Solidworks > ??? > Mach 3 > Tormach PCNC 1100

[miljnor]

I use solidworks too and that's not one of the programs I was lumping in as non-standard....but solidworks doesn't produce g-code.

there are several vendors that produce addons that generate g-code from solidworks...but again these change with the weather and maybe aren't the best to teach for long term in a school.

And I'm in no way casting dispersions on any of the cad software out there....just commenting on marketability of the methods

[miljnor]

Oh.....and the post processor for gibbs i use i believe is a VERSION for HAAS that i had made when i got Gibbs......it produces all the necessary g-code for mach....it may not be perfect but I have had NO problems with it so far.


if your still interested in it after this post PM me again and I will tell you more about it.

[kgiessler]

So, I've learned a bit since that post.

The first thing is that the Art Soft site has links to post processors
http://www.machsupport.com/posts.php

The other thing I learned is that Mastercam (who has good educational discounts) will be putting out a product they call "Mastercam in Solidworks" which will use SW as the modeler and integrate a plugin into SW that generates tool paths for mills. Its sounds like what we are looking for, so I'm going to wait for (and continue to learn the wizards) until I can learn what it will offer.

[squale]

I wonder why Solidworks never built CAM themselves into their product, sorta like how Pro/E has both

[miljnor]

mastercam and solid works might be a good mix.....the only problem i have with SW plug ins is that they are prone to falling out and then no suport

[squale]

what cnc machines are you using Solidworks to Gibbs to Mach3 for? I am looking at doing the same exact setup going to a Taig CNC mill for teaching entry level cnc machining..

this way when it's time to step up to the larger VMC's... basically the process is the same with the exception of using a different post processor for whatever control you have on the machine.. ie.. Fanuc, Fadal, etc.

Originally Posted by miljnor mastercam and solid works might be a good mix.....the only problem i have with SW plug ins is that they are prone to falling out and then no suport

[JerryFlyGuy]

Originally Posted by miljnor mastercam and solid works might be a good mix.....the only problem i have with SW plug ins is that they are prone to falling out and then no suport

Really? Miljor... you have a documented experiance of this happening?

[miljnor]

yes!

surfcam was one that made there stuff native with SW. for a very short while.

I got a package to try out so it wasn't as though i spent money on it.

But still after you start learning stuff, its a bummer to have to go somewhere else to find something to use. And you know how it is......once you learn something (even a little) your always looking for something else that's similar in form and function.


I believe the tech-soft people had same issue, although I don't have experience with that....that's from a friend that used that combo.

And its an assumption (I know), that if Mastercam is getting in bed with SW then the old partnership is Kaput.

If this is erroneous I apologize, as The folks at SW make an awesome product, it just doesn't have any native machining component (that I am aware of).

I've never cared for Mastercam, but the last time I've looked at MC, was 9.xxx something and it was DOS based menu driven mess. But very functional.