I run a small machine shop having 1 cnc lathe and 1 cnc mill. I anticipate adding another of each in the next 12 months. I make fairly small industrial parts that aren't too complex. I'm looking at purchasing Smartcam as it is once again supported. I prefer Mastercam as that is the system I've used most recently, but the cost and the customer service I received while working at my last job makes me hesitant, as it seemed everytime there was some kind of issue, it would end up costing the company more money, but the software worked well overall. It just seemed like the post processors were never quite right, and every time we would complain, the tech would rework it at a hefty fee. I finally just rolled up my sleeves and taught myself. After I did that I was very happy with Mastercam. I used Smartcam before that and the post processors were easy to edit.

Smartcam is about half the price of Mastercam but still a significant investment. My question is: Has anyone used the updated Smartcam? The salesman said it works basically the same at the older versions I've used, it's just Windows based.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Ron

The salesman said it works basically the same at the older versions I've used, it's just Windows based.

Oh my gawd, run!

I've used SmartCam years ago, and it is in a league of it's own. (That's not a compliment)

Why not look at something current like RhinoCam. If your parts are not too complex, you don't need the pro version, so you are looking at $1000, plus Rhino if you don't already have it.

Dan

I havn't upgraded to the current versions, but we have been using 11.5 for years now. I don't think the interface has changed that much since.... well I think we started with V4.

While I still think smartcam is a great product, one of the newer softwares might be a better bet. I don't remember what the licenses are, but a I recall Featurecam being reasonably cheap. I believe you can download a demo copy that just will not save/post.

Dale