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Thread: Do I need AlphaCam Standard, or Advanced?

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    Question Do I need AlphaCam Standard, or Advanced?

    Hello all. I have been using Alphacam Essential for about a year now. Pretty comfortable with it, but I just received a project that I don't think is do-able in the Essential version. As you know, the Essential level is really for nothing more than pattern cutouts. True, it can do dados, pockets, and the like, but it does not represent any form of a solid. This is where I run into an issue. The new project is a rather large mold. It's about 48"long x 48"wide, but the bottom is contoured with features that are 10" high. We have an Omnitech Selexx Chief 5' x 12' router, and, depending on the bit and profile of cut, the deepest we can go is 6-7 inches. I haven't had any experience with the Standard or Advanced versions of Alphacam, so I've got a few questions for someone out the who has...

    1. I'm thinking the way I will need to tackle this mold would be to "slice" it horizontally into layers. Can you tell me if this is possible in Standard, or would I need to go all the way to Advanced"?

    2. Once I have the level of program I need, can you recommend anyplace to get the training I would need to get a grasp of the 3d functions? I know Alphacam offers training, but to be honest, it's quite expensive, requires time off work to travel, and is not as in-depth as I would like. I'm looking more for a college course, online course, anything really that could start the ball rolling as far as learning the advanced functionality of the higher levels of the program. Even if it may be for a different program, but the functionality may be similar and the training resources are more plentiful...cool.

    Feel free to share any other insights/info you may have. I'm always looking to learn something new. Thank you in advance for your help. Have a great day!

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    Default Re: Do I need AlphaCam Standard, or Advanced?

    You're employer should be paying for your training. And you should be getting paid your regular wages while your at training. If he won't pay for it, then he doesn't realize that it's costing him more by not paying for the training.

    I can't answer your question, but the AlphaCAM website does have a comparison chart.

    We're currently shopping for a new machine, and were told that Advanced would be about $6000 more than Standard. Not sure if we were getting a better price on Standard with the machine?

    I'm still using our 10 year old version 7.5, for mostly 2D work and nesting, until we get a new machine.

    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html[/URL]

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html[/URL]

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    [URL]http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html[/URL]

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


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    Default

    Thanks for the response. My employer did pay me while I was at the introductory training...the class was included with the purchase of the new machine. I'm just a fast learner and would rather learn it on my own schedule and not have to miss work. I'm their only programmer, and we are BUSY.

    I think out ACAM rep said something like 3000 for standard and close to you quote of 6000 for advanced. I have looked over their comparison chart...unfortunately since I'm not very familiar with "solids" and 3d CAM programming yet, most of what they list is still Greek to me. I'm really just wondering if Advanced is priMarilyn for 5 axis and is loaded with stuff we can't even use, or are the editing tools still worth the price?

    Thanks for the input!



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    Member ger21's Avatar
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    Default Re: Do I need AlphaCam Standard, or Advanced?

    I just took another look at that chart.
    It looks to me, like you machine 3D .stl files with Standard.
    You need Advanced to machine 3D solids.
    This applies to 3 axis machines.

    You need Ultimate for 5 axis work.

    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html[/URL]

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html[/URL]

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    [URL]http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html[/URL]

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


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Do I need AlphaCam Standard, or Advanced?

Do I need AlphaCam Standard, or Advanced?