Anyone using ContourCAM ?

[johnmac]

Is anyone using ContourCAM? Can it be used with cad files other than DesignCAD? I have just downloaded the trial, but have not installed it yet.

John

[debogus]

Thanks for the info , looked at their site , price looks good.

Keep us posted on what you think

[magic]

Hi,

ContourCAM is integrated completely with DesignCAD 3D MAX ver. 14 - 18, so you need to have one of those installed, before you install ContourCAM.

Being completely integrated is actually one of the advantages. You make your drawing in DesignCAD select the ContourCAM menu and whatever you want to do with your drawing, cut, engrave, mill, or turn, and the contents of your drawing become G-code and in the NC-simulator you can see the toolpaths.

You don't have to go via a .dxf file with all the possibilities for error that that might entail.

However, DesignCAD will import and export .dxf and .dwg files as well as a number of other CAD formats.

DesignCAD and ContourCAM make up a true and Magic CAD/CAM Sweet.

[dave6]

It would be great to get a review or 2 of this software.....anybody?

[magic]

Hi Dave,

I suggest you try it out for yourself. A review will never tell you, if a program is right for you.

Trial versions of both are available at www.contourcam.com=>free trial.

[dave6]

OK I will give it a go. I have been using Alibre for all my drawings up to now but I do own DesignCad also. I guess I could still draw in Alibre then import the drawing into DesignCad then into ContourCam.

[rholliday]

Will countourcam work with design cad ver 19 I have ver 12 and will need to upgrade to use coutourcam . Will it work with mach 3?

[magic]

Hi,

Yes, ContourCAM now works with DesignCAD 3D MAX 19. You can download the new version from http://contourcam.com=>free trial.

Under the download button on the same page you'll find a couple of Mach3 postprocessors.

[magic]

Hi elenalee,

In order for ContourCAM to work (indeed be installed) you need a version of DesignCAD 3D MAX v. 14 - 21.

Once that's installed, you can install and work with ContourCAM (please follow instructions for installation with download).

To use it, it's a good idea to read chapters 1, 7 and 8 of the ContourCAM User's Guide, which you'll find, when you go Start > All Programs > ContourCAM.

It's pretty easy to use. For instance if you want to cut something, you draw the item you want to cut in DesignCAD 3D MAX and snap a number to the point you want to start at and save your file. Then you open the ContourCAM menu, select cutting and enter your parameters, generate your G-code and send it to you CNC cutter.

With the Magic CAD/CAM Sweet (DesignCAD 3D MAX and ContourCAM bundled together) you can bore, cut, engrave, mill, and turn, depending on your CNC machine.

If you go to http://www.magiccadcam.com, you can download trial copies of both programs from Demos.

Hope this helps.