Some CAD/CAM questions... new to CNC

[Cool625]

Hi everyone,

I am currently looking into learning about CAD/CAM.

I have some 3D simulation software programing experience, also been in IT since 1983, plus I did learn how to draw plans (the old way).

I was looking for a software package that is easy to learn, has good CAD capability and also CAM and simulation capabilities. OneCNCs XR seems to be very nice and much less expensive then other high performance systems. What hardware is required to get decent performance with OneCNC XR ?

Another thing I am also interested in is doing machine simulations and learning as much as possible about G-Code. A software I found is called Predator Virtual CNC, anyone know more about that ? I looked at the DEMO, and it seemed like it could be useful as a learning tool to learn how to program G-Code while having the G-Code run on a simulated machine. After looking into G code a little, I must say that its age is obvious from a programing language perspective, which it is after all.

So concerning Predator Virtual CNC, I would like to know if anyone has some experience with it ? Any idea about the price ?

Any suggestions welcome!

Regards,
Cool625

[wms]

Cool,

Hardware for Onecnc is about what any standard desk top would be at this time..

P4 or AMD equivalent, 1 Gig good quality Ram, Good Video card 128meg.

Onecnc will run on less, but this provide solid performance and would be a standard present day box..

As for a third party verification program..not nessasary..the Onecnc software includes it's own..that can hold it own against anything out there..

It has Simulation and Verification functions in all its products from top to bottom..

And added Rest Robot function is included in all but the Express (2d) version.

[rustyolddo]

Another vote for OneCNC. If you are new to CAD/CAM and are doing CNC work. It's the way to go. Notice it's not OneCAD/CAM, it's OneCNC. There is a reason for that, OneCNC is about making parts and fast. It will do all you are looking for without a steep learning curve. I should be posting a detailed review here on CNCZone in the next few weeks. Can't say enough good things about it and I've been shopping CAD/CAM packages for more than a year.

[Cool625]

Thanks for helping me out,

I have not used a CAD software for years, as for the work I need to do I also will need to do many of the 3D CAD work, I would like to know how good the CAD part of OneCNC is.

You're saying that OncCNC is real easy to use, which sounds great... does that imply that it will take me only minutes, rather then hours to draw a simple solid cube ? (Some might smile... but some CAD software is lousy)

Regards,
Cool625

[ChrisJ]

Cool625,

Attached are two picture of some of the solid and surface functions in OneCNC. Drawing a cube, like a sphere, cone, tapered cube are functions which are easy to use. Just input the dimensions and place the solid where you want it. OneCNC has the added benefit of drawing surfaces as well. You can merge the surfaces into a solid, merge surfaces with solid to make a new solid, use the surfaces to cut a solid, on and on.
I did not have any 3D modeling experience prior to using OneCNC. It may of took a few months of practicing, but I think I got the hang of it pretty well. Things are only looking better (so I hear) with the soon to be released XR2 version of OneCNC.

Chris

[wms]

I would like to know how good the CAD part of OneCNC is.

does that imply that it will take me only minutes, rather then hours to draw a simple solid cube ?

Regards,
Cool625

More like seconds to draw a primitive Boolean..

The Cad portion of OneCNC is on par with the best Cad programs out there, for solid modeling and surface creation....esecially with the Release of XR2 series..

You owe it to yourself to get an Online Demo.

[Cool625]

Thanks for the help.

Yeah some CAD stinks... well this looks OK. I am going to get me an online demo as soon as I have time.

One question: Can OneCNC CAD output .stl files ?

Regards,
Cool625

[ChrisJ]

Yes it can export STL,

and:
.SAT
.3DM (Rhino)
.STP
.IGES
.DGN
.VDA
.DXF

Translator comes with each package.

[aus-newb]

Does any one know if it will read AutoCad files, or would they first need to be converted to DXF?

It certainly would make it a nice transition if it could read DWG files!

Craig

[ChrisJ]

No DWG import.

The imports are the same list as the exports with the exception that OneCNC will import Gcode also as a backplot.

[gibbsman]

In regards to the original post post about virtual predator, I have never used it but was recently talking to a reseller of the software & it costs around 1000.00 dollars (canadian) per axis.

[Dan B]

With regard to the Predator software, I had a demo a couple of years ago. I was not impressed. The graphics, while claiming to be OpenGL, seemed to be straight out of the eighties. I ran it on a fast computer, and I couldn't get it to run nice and smooth. Other than that, I don't recall specifics. It didn't seem to be worth the money to me.

Dan