It's been a while since I posted last. JetCad3 is a parametric CAD/CAM
package I've been building solo for machine shops — plasma, fab, router, laser,
mill — cross-platform on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Lots has landed. This has been in active development for just over 12 years now.
The QtPlasmaC post is fully built out and tested — native G2/G3 arcs (not
linearized unless you want them, it's a post option), material blocks, [spot]
small-hole spotting, M62/M63 THC envelope, M67 hole-velocity reduction. Also
bundled: a plain LinuxCNC Plasma post, Mach3/Mach4, FLCNC/FangLing, ProMach
StrikeCommand, FastCut G7. No post for your controller? An AI Import & Convert
turns a SheetCAM .scpost or Fusion .cps into a JetCad3 post.
Next step is deeper: JetCad3 as a DISPLAY in your LinuxCNC ini — full
CAD → CAM → control in one window. Our GcodePilot workspace already does this
for GRBL/FluidNC (live DRO, Z probing, wireless pendant, mid-cut Run-From-Here,
virtual plate squaring, firmware AVTHC). LinuxCNC is where it goes next — and
I'm looking for LinuxCNC plasma test users. My only LinuxCNC machine here is a
VMC, not a great plasma proxy. If you run QtPlasmaC and want to help, reach out.
THE SUITE — ALL LIVE TODAY
• Design — 2D vector for signage and machine prep. Unlimited free, no account.
• Drafting — full parametric 3D modeling with editable history, plus built-in
Sheet Metal: base → flanges/hems → EZ Bend hand-fold reliefs → true flat
pattern → auto-nest → post plasma/laser, all in one program. No DXF
round-trip between four packages.
• Plasma — top-down sheet CAM: DXF/SVG/SheetCAM import, genetic auto-
nesting, Common Grid shared-line arrays, geometry-based cut rules, live sim.
• Router — 2.5D nesting-first CAM; GRBL and MASSO posts.
• Laser — palette-driven cut/engrave; G-code and Ruida output.
• Mill — Fusion/HSM-style setup milling: high-speed dynamic clearing and
new stock-aware rest machining. Posts GRBL, FluidNC, LinuxCNC.
Also built in: 2,000+ copyright-free fonts (live previews, offline cache),
straight/arc/circle layout, ready to cut or engrave.
Free/Hobby needs no account and follows the SheetCAM scheme — up to 500 lines of
G-code per post. That's the main gate, and it covers a lot of real hobby work
for free. Every workspace and tool is in the free login; I'm not gating
features. The ask is simple: if you're making money with it, support the project
so I can keep improving it. A free online account (for filing issues/requests on the community forum)
and an unlimited hardware HASP license are also available if you don't like monthly or yearly subscriptions (I don't like them, I'd rather own the software. Lifetime Updates are included with Unlimited Licenses, no version freezing like many other systems)
ROADMAP
• Bevel cutting for Plasma
• LinuxCNC control integration (DISPLAY in the ini, JetCad3 becomes the interface like Gmocappy or QtPlasmaC for Plasma, Mill, Router, Laser, etc)
• Internationalization / multi-language
• HVAC library + 3D-sketch wire-based duct builder in Drafting
• Tube/rollcage: auto pipe coping + unbend, inline scribing (bend lines,
orientation) straight to the pipe cutter
• Rotary Jet Cutting workspace for tube notches — with "NotchMaster," a
conversational tool that builds 3D tube notches ready to cut
Feedback from this forum has been some of the best I've gotten. Keep it coming —
and if you're a LinuxCNC plasma operator up for testing, please reach out.
