AutoCAD 2D Milling CAM Recommendations

[BradS.]

CAM Software Recommendations
CURRENT:
1) Have a old benchtop mill/engraver that is near dead and never could cleanly import the AutoCAD files in.
2) Orderered a Haas MiniMill to replace and expand our capabilites some (still 2D).
3) NON-machine house (no CNC operators - our Tech guy and Engrs are support to the assemblers).
4) Primarily this cell assembles custom light electro-mechanical assemblies where we mill low volume (5-10/day) plastic cases for switches, etc to be mounted into the case.
5) AutoCAD 2007 files.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- One local knowledgable rep. is advising SurfCAM 2D (he also carries FeatureCAM and DELCAM). My brother's large machining company uses MasterCAM. I have heard some use BobCAM as well.

We need good same day support and easy to use software that works. Thanks!

[txcncman]

GibbsCam is one of the easiest to use, but hardest to learn. You did not mention you wanted cheap, so I won't go into those. MasterCam is also hard to learn, but has the best support, not because of MasterCam, but because of this web site.

[The Engine Guy]

CAM Software Recommendations
CURRENT:
1) Have a old benchtop mill/engraver that is near dead and never could cleanly import the AutoCAD files in.
2) Orderered a Haas MiniMill to replace and expand our capabilites some (still 2D).
3) NON-machine house (no CNC operators - our Tech guy and Engrs are support to the assemblers).
4) Primarily this cell assembles custom light electro-mechanical assemblies where we mill low volume (5-10/day) plastic cases for switches, etc to be mounted into the case.
5) AutoCAD 2007 files.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- One local knowledgable rep. is advising SurfCAM 2D (he also carries FeatureCAM and DELCAM). My brother's large machining company uses MasterCAM. I have heard some use BobCAM as well.

We need good same day support and easy to use software that works. Thanks!

If memory serves me right you shouldn`t need any Cad-CAM software for simple 2D stuff if you have a HAAS machine, the control will have as standard a form of "conversational" programming they call "Visual Quick Code" that you can easily do at the machine so if I were you I would have another chat with whoever you are buying the HASS MiniMill from and find out exactly what it will do or simply wait for it to turn up and the engineer who sets-up/commissions the machine will be able to show you!!

If I`m right then you may not need to spend on any Cad-CAM software for what you do !!!
If I`m wrong then it is a "pay for" option

Regards
Rob

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[AiR_GuNNeR]

I've looked at a lot of CAM software in the last year, and hands down, the easiest to use for me is VisualMill. It's really affordable as well.

[BurrMan]

Seems like a General question, but since you asked it in the BobCad forum, BobCad is plenty capable and doesnt cost anything near the other products just mentioned (Except for programming at the Haas controller) But BobCad would be far more capable than the Haas controller.