Tooling Profiles for CAM Software

[SFrancescone]

I know there is a variety of CAM software available (GibbsCAM, MasterCAM, SurfCAM, TurboCAM, Cimatron, RhinoCAM etc). What are some of the more popular CAM programs being used? Is there an industrial website that gives statistics?

On many of the forums and threads I have read, it appears that a lot of people like having CAD files of tool profiles from the manufacturer to import into their CAM software for simulation. What is the most common file format to accommodate a variety/majority of CAM software?

[BobWarfield]

I did a CAM program survey over at CNCCookbook that got a couple hundred responses:

The Results are in on the CAM Package Survey « CNCCookbook

Results are broken out for both pro and hobby priced packages. Some of the hobby packages are pretty powerful, so it's more about price in that case.

RE tool geometry, it's all over the map. Some programs have you go through a data entry screen that specifies various parts of the tool. Some allow you to enter a DXF line that is then spun (lathe extrusion) to create a 3D model. Some use a little proprietary language of some kind. Some let you just import a 3D model.

This is a hard problem because there is little or no standardization. I know because I've been out looking as I need tool geometry for my g-code editor.

Cheers,

BW

[mcphill]

GREAT link, Bob! I had not seen that before.

Can you tell me what CAM package lets you specify a DXF for the tool geometry - that sounds awesome! My guess it is a pretty spendy package?

[BobWarfield]

mcphill, here is a link to a tool data management system that shows some of its tool modelling facilities:

Search: Modern Machine Shop)

It interfaces with a number of CAM programs, but you're right, programs that let you define arbitrary models can be spendy.

Here is a clip of Mastercam defining geometry for a thread mill:

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w54DywBujVU"]YouTube - Mastercam Video Tip: Custom Thread Mill Tool and Verify[/nomedia]

That profile could easily have been an imported DXF.

Best,

BW

[mcphill]

Great video! Maybe one day I will be able to afford a package like that... I have been "engaged" in a BobCAD vs. SprutCAM debate today. Made this list of definable tool forms from SprutCAM - I thought THIS was impressive!

[BobWarfield]

Sprut seems very powerful from what I have seen--lots of features.

I have never had a chance to play with it directly. I use OneCNC most of the time, but I have recently gotten MeshCAM, Visual Mill, and HSMWorks. They're loaner eval copies so I can review them on CNCCookbook. Each one is a very nice product with strengths and weaknesses. I'll be writing them all up over time.

Since you're interested in this topic, you would probably also be interested in looking over Vericut's simulation software. Very expensive, but not much it can't do. Wish they'd send me an eval of that, LOL!



Best Regards,

Bob Warfield

[mcphill]

The demo of SprutCAM is fully functional - any way I can convince you to include it in your comparison?

I am in a bit of a "comparo spat" with BobCAD right now...

V24 dongle

[mcphill]

Guess what I just found in SprutCAM, Bob?

[SFrancescone]

Hey Guys,
Thank you for all your feedback. Bob great stuff with the survey, does anyone know if there is additional information out there corroborating the findings?
I am also curious if there is a common file format for all the CAM programs that would allow me to import a tool for running simulations in regards to interference and tool path. I think a .DXF file would work, but I want to get something universal that would work in the majority of CAM programs.

Thanks,

Stephan

[BobWarfield]

CIMData is often quoted about market share. However, I have read stories that it is a "pay to play" service, meaning you aren't counted unless you pay them. I don't know if that is true or not, but if it was, it would be suspect.

Also, if you read over their data carefully, it's revenue not seats. That also lets in all sorts of mischief since every package isn't priced the same and different organizations will have negotiated all sorts of quantity pricing.

Be that as it may, you should Google them and take a look at their data. In general, there is not an awful lot of information on relative share for these packages. I did my own survey largely to understand where to focus my integration efforts for the G-Wizard software. I have a lot of visitors to the site--60K/month--and got a lot of participation. Is it representative? Who knows. But it works for my purposes.

Best,

BW