What system is right for me

[sheard]

I'm trying to find the right program that will best fit our needs. We want to bring in a .iges file from ProE and set up our Gcode to be run in a Hurco VMX50 with Ultimax. I'm new to the machining and all the programs, I'm on a crash course. Any suggestions?

[DareBee]

I like VisualMill.

It comes packaged with XPert DNC and MetaCut utilities.
No yearly maintenance fees either.

[sheard]

will this do for all 5 Axis?

[DareBee]

VM is 3 + 2 capable and the 5 axis posts are made custom.
I strongly recommend that you speak to sales at MecSoft.
I have never done any 5 axis work and don't have a 5 axis machine.
MecSoft.com is their site.

[rodneydeeeee]

Try going to www.cadcamconsultants.com.

Thats Dolphin CAD/CAMs website

[cadcam]

Well I must join in and say from 2d and up to full 5axis I use Mastercam to program my cusomers parts.
This is widley used and tought at schools and else were.
There is an option to bring the Pro-e right in from the native .PRT file formate and go to work cutting from the solid or from surfaces.

Go to www.mastercam.com to get info.

And a question to boot what type of parts you going to cut?
do you have othere cnc's like lathes ,wire edm or so on?

[sheard]

No other cnc machines. We do a lot of one off parts big/small all intricate in nature.

[cadcam]

I was asking buy that you can have one software takecare of most your needs.
and use one model to boot and one file.

I would say get a few Demo's from the local dealers and see what has what you want.
I go into shops all the time and people have had demo's from Gibbs , UG ,Camworks , Surfcam before I even open my laptop to start.

What do you us to design with ? if you do have another software.

[sheard]

Are part get desinged with ProE.

[cadcam]

Then you might want the software guy doing the denos to take the Pro-e file right in and cut from your solid.
This how I demo ,as I find most people like to see how you might handle there parts.
PS if it is large part don't expect them to program your hole part but parts of it so you can see how they are handled.

[Chad_Clark]

If you are doing 5 axis work, then I would strongly suggest MasterCAM, it is expensive, but honestly doing that many axis you would be better off. If you want to spend the money there is also SurfCAM but for 5 axis they are the two top end programs I suggest.

Hope this helps

[Tony the Ferret]

Well Guys, STOP, call your local Sescoi guy, he will read your proE file, and cut it there & then, if he wont, send me the file and i will do it for you, and give you the results.
This is my every day job, going into shops in the UK and demonstrating LIVE, no pre conceived demos, just live and in your face. would love to come over there but think you would not like the expense bill

Tony