How does it all fit together (the software side)?

[CuttersCov]

Hi all,

Between my job and school I have access to almost all the big name programs that exist here in these forums. What I am trying to figure out is which ones are the best to learn?

Here's what they have:
Autocad
Solidworks
Mastercam
Maya
3d Studio Max

I want to do sign work with raised lettering and images, furniture building, and cabinet making. (I know a long road ahead).

I'm in the midst of designing my machine in autocad and wonder how far autocad can get me in the above. Keep in mind that the entire process will consider design, 3d imaging/modelling, g code, and finally the routing on the machine.

Should I drop autocad and learn solidworks instead?

If I learn solidworks and Mastercam will that pretty much do anything I need? And if so what about the raised images? Should I pick up one of the 3d modelling programs? (I have access to Maya and 3ds max, although if I have to, a student version of Rhino is $200 (I think))

Any thoughts?


Thanks,

Matt

[ger21]

You can use AutoCAD for everything you want to do except images if you use my G-code export macro. http://home.comcast.net/~cncwoodwork.../AC2GCv039.zip
Thread here http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...6&page=1&pp=20

It won't give you g-code from 3D parts, but it will convert any lines (polylines actually) to g-code.

If you don't know how to use MAX or MAYA, they have a steep learning curve, and aren't the right programs imo.

There are a lot of ways to get things done. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, Use AutoCAD and my macro. Solid works will require an additional CAM program.

[ger21]

If you use Mach3 to run your machine, it can do the image carving directly. You might also want to look at MeshCAM, for image routing as well as 3D carving. It's only $100. www.meshcam.com

MeshCAM can load .stl files exported from AutoCAD solid models, as well as 3D .dxf's built from meshes in AutoCAD.

I don't know how good you are at AutoCAD, but you can do a lot with it. I work in a cabinet shop, and I can cut virtually any part we need using AutoCAD. I don't know what kind of furniture you plan on building, but for cabinets at least, AutoCAD should be able to do all you need. And if you need complex 3D parts, if you can model them in AutoCAD, you can use MeshCAM to generate g-code for a very low price.

I don't know if I answered your question about how do they all fit together, but if you need more info, just ask.

I sent you a PM, btw.