FlatCam treats your PCB files as distinct objects (Gerber objects, Excellon drill objects, and Geometry objects).
You heavily rely on automated features like automatic tool matching and automated rub-outs.
Here’s a technical guide comparing and FlatCAM for generating PCB isolation routing and G-code. Both are popular for DIY CNC PCB milling but differ significantly in workflow, features, and target users.
Distributed under the MIT license, making it 100% free for personal, educational, and commercial use. There are no trace limits, layer lockouts, or paid feature tiers. 5. Summary: Which One Should You Choose? Choose CopperCam if: Coppercam Vs Flatcam
FlatCAM handles drilling by creating explicit drilling geometry objects. It allows you to group drills by size easily and merge different drill files. While it also supports routing holes using standard mill bits (free-form milling of slots and large holes), the setup requires configuring distinct geometry objects manually unless automated via a custom script. Double-Sided PCB Alignment
You prefer a traditional Windows menu system over command-line inputs.
Your CNC control software already handles autolevelling perfectly. Choose FlatCAM if: FlatCam treats your PCB files as distinct objects
You want absolute command over your toolpaths and enjoy automating workflows using command-line scripts.
is commercial software. It is developed and maintained by Galaad. While there is a free demo version, it is limited to a small number of drill holes and isolation lines. To unlock its full potential, you have to pay for a license.
CopperCam excels at rapid, automated isolation calculations. It handles multi-pass isolation paths seamlessly. If you want to clear extra copper between traces to prevent bridging during soldering, CopperCam allows you to specify the number of additional contours with a single click. It also features automatic detection of "rub-out" zones (areas where all copper should be completely cleared). Both are popular for DIY CNC PCB milling
What (simple through-hole or dense SMD) do you make most often? Share public link
It uses an object-oriented approach. Importing a Gerber creates a "Gerber Object." You must then generate an "Geometry Object" from it, and finally, generate a "CNC Job Object" from that geometry to export G-code.
| | CopperCAM | FlatCAM | | :------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Platform | Native 32-bit Windows program (supports Windows 2000 to 11) | Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS) – written in Python | | User Interface | Simple, classic Windows GUI. Described by users as intuitive and boots quickly. | Modern, but has a steeper learning curve. Users note it is "a little cumbersome". | | Stability | Generally praised for its reliability by long-term users ("never a problem"). | Mixed reputation; some users find it "buggy AF," while others use it without major issues. |