What does the word "best" mean.......

[HuFlungDung]

Good cadcam software has to be able to handle surfaces and machine them. That was the sole requirement that I had when I updated from 2.5d software. Since that time, the list of my 'needs' has grown as I became better acquainted with the capabilities of good cadcam software. But mostly, I like to know that my software matches my capabilities in the shop. A bit of 3d machining know-how has definite applications in some 2.5d work, allowing one to work with more confidence by ensuring proper placement of part features on multi-sided parts. In other words, a newbie can usually accomplish what otherwise takes a well-seasoned coder to envision correctly.

One might consider that using 4th axis, while often a fairly simple set of 2.5d or 3d toolpaths are involved per side, the complexity factor is high if having to work 'blind' with 2.5d software and remembering to index, which way, and where from. Shudder!

I doubt that there is ever a stage in any package where you'd sit back and think it couldn't get any better, because there are a huge multitude of approaches to making parts. When one difficult area is 'adequately handled', that makes the formerly simple areas seem lame in comparison. There is likely a continual seesaw effect of features within any software package.

The response of the software developer to actual bugs is important, and these events should be handled in a timely manner. Its very annoying to be handicapped by known bugs for years at a time.

Price is important, for all the programming I do, which might be a few parts/month, I don't need the hassle of exorbidant maintenance fees. I would want to decide on my own when the new features of the new releases look appealing enough to warrant an upgrade.

A familiar Windows style interface, complete with copy and paste, and customizable menus, undo, redo, isn't this how all softwares are made nowadays? Sure saves learning hassle if you can modify the user gui to fit your own comfort zone. If I had to use someone else's assigned hotkeys in a program, I think I'd pass.

Run a fancy cadcam on a standard computer? Yes, it is possible. That's part of the price factor which might be overlooked at the beginning, if you need a $1500 video card just to look at relatively simple parts, that might be small potatoes to a big shop, but for an individual, its another hurdle to cross. I'm glad I had the alternative choice presented. I'd probably spring for a pricey card if I had to, but its not necessary in all cases of choice.

I'll take less expensive if I have the choice, and if there are no obvious roadblocks being set down by the choice I make. Being self-employed, I have never had to consider the portability of my experience with one cadcam package from one employer to the next.

I've only had exposure to software that creates toolpaths based on NURBS surface information. That's the best type, least likely to be a misinterpretation or possible degeneration of a cad model into a mesh model. While I couldn't actually say I 'gave up' on a software because it kept screwing my models up, and gouging unexpectedly, it can't hurt to just avoid that route altogether. So get any cadcam you want, so long as it supports NURBS

[MrWild]

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[DareBee]

He he he

Way to go Hu - Mr Wild is a smarty pants.

[turmite]

Originally Posted by DareBee He he he Way to go Hu - Mr Wild is a smarty pants.

DareBee.....you gotta post to the subject of the thread. We need the input, and besides I read this morning that we have a new feature......reputation! You gotta keep the reputation up!

Mike

[DareBee]

Bah humbug

[tobyaxis]

This thread seems to be going "Off Topic"

[DareBee]

Most of my needs are already mentioned.
recap of key points.

- full 4axis machining with emphasis on good 4 axis pocketing, 4th axis pencil trace and 4th axis engrave (or some sort of simple "follow region" strategy).

-quick toolpath processing.

- simple windows type intyerface with ALL standard windows functionallity.

- Comprehensive help file with lots of relative tutorials written in MACHINIST LINGO (not computer programmer language).

- I would have NO issues buying a $10k program BUT having to spend an additional $2k a year on maintenance afterwards is *&#^&@ INSANE. If I have to spend that much on yearly maintenance the initia cost HAS to be $2k or less.

[tobyaxis]

Originally Posted by DareBee - Comprehensive help file with lots of relative tutorials written in MACHINIST LINGO (not computer programmer language). - I would have NO issues buying a $10k program BUT having to spend an additional $2k a year on maintenance afterwards is *&#^&@ INSANE. If I have to spend that much on yearly maintenance the initia cost HAS to be $2k or less.

The first of these two narrows things down a bit.

While this next one that really turns customers away from buying an already expensive software.

DareBee,

What Softwares do you use??? As we aren't to mention names in this thread you can PM the information.