Please help

[MR4]

I want to create a 3D model of some small aluminum wheel shaped devices (approx .75 x 2" diameter)

It is really important to me that the software be compatible with most or all cnc machines so I can send the files out to get bids on what it will cost to make them.

I don't have an engineering background, but I work in computers and learn quickly. I would prefer that it be user friendly and "look good" when showing the 3D model to others.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[ajl6549]

I use AutoCAD it's very powerful but it's difficult to learn and expensive. Otherwise theres Solidworks I don't use it but I understand it's fairly easy to learn.



A.J.L.

[lakeside]

i use bobcad you can get a copy of version 20 from them for as little as $300

[tobyaxis]

I use BobCad/Cam and started using Alibre. www.alibre.com they have a free basic prametric model software. Then again Alibre is a bit more complicated than BobCad. With BobCad you will be doing basic 2D the first day and 3D after the first two weeks. It comes with a manual and for a little extra dough you can get DVD Tutorials that are extremely helpful. Software plus DVD's may run you $450 to $550. www.bobcad.com

[spider]

you can use (almost) any CAD program available to you and export the files as step, or iges file formats. Those you can inport into puirty much any CAM software....

I use Cadkey, you should be able to find a copy somewhere....

[tobyaxis]

Originally Posted by spider you can use (almost) any CAD program available to you and export the files as step, or iges file formats. Those you can inport into puirty much any CAM software.... I use Cadkey, you should be able to find a copy somewhere....

CADKey is expensive and does not to my knowledge have CAM capabilities. BTW I find the file translaters to be a PITA. Not to mention a copy without a license is called stealing

[spider]

Originally Posted by tobyaxis CADKey is expensive and does not to my knowledge have CAM capabilities. BTW I find the file translaters to be a PITA. Not to mention a copy without a license is called stealing

Cadkey is bancrupt and obsolite. I'm not sure what the laws are there.....I personaly use it (leagaly liceniced), along with KeyCreator and i like it (easy to use..)

Good luck making a cutter path and sending it for quote....every shop uses a different sofware (here in windsor anyways...mastercam, powermill, wokr nc, unigraphics, delcam, lemoine...just to name a few i know of....).

From what i understand about qoting (or the way we do it here at least) is that you send them a 3d file (solid or surfaces) and they figure out the settups involved and cutting strategies according to their tooling and capabilities, after all, i'm not a cnc guy, and even tho i can do it, it's best left to the profesionals who do it on dayly basis........

File translators can be a major problem (depending on the software involved). However it is standard in design and machining industry and is used all the time. Step, iges, and DWG translators are included in most profesional CAD/CAM programs. i find (with the software we use) 90% of the time it comes in good. The other 10% is notting that can't be fixed.

The cheepest way i see doing it, is get some CAD JOCKY and pay him $100 to spit a cad model out for ya. It shouldn't take him long.

Make sure you take a napkin and write a confidentality agreement...

[tobyaxis]

Originally Posted by spider Cadkey is bancrupt and obsolite. I'm not sure what the laws are there.....I personaly use it (leagaly liceniced), along with KeyCreator and i like it (easy to use..) Good luck making a cutter path and sending it for quote....every shop uses a different sofware (here in windsor anyways...mastercam, powermill, wokr nc, unigraphics, delcam, lemoine...just to name a few i know of....). From what i understand about qoting (or the way we do it here at least) is that you send them a 3d file (solid or surfaces) and they figure out the settups involved and cutting strategies according to their tooling and capabilities, after all, i'm not a cnc guy, and even tho i can do it, it's best left to the profesionals who do it on dayly basis........ File translators can be a major problem (depending on the software involved). However it is standard in design and machining industry and is used all the time. Step, iges, and DWG translators are included in most profesional CAD/CAM programs. i find (with the software we use) 90% of the time it comes in good. The other 10% is notting that can't be fixed. The cheepest way i see doing it, is get some CAD JOCKY and pay him $100 to spit a cad model out for ya. It shouldn't take him long. Make sure you take a napkin and write a confidentality agreement...

$100? that is a bit too cheap. Most get around $50-$150 an hour and $200 or more for an overnighter.

[Brewmeister]

Apologies for the 'necropost', but did this get resolved?

Based on his description of the part, it's less than a 1 hour job.
(and that includes a dimensioned drawing, and realistic shaded images for his quote)

Be Well