CAM Software Selection

[antsals]

Over the last few years I've used many CAM packages but never really stuck with one of them. I've tried MasterCAM, FeatureCAM, BobCAM, SolidCAM and I have also looked at a few on the web. Now the time has come because I no longer have access to the software to purchase my own.

I'm using Mach3 as my CNC controller so one of the selection critria is the Mach3 post processor. Also I currently have a CNC milling machine and at some point would want a CNC lathe so the software would have to do both....at some point. The milling is most important at the moment.

Also cost is a factor. If possiable less than a £1k.

What do people think would be a good selection? User friendly and rapid output would be good. Also imports Solidworks models

I have been looking closely at OneCNC and SprutCAM are these good contenders?



Thanks,

Ant

[harley4ever]

I use Dolphin CAD CAM and like it quite well. However, if you are looking to import solidworks models, look at sprutcam or visual mill.

[Wayne M B]

Could you tell me if I put mach 3 on a main computer with the g cod can i down load this to a memory stick and transfer it to a computer that is chooked up to the cnc router?

[harley4ever]

It should work if I am understanding correctly.

[Wayne M B]

Thank you , I'm very new here and I'm checking into everything just to try to be safe.

[Monkey_Nuts]

I've just taken a look at my copy of ArtCAM Express and it has a few Mach3 post-processors. There's a File Import module available which enables you to import SolidWorks Part files (*.sldprt and *.prt), as well as a bunch of other surface models.

Although I can say that I'm finding the software easy to use, I can't comment on that particular module as I didn't buy it. The combined cost of Express and that module is well under your budget though, so it might be worth you taking a closer look.

Hope that this helps you out!

[DareBee]

VisualMill

[custombald]

hi,

for me software that a newbie like me can operate are the best coz I'm still struggling with my autocad drawing.

[Aussie_CNC]

If you are using SolidWorks, why would you not consider an integrated CAM solution?
I use SolidCAM and although it's not the cheapest option, my initial investigations certainly taught me "you get what you pay for"! I found some of the cheaper options such as VisualMill and BOBCAM were missing basic features and were frustrating to use.

[custombald]

yeah my boss did mention solidworks but to look for other competitive solution. anyway tq.

If you are using SolidWorks, why would you not consider an integrated CAM solution?
I use SolidCAM and although it's not the cheapest option, my initial investigations certainly taught me "you get what you pay for"! I found some of the cheaper options such as VisualMill and BOBCAM were missing basic features and were frustrating to use.