cam software

[planeflier]

What software is everyone using for 3d? I have a demo of Meshcam right now and was wondering what else there is out there. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars. I use sheet cam for my 2d work and it works great. thanks for any help.

[Rance]

As an alternative approach maybe...

In considering which software product(s) to decide on, tell me what features I should be looking for? But with this, your first question should be "What do you want to do with your CNC Mill?". Unfortunately, I just don't know all the possibilities but I at least want to mill my own PCBs, and also mill delron, and aluminum. Geez, I don't think I even know enough to ask the right questions.

With that said, here's what I've seen so far:

-FreeMill ($0) 3D Milling www.cncportal.com
-MeshCAM ($100) www.meshcam.com
-SheetCam ($150) www.sheetcam.com
-Stlwork ($75) www.cadcamcadcam.com

-TurboCNC
-Mach2
-Rhino
-ONECNC

Rance

PS: planeflier, I'm not trying to hijack your thread, really.

[ger21]

STLWork, $75 at http://www.cadcamcadcam.com

Millwizard, $250, at http://www.millwizard.com

DeskProto, ~$1500 http://www.deskproto.com

I personally prefer MeshCAM. They all have Demo's to try, though.

[planeflier]

I have been using Meshcam but it seems that it cuts lots of air! I am cutting plastic HDPE parts with pockets located in them at verying depths. I can get it to cut with sheetcam but requires me to figure cuts and depts. Maybe I am doing something wrong with meshcam but it seems like it takes forever to cut out parts. I have tried it x,y, waterfall etc. I my mind I would like to see a better finish on the edges rather than just plunges.

[ger21]

If you're doing pockets, MeshCAM or any of the 3D CAM programs above will take much longer to cut than SheetCAM. The cheap 3D CAM programs aren't really made for doing pocketing. Pockets are a 2.5D operation. SheetCAM will also give you a better finish, as well.

[DareBee]

I use VisualMill 5; but this is a hell of a bargain, the CAM part of RhinoCam is 2/3 of the full VisualMill program.

Screaming New Year Special!


RhinoCAM 1.0 - $1000 $699 (United States Only)
RhinoCAM 1.0 + Rhinoceros 3.0 - $1500 $999 (United States Only)



This Rhinoceros 3.0 plug-in is a general purpose machining program targeted at the general machinist. RhinoCAM 1.0 includes 2-1/2 axis, 3 Axis and Hole Making operations. It comes with hundreds of post-processors and additionally a post-processor generator to create user definable post-processors. Also includes a DNC program and a G-Code editor.

Hurry sale ends Jan 30th, 2005

[twombo]

Hey DareBee

What about saving toolpaths and tooling data for frequently repeated parts? In the full version of VM, a kBase file can be created to save this data. What aboout VM basic?

I love Rhino and am getting pretty comfortable with it I am at the point where I am going to have to make a decision on the CAM application. If I can't save the toolpath and tool/fixture data in RhinoCam I need to look elsewhere. The $4K for the full VM is a budget buster at this point.

Also, I will need to be able to split paths to orient cut direction to avoid chipout. Imagine the complex paths needed to cut violin sound holes!

Thanks in advance on your experience.

Mike