If you do high-relief figurines or engraving , keep ArtCAM 91. If you do parametric wedding bands or castable trees , upgrade to modern software.
ArtCam Jewelsmith 9.1 boasts an impressive array of features that cater to the diverse needs of jewelry designers. Some of the key features include:
However, the lives on via Carveco Maker . When Autodesk killed ArtCAM, the original Delcam developers bought the source code and launched "Carveco." Carveco’s "Jeweller+" module is virtually identical to Jewelsmith 91, but updated for 64-bit Windows 11 with 5th-axis support.
The signature innovation introduced in this version was the ability to work in a non-destructive, multi-layered environment. Before this, designers were often forced to modify the entire model, a slow and risky process. Version 9.1 allowed designers to create and edit designs as a series of layers rather than always working with the complete model.
ArtCAM started as an innovative CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) software series created by the UK-based company Delcam. Delcam, a company with roots at the prestigious Cambridge University, spent over three decades developing leading CAD/CAM solutions. ArtCAM carved a unique space within this portfolio, focusing not on generic mechanical CAD but on artistic, highly detailed, three-dimensional relief modeling. artcam jewelsmith 91 new
This article is for educational and archival purposes. The author is not affiliated with Autodesk or Delcam. Always use licensed software to protect your workshop from malware and legal liability.
The process began with a sketch, a scanned photo, or a vector file from another CAD package. The software allowed the import of 2D artwork from almost any source. Once inside the software, precision vector drawing tools allowed the user to trace, edit, and refine the outline of the piece.
Whether you are looking to revitalize an existing workshop workflow, understand legacy CNC software files, or transition old masters into modern systems like Carveco , this comprehensive breakdown covers everything new, practical, and revolutionary about version 9.1. 1. Multi-Layer 3D Relief Modeling
STL files exported from 9.1 were significantly cleaner than previous versions. For jewelers using entry-level Mills (like the Roland JWX-30) or entry-level 3D printers (like the B9 Creator), "new" 9.1 meant fewer mesh errors and zero "non-manifold edge" warnings. If you do high-relief figurines or engraving ,
If a client wanted a complex filigree or a specific floral motif, it took days to carve. Scaling a design up or down meant starting over.
Given the software's vintage, finding the exact hardware it was designed for is essential for running it smoothly. Here are the recommended specifications:
The benefits of using ArtCam Jewelsmith 9.1 are numerous, making it an attractive choice for jewelry designers and manufacturers. Some of the advantages include:
Importing a scanned sketch or a JPEG of a Victorian brooch was notoriously painful. Version 9.1 introduced "Smart Snap" tracing, which automatically detected bezier curves and straight lines, turning a 30-minute tracing job into a 3-minute job. Some of the key features include: However, the
Among the pioneering software suites that bridged the gap between traditional craftsmanship and digital precision, stands out as a legendary tool. Developed originally by Delcam (and later acquired by Autodesk), the ArtCAM suite revolutionized how jewelers, engravers, and master craftsmen designed and manufactured complex 3D relief jewelry.
Version 9.1 represents the culmination of years of refinements by Delcam. It introduced a suite of powerful tools that made jewelry design more accessible and efficient than ever before. Here are the standout features that continue to capture the attention of designers:
The software now features better interoperability, allowing users to import models from other CAD systems like Rhino, SolidWorks, and Alias Wavefront more easily. Drafting and Visualization: