It is not only important that your software be easy to learn, but also that it have the features necessary to make your shape cutting easy after you have mastered the program.  Some software that comes with similarly priced machines sacrifices highly useful features in order to try to combine both drawing and machine operation into a single program.  This overlooks what is perhaps the biggest benefit of the Windows operating system -- file transportability between programs.
 
In Windows, one has the ability to use a spreadsheet to calculate sales information, and then seamlessly move the rows and columns of figures into a publishing program to prepare a company report.  Each of the two programs has a different purpose, and each is very good at what it does.  A program that tried to combine the two would probably do neither function very well.
 
In order to bring you full CNC functionality, our software comes in two specialized programs -- a CAD Module for creating and perfecting shapes, and driver software for running the machine.  The two software modules work seamlessly together, yet don't sacrifice features in an attempt to be a "Jack of all trades."  The driver software is standard equipment with your cnc gantry kit.
 
The CAD Module is the result of an arrangement with a company that sells a similar program for over $3,000.  They agreed to remove those elements from the program that are totally unnecessary for metal cutting.  We are fortunate to be able to offer the resulting version of the software package for a fraction of its original cost.
 
We have made the CAD Module an option rather than raising our kit price to include it.  This lets you get started using CorelDraw or another drawing program initially, and add the optional CAD Module later, after the machine has paid for it.  Since the CAD Module is a separate free-standing program, owners of other manufacturers' machines can benefit from it, as well.
 
Just take a look at the major features of the two programs.  We have not attempted to list the hundreds of drawing and operational features included in the two programs, but rather just the main categories for comparison purposes.  The features highlighted in blue are not present in most competing systems of similar price:
 
Torchmate CAD Module:
Automatic kerf compensation
Automatic nesting of shapes
Automatic insertion of both lead-ins and lead-outs
Automatic raster to vector conversion (converting scanned images)
Total control over cut sequence
Total control over torch travel direction
Full drawing functionality
Inch and metric modes
Ability to convert AutoCad drawings for cutting
 
Torchmate Driver Software:
On-screen torch path simulation
Generates its own G-code from imported dxf files
Full 3-D functionality - just add our optional Z axis (not torch height control)
Digital feed rate override with on-screen speedometer
On-screen digital read out of torch position
Three torch jog speeds, each of which is fully user defineable
Ability to go back and start anywhere in a file
Pause and restart capability
Built-in G-code editor
Single stage dwell on plasma on/off
Separate pre-heat and pierce dwell for oxy-fuel
Inch and metric modes