Has anyone used the new Surfcam Velocity? If so how much better is it? We use Surfcam 2005 at our shop and I was just wondering if Surfcam Velocity actually does what Surfware claims?

Jon

Has anyone used the new Surfcam Velocity? If so how much better is it? We use Surfcam 2005 at our shop and I was just wondering if Surfcam Velocity actually does what Surfware claims?

Jon

I have tried Velocity with the velocity demo file that comes with Surfcam in the samples folder. I re-did the speed and feed to 10,000 RPM, 400 inches per minute, and used a 1/2" 3 flute tiAln coated cutter, 1/2"depth of cut, in 6061 aluminum on a Haas VF2. Something to see. Now, having said that, Velocity (TrueMill) doesn't help me much, because it only does 2D pocketing and such, and I don't so any 2D stuff. Velocity is supposed to be merged with step reduction milling (SRM) this year, and when that happens it will be useful for roughing 3D parts.

Velocity does what it says, there is a small learning curve on how to set speeds, feeds, tool engagement, etc. The shop I work at has had it since it came out. I have played around with it a lot, but only used it on a part a couple of times. I would go even further by saying it is only useful on larger pockets where you can fit a decent sized tool. Also in the value field for high feedrate, you should put your machines max feedrate (580 ipm for me). This is the "rapid" speed between feed moves in the pocket. Default is pretty slow and will defeat the purpose of faster pocketting.

Chris

BTW, There is a rival to this Velocity thing that works for all shapes and cuts in levels against a 3D surface. If you use Mastercam you can get it as a vendor C-Hook from

http://www.cimco-hsm.com/

Generally, the take-up of these kinds of toolpaths is slow because they look a bit weird.

Julian
www.freesteel.co.uk

take a look at metal cut finish it pricie but will do 3d moves

My dealer said that Velocity II was released May 9th. We should see it in a week or two.

Moldcore,
Have you got velocity II yet? If so, how did it turn out?

Chris

ps Are you the guy that owns a shop in North Salt Lake area and emailed me a while back? ( I have a shop In Ogden)

Have had it for about a month seems to be pretty good only problem I have had has been with the translator for iges ?

Moldcore,
Have you got velocity II yet? If so, how did it turn out?

Chris



I've had mine for a few weeks now. I'm not impressed with anything so far, but I haven't had a chance to use any of the new features yet. I don't see myself using any of these new features more than once or twice a year. As far as I'm concerned my maintenance for the past year has not been well spent. I've said this before and will say this again; Surfcam has got to do something about their stupid, archaic interface. Going from my CAD program to this CAM program is like going from a Ferrari to a 40 year old VW beetle. I realize that improving the basic program doesn't sell new seats and is hard to advertise, but if they continue to ignore the obvious they won't be getting anymore maintenance from me. Making the program smarter and easier doesn't come from adding fluff on an weak shell.



To answer your last question; yes

Have had it for about a month seems to be pretty good only problem I have had has been with the translator for iges ?

What kind of problem?