[turmite]

I promise I won't comment on every post, but I did miss this one and Cam Nerd posted exactly what I wanted to see. Thanks Cam.

Mike

Originally Posted by Cam Nerd What I value in a 3D system.. Since this is what propmted this... 1) Speed of calculation, and loading time of files and data.. I don't want to wait hours on end for a toolpath 2) batch processing... see #1 3) I only really need 1 roughing technique (offset). But I need options on how the offsetting occurs ie.. Model offset or boundry or material stock offset 4) unlimited amount of rest roughing, without cutting air. 5) I also need rest roughing not be limited by tool geometry. I want to rough with whatever tool shape I want, and then rest rough with 4 other tools if needed with restriction of geometry 6) Boundries for tool containment that are smooth and easy to generate and that I can edit easily, so I do not have lifting along a contained area. 7) Many ways to pencil machine, with different tool geometry Ball, Bull, Flat end mills 8) Editing the toolpath after the fact without recalculating. ie, removing a certain area, or limiting how deep a tool is going 9) Tool holder and shank protection so they do not collide with either the model or the rough stock. The software should know this and not cut, not simply paint the model red when it happens. 10) editing lead in moves globally or have specific control of lead in moves without recalculating 11) optimized output that runs fast on newer controls with the highspped functions. Namely being able to tolerance the spacing of each coded point without have to change the overall toolpath tolerance to get the proper output