3d cam software

[planeflier]

I am looking for a 3D cam software for cutting parts on my CNC router. I have purchased Meshcam and not happy with the results. The parts that I am cutting come from Solidworks.

I have saved some of the files as DXF and inported them in Autocad and created them to use in Sheetcam but takes a long time to convert the lines to the correct layers and make they are cut to the right depts and paths.

Was wondering if anyone has any luck with the RAM software or Visualmill basic or advance, or any other software that you would recommend.

thanks in advance.

Planeflier

[lakeside]

Bobcad version 20 will do 3D and you can pick it up for $300 just do a little crying to salesman

[ger21]

If SheetCAM can do your parts, that's not 3D.

[Greolt]

I think he said MeshCam Gerry

EDIT: I just reread and he said SheetCam too

[planeflier]

the parts have 3d geometry in them, but I usually cut them out with sheetcam and they are not 3D any more. I would like an interface that works like Meshcam but has cutting solutions like Sheetcam.

Meshcam leaves jagged edges on vertical surfaces because of the way that it plunges into the part in the z direction. Sheet cam pockets and leaves the vertical edges with nice clean cuts.

[JerryFlyGuy]

I always thought that MeshCAM and Visual Mill [as well as RhinoCAM] were, really all the same program.. its been a while Since I was CAM shoping, however.. so maybe my excellent [but very short] memory is playing tricks again...

Look into OneCNC XR2, for 2.5D stuff they have some reasonably priced options, as well as 3D. You pay a bit more for the 3D but it might be worth it in your case [ specific to what your needs are]. They are coming out w/ a upgrade [ or maybe its already out??] that allows using native SolidWorks files.

My 2 cents..

Jerry

[ger21]

Visual Mill can do what both MeshCAM and Sheetcam can do. You're probably going to have to spend at least $1000 to get what you want.