CAM programs that do automatic multi-tool pocketing

[jemmyell]

Hi,

I would like to know about CAM programs that do automatic multi-tool pocketing with a finish pass. It is preferable that the finish pass can be specified to be a climb cut.

What I mean by automatic is you supply a drawing in DXF format and a tooltable of available tools. The program then figures everything else out and generates GCODE.

-James

[ger21]

You want the CAM program to choose the tool for you?

[jemmyell]

Yes, from a limited universe of tools as supplied in the tool table. What I want is to rough with the largest tool possible then proceed through the next largest possible to process leftover areas all the way to the finish pass which would be done with the smallest practical tool for profile fidelity.

-James

[turmite]

James what kind of cam system are you using now?

Mike

ps I sent you a pm

edited to get your name correct!

[jemmyell]

Originally Posted by turmite James what kind of cam system are you using now? Mike ps I sent you a pm edited to get your name correct!

I have used Vector in the past and found it difficult and lacking in features. I own Dolphin Cad / CAM, and have used it for many rosettes in the past. It is not hard to use, but does not fit my application (Fine Woodworking Inlay and Sign Making) well at all. I am currently using CorelDRAW 12, DXFTool and Sheetcam.

-James

[DareBee]

If such a software exists are you willing to pay $50G for it?

[jemmyell]

Originally Posted by DareBee If such a software exists are you willing to pay $50G for it?

Am I wishing for something that doesn't exist? It doesn't seem it would be that hard to do? Or is it only a very expensive option for MasterCAM or something like that?

-James

[turmite]

James pm me your phone #. I have two things I want to talk with you about. The software is one of them and I pm'd you the other.

Mike

[jemmyell]

Originally Posted by turmite James pm me your phone #. I have two things I want to talk with you about. The software is one of them and I pm'd you the other. Mike

Mike, see your Gmail.

-James

[DareBee]

What you are talking about is above MasterCAM.
IF that function exists it will be in the really high end stuff.
I can't afford that stuff so I have never looked into it.

I know that I can create Mops in my CAM in less than 1 minute/Mop (for pocketing) picking my tools by hand.
At roughly $1/minute charge time.
I will be dead before I paid off $50g software (not to mention yearly maintenance fees).

[jemmyell]

Originally Posted by DareBee What you are talking about is above MasterCAM. IF that function exists it will be in the really high end stuff. I can't afford that stuff so I have never looked into it. I know that I can create Mops in my CAM in less than 1 minute/Mop (for pocketing) picking my tools by hand. At roughly $1/minute charge time. I will be dead before I paid off $50g software (not to mention yearly maintenance fees).

What CAM do you use? Both Dolphin and SheetCAM take me longer that 1 minute per tool, but maybe it's just your experience level that gives you this speed?

-James

[DareBee]

I use VisualMill
But by 1 minute/tool that is for redoing the same pocket.

Sometimes setting up NEW areas for machining can take awhile especially if it is complicated 3d geometry, because it can be difficult to set up containment regions/surfaces for cutting. Once everything is defined the secondary Mops are very quick to make (sometimes as simple as cut & Paste, change tool and change speeds).