CAM Software selection help;

[fyffe555]

Can I ask for some input selecting CAM software?

I'm at the point where I want/need to buy some but have yet to decide what. Hopefully people here have some better insight,

I currently use a full version of Rhino 3D V3 for 3D modelling, Full Autocad 2000 and have Gmax. For CAM Gcode output I've got Meshcam, Freemill, CNC toolkit, ACE and the GCode Autocad macro from one of the contributors here. I use TurboCNC now, possibly Mach2 later.

Here's the problem; I find I'm producing lots of drawings for potential parts that seem to sit in between full 3d models and 2 1/2d outlines. Parts include some purely 3d elements but also lots of surface that are part of the stock and need no machining. For example imagine a simple cylinder with a flange, like a flanged train wheel, essentially two cylinders stacked, of different dimensions. Or a square version of same with a quadrant cut out, with a few drill holes.

To produce Gcode for this seems to be taking too long and too much effort, so what am I doing wrong, or more precisely what software should I get to do this?

From a Rhino model I presently have the choice of Meshcam and Freemill and both produce Gcode that mills every surface from a square stock, even though the top surface doesn't need milling, and removing a lot of waste material cutting away surplus from the square stock in passes, all of which takes a lot of time too. Drill holes are cut with G01's.

Or I can take the 3d model and put it through Autocad, figure out how to seperate the part and operations into seperate elements, use the gcode macro to produce gcode for each and manually compile and edit what is in essence a set of outline machining operations that together produce the finished part with minimal material waste and no unnecessary machining of surfaces.

I seem to get better finished parts, cut more quickly with the second method but the gcode production can take ages. An advantage with the second method is that cylindrical holes and arcs can be made with a G02/G03 rather than the composite of G01's the first method uses, so holes and curved surfaces look cleaner for the same machining time too.

So, is there a technique or something obvious that I'm missing?

Is there a cam software that I can use to do this with the Cad software I've already bought?

Do you need to build the model in a combined CAD/CAM package to automatically have cylinder holes or arcs cut with G02/G03's?

And finally what software do people recommend. I was thinking of getting VisualMill but am today suffering from sticker shock, this is hobby stuff here so ideally I'd want something on the lower side, <1k.

thanks

Andrew

[HuFlungDung]

Andrew,

Yes, sticker shock indeed, when it comes to the hobbyist buying cadcam software. I guess the only reason that people will go to the trouble to develop good cadcam software, is that there is a market that will pay the price being asked.

Because this is serious business, what you have to do is figure out a way to:
1: win a lottery to buy whatever
or
2: plan to make a few bucks from your machine, using the software that you will purchase. Or, if you can, make a few bucks first, doing things the hard way for a while.

I'm just trying to soften you up to look at OneCNC mill express It costs around the $1500 mark, but, if you're tired of making gcode already, then it could be of interest. It doesn't cost you anything to get the boys at OneCNC to give you an online demonstration. Even if you don't buy, it should really give you a better feel for what a good software package really does for you. From there, then you can start to search intelligently for you will know a little bit more about what is easy to learn, and what isn't.

[kong]

Like Hu said, if you're gonna make money, then you afford to spend some to buy professional quality software. There are, however, some "in between" solutions, designed for hobbiests or part time business users. There is a hobiest version, and a "Mach 2" version of Dolphin Cad/Cam which are both very reasonably priced for their abilities. Check them out at www.hobbycadcam.com
Another solution for 3d milling is Visual Mill basic, at around $1000. Hope this helps.

[ger21]

You might want to look at TahlCAM, which works in AutoCAD. There is a forum here.