[JROM]

I had this all done and somehow lost it in the preview screen. WELL here we go again. Most of the high end 3D Cad Cam systems where developed by big arospace companys to manage very large data bases like a whole 747 aircraft. With a true 3D system you can place a WCS at any angle and any position on a master model of the whole 747 and start designing your part. This is a HUGE advantage when you are trying to package a very complex design. You can see how your part fits in with everything around it. I have run a few of these large 3D systems over the years and I can say the amount of time nessary to learn these systems is directly in proportion to the capabilty of the system. For most machine shops buying one of these systems would be like swating flys with a 12 gage shotgun.
Most machine shops want to make parts so the just need to deal with one part at a time. Most of the 2.5D systems out there do a pretty good job at doing just that. You need to ask yourself these questions. Does the software do the kind of work I need to do? How is the support system? Very important in startup (hand holding). How does the system handle imported files? does the system have PROVEN post processers for my machines? How often is the software upgraded to the latest and greatest stuff out there? As for how well any given system will work for you the answer is always SEAT TIME.
The more you use it the better it works. When you look at software find out how many seats they have running. That is a real way to see which package is at the head of the curve. And then there is cost. Take as big a bite as you can, because if you have it you will use it.