• Matrix Gemvision Support

First, I’d contact Gemvision to make sure they’re OK with the usedversion and see what it’ll cost you to upgrade. They might have anadditional fee to register the software in your name, to providesupport etc. I don’t know how they handle it, so it’s worth a call.As far as whether, it’s the “leader” in CAD, that’s up to you todecide. Buying CAD software is like buying a car, very individual toyour needs. What’s good for you is not necessarily good for someoneelse.Besides Matrix, I’d look at Rhino, which is what Matrix is built on.3Design, which has features Matrix doesn’t, and MOI, which is free.As far as how Matrix interfaces with mills, Matrix, as well as theothers I mentioned, doesn’t interface directly with your mill.

Theywill allow you to export.stl files, but you will then have to buyCAM software to take those and create toolpaths for the mill.I would recommend that whatever path you choose for CAD, farm yourmilling and RP jobs out till you get proficient with the software.Then look into a mill and CAM software. It’s a lot to learn rightoff the bat without having to learn how to be a machinist too.Good luck,Harry.

I would look at Artcam before making your decision. It is a greatprogram and in my opinion is the leader in the jewelry CAD programs.I have been using it for about 5 years and the latest version can doalmost anything. All of the jewelry CAD programs have LARGE learningcurves so be very careful on your selection because no matter whatany sales person tells you, you have a lot to learn before you startspitting out the designs you want to.I was able to make rings and things after a 2 day class and then itis when you start trying to do the things that CAD was meant for,different and unusual, that takes time. I cut all of my own modelsright from the program and that part makes it all worth it.I actually spent about 2 years researching the programs before Idecided on the Artcam program. I have over 30 years in the computerbusiness before this and I had a little edge because I was familiarwith CAD work. While going through your search, eliminate the costfactor and decide which CAD program you would buy if money was noissue.

Then look at what you have decided and you might find that themost costly wasn’t the right one for you, or that it was. Have thepeople trying to sell you the system to do a design that YOU havemade and not just their designs. This will also tell you a lot aboutthe program and the people trying to sell it to you.Have A Great Day!Ginny & Bill MeyerGinny’s Gems.

This is excellent advice from Mr. You don’t want to getyourself locked in to Gemvision if your not going to purchase theirmilling machine. It is important if you wish to be able to jump tothe next versions of milling or rapid prototyping machines that youchoose the most flexable 3D design software. The prices of rapidprototyping machines are dropping every year and some are near tothe price of the 4 axis Gemvision milling machine.

There are alsoaffordable 5 axis milling machines available for the moreknowledgeable, serious hobbiest.Ed Katz, G.G. In hot, humid Houston. As a relatively new user of Matrix, I’ve just got to say, go for it.I did my research and, hesitated for 2 years before buying it, and Iam extremely happy I finally did.I took no classes whatsoever, but read their manual a bit, looked atthe tutorials, and was creating rings on my first day. Now, a fewmonths later, and with not too much time logged on, I’m makingalmost anything I can imagine.I looked hard at other programs, especially as I’m a Mac user.

Matrix Gemvision Support

Theother programs I looked at all seemed like a compromise. By the way,I am using Matrix on a Mac (which can also run Windows.)For examples see.The wedding set render near the bottom of the page was created tomeet a customer request within my first 30 hours of using theprogram.Usual, no affiliation, etc.Michael BabinskiFoxfire Jewelers. Artcam is no different than any other program on the market. The onlyproblem is that no one seems to understand that the programs you buyare licensed to the person that buys them and really can’t be sold bythat person to another legally. It really gets very technical if youpay attention to the license agreements that most just check off theagree button! The dongle is a security issue that is similar to whatother programs do with their dongles. The reference is that they willreplace or repair the dongle as long as you have the pieces.

If youlose the dongle they are going to charge you for the program itself.The reason is the only security against buying the software and notduplicating it like most people just think is their right, is thedongle. If you lose it, then you must buy the program again.

That iswhy you insure the dongle as you would any other piece of capitalequipment. In answer to most people’s thoughts to my answer, NO I DONOT work for Artcam. I have spent over 35 years in the computerbusiness watching people wait until someone has something good andthen copying it and selling it for less. I sure see a lot ofcomplaints about copying designs in the jewelry business but there islittle that can be done.Have A Great Day!Ginny & Bill MeyerGinny’s Gems. The only problem is that no one seems to understand that theprograms you buy are licensed to the person that buys them andreally can't be sold by that person to another legally.The above statement is incorrect as far as Matrix is concerned.Anything you own, you can legally sell, as long as you remove it fromyour computer. Unless things have changed recently, Gemvision doesnot charge for transferring ownership, but does request that they benotified, for support purposes and to give notice of on-goingeducation and upgrades.

I can’t speak for ArtCam.Wayne. Actually you may be both right and wrong. Yes some software is tiedto a specific user or a specific machine if you read the licensedocument. Most is notThen to be even more confusing despite what the license agreementsays, weather it is a legal clause varies as to the state, provinceand country.As an example here in Quebec, Canada, Such clauses arenon-enforceable because they are considered under Quebec law as a'Coercive contract clause'.

While one province over in New Brunswickthey may be enforceable.For legal advice go see a lawyer who is aware of the local State andcountry laws and ask them to give you a legal opinion.I will also add I wish people would not assume that the law in theirlittle (make that very little) corner of the world is the laweverywhereKay.