Good 5 axis software?

[10K]

Hey folks, I've been looking around a bit and it looks like you have quite a nice place!

I don't expect to actually purchase a new software package any time soon, but I am curious about what's out there and what people are getting out of what they have. I have been using MasterCAM since version 7, mostly for 3 axis milling. I used to do a little 3D surfacing, but things have been growing to the point where we have more and more complicated surfacing projects going on every day. More recently, we've been doing some 4 axis milling and have kept our Haas C-axis lathe constantly busy with turn/mill projects. All aircraft stuff, 90 percent aluminum and the mill spindles are running 10K more often than not.

So now we're awaiting delivery of our first 5 Axis machining center and I've been going nuts this week trying to study up on milling technology while also working on the tool libraries that we never have bothered to set up in MasterCAM. We really need to get this machine integrated into our operation and I'm trying to prepare for it as well as possible. Actually, getting the libraries set up, at least for aluminum so far, seems to be a great project well worth the effort. I should have done it years ago, but never seemed to have time to do stuff like that. I had to keep the parts running too.

So here's where we are now. We're making smallish parts, from maybe shirt pocket size to lunchbox size for the most part. Some of them are simple and the 5 axis will be great for working multiple faces per setup, while some are pretty complex and will use small tools from a couple different directions, have 3D surfaces, and thin wall sections. Lots of fun stuff!

So what's up y'all? Anyone doing this kind of stuff using more than one brand of software? What would be your choice if you were buying something today and why?

[HuFlungDung]

If you are running 5th axis positional, OneCNC XR2 has a very strong, easy to use package. I have looked at it, but do not have an actual trunnion table to play with. But even just working through a couple of examples in the program, it's a piece of cake. No fear here!

Get yourself a live demo from OneCNC in Florida if you are wanting to see more. Or check their website, too, for movie type demos.

Edit: I guess I should add that OneCNC has the full 4 axis positional, 4th axis wrap and 4th axis live that goes along with the 5th axis positional.

[Dan B]

We have a Hermle C800U 5-axis machine, and a Tri-tech head on a Fadal. We use WorkNC which has been doing 3+2 positional for years. It works extremely well and is very easy to learn. WorkNC also has full simultaneous 5-axis programming. It has automatic feature recognition for holes, and has just added keyway recognition.

Check it out at www.sescoi.com

What 5-axis machine did you buy?

Dan

[10K]

We have a new Haas VF5/40TR on order, now don't be slamming my new machine! We've been runnning used Fadals since we started and are now buying our third brand new Haas. I know they are relatively low end machines, but we've been successful with them so far and they do what we need to do pretty cheaply. Most of our workpieces have tolerances of +/-.010 to +/-.030 so they just need to look decent and they will usually be good to go.

The WorkNC looks very interesting. I had talked to a salesman back in about '85 and he told me how it was so fast and automatic, but it was way out of reach for me at the time and I haven't really looked at it since then. The OneCNC I have heard of also. It seems to be well regarded by its users and at one point I had been tempted to check it out. I'm not sure about it now though, since we actually have a 5 axis machine on the way. The 3+2 method will probably handlle 99% of what we want to do, but that last one percent is the one that impresses the boss and customers, so I think we're going to have to go there. Is WorkNC in the same price range as MasterCAM?

I'm probably pretty well stuck with MasterCAM at this point since we have so much invested in it, but it can't hurt to look around. As much as I may hate MasterCAM today, it has brought us a long way so far and will no doubt keep us going as long as we want to keep using it. Then again, if we happen to learn of something that suits us better...

[Dan B]

I definitely am not going to belittle the Haas. We have a Haas gantry machine and a lathe. The gantry machine has paid for itself a few times over, and both machines are extremely reliable. With the tolerances you specified, you will have great success with the Haas. We hold +/- .002" so we needed a higher end machine (the Hermle holds this without a problem, but the Tri-tech head is only good for +/- .004")

As far as WorkNC pricing, it's still pretty high. I think it's more than MasterCam, closer to PowerMill in pricing. The 5-axis module is an additional price (as it is with PowerMill too)

My knowledge of MasterCam is only a hair above none at all, but I seem to remember it being quite capable of 3+2 work, just a little heavy on user input.

WorkNC will provide 30 day demos, so it can't hurt to try it when you are ready. It will take 2 days at the most to learn it and you'll be pretty impressed with how easy it is to use.

Dan

[nanmol]

Send us your file, we'll program it for you and create a "play-back" so you can see exactly how SYNERGY will handle your new programming challenges.

info@webersys.com