Camsoft AS 3000 CAM - Any users ?

[Thermwood]

We recently retrofited our router with Camsoft CNC control and got their AS 3000 level 1 with the package.
WE draw all our parts in autocad and import dxf to AS 3000 and have experienced problems with G code not always right. Our post seems to work fine but As 3000 does not always seem to import the dxf in the proper x, y position, or we'll nest the same part several times on a sheet of materials (the parts are cut and paste of one original in autocad) when we run the code, some parts will machine fine, others will not be machined to the proper z depth ... (weird ramping)
anybody using AS 3000 successfully???

Our general asssesment is that it's pretty cumbersome ; particularly tool driving, no dynamic pan or zoom, general geometry editing difficult.....

Any opinions ????

We are considering abandoning AS 3000 altogether. Are we just not using it properly ??? Any advice on a basic cam package that would make the job easier ??? We looked into Bob Cac/Cam but the 20 or so faxes we received pushing their stuff since we talked to them have not managed to convince us yet ....

[HuFlungDung]

Hi Thermwood,

AS3000 level 1 is all I have, too. I have never created anything in it yet, mainly because I was already using other cadcams and didn't need to learn another one.

I know that DXF files can be weird because of all the different formulas of that type of file. Maybe something is being lost in the translation?

I use OneCNC and just feed in the Gcode, using the Camsoft as a controller.

[Thermwood]

Thanks HuFlungDung.


We've been talking to OneCNC regarding their 2 1/2 D mill
Is it what you're using ? we downloaded a demo and it certainly seems to have more to offer than what we have.
I talked to them and they assured me they would help us customize a post no charge. What's you're experience with them ???

[HuFlungDung]

Thermwood,

I am using Mill Expert, but Mill Production XP would be a good starter if you are mostly 2d, and don't have any need to get into solids and surface modelling. Mill Production XP will still import those surface models, but you cannot edit them to fix them up. For that you need Mill Professional XP (at least).

You might want to look at their Profiler software, too. It is not in the new XP series, but it has nesting and so on, which can come in handy. It all depends on your needs. Maybe ask for them to "throw in" Profiler if you buy Mill Production XP (or better), then you know you've got all the bases covered. Let me know how Michael reacts to that