Which CAM software is for me?

[PBfan]

I'm looking for the best CAM software for me. It will be for hobby and production use. I use Autodesk Inventor exclusivly for all my CAD 3D Modeling.

I have no expericne with CNC or CAM. So I need it to be very user friendly. And to be able to generate code from features of my models. With little to no editing of the code generated. I have been able to get my hands on edgecam and work with some of my models. But it never seems to pick up on any features. That could be because of how I build my models. Can I manually create features from my files? Maybe by choosing surfaces or something? I really like how Edgecam is set up. Its just I've had no luck with it. Due to my inexperience...no doubt. I've also been able to try mastercam. But gave up quickly because I'm impatient. ha ha... That maight be a problem.

I think I may be rambling. So feel free to ask questions that might give you more of an idea so you can better push me in the right direction.


Thanks

[HuFlungDung]

Since you are out shopping, take a look at OneCNC.

I think most of these cadcam softwares make the assumption that you are already a machinist, and know what you want to do, and how to apply the tools properly to the job at hand. 2d feature recognition in OneCNC is limited to holes at the present time, but for 3d machining, it will recognise the model as a 'feature' and create toolpaths over it, using the suitable tool of your choice and protecting the model from tool gouging with solid machining technology.

Cadcam is not brain-dead easy, so you are still going to have to apply yourself and learn how to machine.

[PBfan]

I'm not looking for an easy way out. If I can learn how to effiecently learn how to use the program in a month. That would be great. Even a little longer wouldn't be bad. I just don't want to spend the next half year learning.

I do understand the concept of G-code. I can hand write very simple code. Veryyy simple.

When I worked with Edgecam. I did a few of their mill tutorials. And the toolpaths were not very good. Say there were 2 types of holes needed to be done. And each type had 2 of the same size. During simulation. It would go to hole 1 type 1 fine. But then when it would move to hole 2 type one. It didn't show the endmill backing out of the hole. Instead the endmill dissapeared and then reapeared on top of hole 2(type 1). And this happened with type 2 holes too. That would be a big problem if I ran that code on my machine.


Back to OneCNC. I will look into that. Thanks.

Most of my work is no bigger than 1"x1"x12" or 5"x8"x1"(stock sizes). At least for when I move into production work.

Having a post processor is another thing needed so I can check the code for problems. Also. If possible. After the post proccesor is run. Can I take that 3D model and check it for tolerences? Also...what about setting it for how the stock will be clamped. So I can avoide that. Are there post processor prgrams that are just that? Nothing else?

Thanks for the help.

[TCSpooner]

Hi
Sounds like you might want to do a little research into what CAM software is going to work for you. I don't think there is a CAM package out ther that is bullet proof yet some are easier to use than others. Lots of companies offer trial
packages I would recomend you try a few first, this will help you to learn some of the nuances of tool pathing regardless of the software.

Cheers

OneCNC,GibbsCAM,MasterCAM.BobCAD,Sprutcam,DelCAM,AlphaCAM etc. etc.
These names should help you get started.

[PBfan]

I found a good page at DesktopCNC that has a table with a lot of software. It has specs of most CAD/CAM packags out there.

http://www.desktopcnc.com/cadcam_table.htm

It also has control software as well. I think I'll be going with mach3. One thing in the chart i don't understand is "# of G-Code std/non-std". I take it that means the number of different codes it works with?

I'll search this. But whats the different between G and M code? Do they work together?

If anyone wants. I have a .DWF file of a part that is like something I'll be making. One of...

[TCSpooner]

Sounds like your on the right track. Try to evaluate as many packages as you can stand to.
As far as Mach 3 goes I like it a lot I'm runnung 3 machines with it and have not had any trouble so far. I had some questions about the machine profiles and Artsoft replied the same day.

[PBfan]

I have a favor to ask. And completely understand if no one is willing to help me with this. But I've got EdgeCAM right now(Borrowing for a week from a friend to see if I like it). I also have a file that I'd like to try and create toolpaths and code for. If I gave you(Anyone here) that file. Maybe you can show me how to create the paths? And generate the code? We can toalk through messages here or AIM.

I understand that its a lot to ask.

Thanks again Spooner.

Edit: I found some startling news. At least for me. it was about Edgecam and the horrible support they have. Can anyone back that up? If so...I might lookinto another CAM software(MasterCam)

[HuFlungDung]

Some of us on the OneCNC forums can assist by setting up a sample file for you. Now I will qualify that by saying that I do not know how this will work when running the demo version. The demo version is also time limited, so you only get a few days to use it, so best get right down to it when you are ready, and not have it sitting around. You can also get them to do the online live demo for you, so you can get a better taste of what it would be like if you were already conversant with the use of the software.

[PBfan]

Hu - Thanks a lot. I may take you up on that offer. For right now. I'll have to pass. First I need to make some smaple files of my own. That will reflect the work I'll be doing.

Also. I have access to MasterCAM X(Not X2) and EdgeCAM. Its just a matter of learning to use them. And if I can learn enough. May purchase them as used software. But if those don't turn out. I think OneCNC will be it. I looked at their website and really liked what I saw.

Thanks again for the help. I'm sure I'll have many more questions.

[TCSpooner]

I would like to help but I use master CAM X and/or Sprut CAM
When and if you find time to try those two i'll try to make some time

Cheers

[PBfan]

Sorry for not updating.

I am using MasterCAM X now.

After gteting past a few glitches. I really like it(Although I've only been using it a day.) Right now I'm learning what toolpaths do what. Whats most effective for what task. Still pretty basic even thogh my model isn't. But I'm learning!

Thanks again for everyones help!

[TCSpooner]

Well done. I hope you enjoy investigating the funtions of Master CAM.
Master CAM requires lots of input so try to be as meticulous as possible
when setting up your tool path parameters.

Have Fun