Any CAM that integrates with autocad solids?

[jderou]

For now I don't see the company I work for buying me anything better than Autocad, I just finally got them to purchase the full blown version. I am getting tired though of drawing a solid model in autocad, then having to redraw in a CAM program. I haven't found a CAM package that is as easy to do solid models on as AutoCAD BTW. And I have used BobCAD 19, MasterCAM 9, OneCNC 2000, so far I dislike all of them. Are their any CAMs that will support AutoCAD solid models?

[wjbzone]

jderou,
I don't know how complex your solids are, but Edgecam will open a dwg file with a solid. It is the best CAM program for Autocad users I've seen for complex machining (contoured surfaces). I looked at Mastercam and did not like either.

One program I would like to check out is Hypermill. I've read some good things about it.

Personally, I like generating all my gcode from Autocad. There are some good tools that work inside Autocad. With a solid model, you can copy a face or edge and machine it using Tahlcam.

For 3d contours, I like using Mechanical Desktop to generate the toolpaths (flowwires). I can generate some efficient toolpaths using this method.

Bill

[ger21]

If you already have a CAM program, just export the solid as an .stl and bring it into the CAD program.

[jderou]

I'm working on getting a demo for Tahlcam and Edgecam, they look like good programs. Thanks!

[scubanick]

Surfcam will open that Dwg as surfaces and you can machine from there

[helix77]

First Of All Slap Your Boss Around For Me!!
Autocad Really Kinda Sux For Modeling Compared To A 'modeling Specific' Program

I Have Used Autocad For Years As Well As Edgecam . When You Load Wire Frame Dwg,s Into Edgecam It Works Like Nothing Else And I Mean Nothing Else --the Integration Is Perfect (exept For Text I Use Edgecam ) Now As For Dwg Solid Models Ive Never Been Impressed They Just Dont Seem To Load As Good As A Pro-e Or Solidworks Part--and Edgecam Really Didnt Design With Dwg Solids In Mind . As Ger21 Says You Can Import Stls Into Edgecam And They Load Well But Thats About It -you Have To Jump Through Alot Of Hoops To Program With Stl's (believe Me I Have Done Alot Of It)
Tahlcam Is Good --i Know The Man That Designed It And I Have Even Helped With The Designing -- If You Like Autocad Then Tahlcam Might Be For You
You Can Call About Tahlcam @ 520-747-4444

[weimedog]

Does the AutoCad still allow ".sat" files as output? If they do there may still be a few
around who can machine solids. Is Hitachi Zosen from Japan still in Business? They
had ".sat" file capabilty back in the late ninties. I wonder if Gibbs & Associates
can..There was a time they certainly could in their development environment! Same
with a bunch of other companies out there....some dead, some bought out, and some
still around.....EDS bought out SDRC. Dassault Bought out Spatial Tech....I was told
by someone on ebay trying to hawk a Catia program that they could handle .sat files.
Anyone know if that was true?? Might have some elements from the Spatial aquisition
and there was a capability to machine .sat files at Spatial when they were still
alive.

[lakeside]

Bobcad Version 20 Will Open An .sat File Format Bobcad Version 19 Will Not

[ger21]

Does the AutoCad still allow ".sat" files as output?

As of 2006 it still does.

[vladdy]

As far as ease of use [ from the point of virtually no previous experience], it seemed like MasterCamX was 'fair', Surfcam Velocity was a little easier, Esprit seemed cumbersome but probably [IMO] the most powerful.. Nicest 'first time use' was FeatureCam, the automatic recognition is nice, as well as pretty clean simulation..

enjoy..

[Depoman]

It may not be better, I know it's not cheap but I use Cimatron.
An all in one package drafting, modeling and cutting. Hybrid modeling to boot!
I'm just beginning to learn there new package "Elite", not for your hobby guy but I did hear boss used.

[jderou]

I ended up going to Mastercam X and I love it! Once you get the control definition set up, it works great. I haven't found a limitation yet.