low budget 3d cam for ultramill 5000/dynapath mill?

[cellardoor7]

Hello,

For about a month I have been using a cnc router (shopbot prs alpha, 4hp spindle, 120 x 60 deck) to cut a variety of parts. This represents the entirety of my cam experience. I draw 3d objects with autocad 2000, import them into the quasi proprietary 3d cam software (partworks 3d by vectrics), and use the toolpaths created by partworks 3d to cut blocks of wood and foam into patterns and coreboxes for the pattern shop where I work.

The shop has an older (?) Ultramill 5000 cnc vertical mill with a dynapath 20controller (I think that is the right term). The ultramax was purchased used about five years ago, used for a while (by inputing gcode directly into the dynapath), but now lies idle.

I would like to use the ultramax in a similar manner as the shopbot. I want to import solid models (solidworks, proe, autocad etc) into a cam program that creates toolpaths for the dynapath and then cut aluminum and iron

Almost everything the shop produces is a one off. Blistering speed and efficiency of the tool paths are not the highest priority. If the machine cuts some air, its not a big problem.

The budget is small, <$5k.

Is there a cam program that fits these criteria.

Thank You
James Galvin