makerspace with access to Vectric's powerful software for designing and creating projects. Here's a breakdown of how it works:

  1. What is VCarve Pro Makerspace Edition? VCarve Pro Makerspace Edition is a version of Vectric's VCarve Pro software specifically designed for makerspaces. It grants makerspace members the ability to use VCarve Pro's advanced features and tools for their projects.
  2. Membership Registration: Makerspace members need to register with your makerspace to access the benefits of the Makerspace Edition. Registration allows members to log in to a trial edition of VCarve Pro.
  3. Trial Edition Login and Design Creation: Once registered, makerspace members can log in to the trial edition of VCarve Pro. The trial edition provides access to the comprehensive design capabilities of VCarve Pro. Members can use the software to create intricate and detailed designs for their projects.
  4. Creating Projects at the Makerspace: With their designs ready, makerspace members can bring their projects to the physical makerspace. At the makerspace, members can use the on-site machines and tools to fabricate their designs.

The Makerspace Edition empowers makerspace members to unleash their creativity and turn their design ideas into tangible projects using VCarve Pro's versatile features. By combining the software's capabilities with the resources available at the makerspace, members can bring their visions to life.

How do I register as a Makerspace Member?

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To become a member of the makerspace and gain access to the Makerspace Edition software, follow the registration process outlined below:

  1. Contact the makerspace administrator or designated contact person to express your interest in becoming a member.
  2. The administrator will provide you with the necessary information and instructions for registration. If required, the administrator may send you a registration link that you can use to sign up. Alternatively, they may invite you via email.
  3. Follow the instructions provided by following the shared link or the received email.
  4. Provide the requested information, which may include your name, email address, and any additional details required by the makerspace.
  5. If necessary, review and agree to the terms and conditions of the makerspace.
  6. Submit the registration form or complete the registration process as guided by the administrator.

Once your registration is confirmed by the makerspace administrator, you will become an official member of the makerspace.

How do I log in to the Trial Edition of VCarve Pro?

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To access the trial edition of VCarve Pro and utilize its features, follow the steps below:

  1. Head over to https://www.vectric.com/free-trial to download the free trial version of VCarve Pro.
  2. Launch the trial edition of VCarve Pro on your computer.
  3. On start-up, the software will automatically open your default web browser and redirect you to the login page.
  4. In the web browser, enter your registered email address associated with your makerspace membership.
  5. Click the "Login" or "Sign In" button on the login page to initiate the login process.
  6. If necessary, follow any additional instructions presented in the browser to complete the login process.
  7. Once the login is successful, you will be redirected back to the trial edition of VCarve Pro.

After logging in, you will have access to the trial edition of VCarve Pro, where you can explore its tools and features to design and create your projects.

I've created my design in the software, what's next?

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To bring your designs to life and machine them at the makerspace, follow the steps below:

  1. Save your design file from the trial edition of VCarve Pro onto a portable storage device (e.g., USB flash drive, external hard drive).
  2. Take the saved design file to the makerspace along with the portable storage device.
  3. Log in to VCarve Pro Makerspace Edition using the machine's login prompt
  4. Once logged in, navigate to the section in the software where you can open and load design files.
  5. Select the saved design file from your portable storage device and open it within the Makerspace Edition.
  6. Review the design settings, toolpaths, and machining parameters to ensure they are appropriate for your desired outcome.
  7. Set up the machine and material according to the instructions provided by the makerspace or the machine manufacturer.
  8. Proceed with the machining process, following safety guidelines and any additional instructions specific to the makerspace or the machine being used.

By following these steps, you can machine the designs you created using the Makerspace Edition at the makerspace.

If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties during the machining process, consult the makerspace staff or administrators for assistance and guidance.

Apply for VCarve Pro - Makerspace Edition

Please fill out and submit the information below and someone from Vectric will be in contact with you as soon as possible regarding the next step, if you have any questions then please email support@vectric.com.




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