Newbie- Software Recomendation

[CajunTaco]

I've been reading alot and a friend a myself are building a 3 axis cnc router to cut acrylics, wood, maybe more. I figured it would be a good time to better familiarize myself with the electronics. I'm familiar with the stepper side, and controller. I use them at work.

However I'm not sure what would be the best software for creating the G-code from our models. We both use Solidworks to model our parts and have been using it for 5-6 years each. From what I understand I need three pieces of software. Drawing utility, something to convert it to G-code, and something to execute the code. I already use solidworks, and the mach software looks very appealing but can you recommend what to go in between?

Thanks alot,
Ryan

[blowlamp]

CamBam, available here www.cambam.co.uk . I always recommend this software as I find it unbeatable for the money. It is very powerful with both 2.5d and 3d capability. Nice steady updates and enhancements by Andy, keep it on top for me - and very bug light (can't think of any at the moment). There is also a Mach3/CamBam package for purchase at the website. A good read on the forum will answer many questions - there is a fair amount of documentation there too, along with some videos.

Martin.

[harley4ever]

You could try dolphin cad cam. You wouldnt need the cad as you already have solidworks. Just a suggestion.

[yohudi]

Hi there,

sounds like you're a good way towards a working solution. If you have Solidworks then your CAD needs are covered.

You can't really go wrong with Mach software for running your machine.. It's a tried and tested solution, used by a vast number of zone members.

As for the gcoding.... you can do a lot if not ALL of this at no cost, depending on the nature of your work...

For FREE engraving, photocarving, pocketing, profiling, and to a limited degree 2.5 or 3D work you can't beat the CamBam Beta software. It's very stable and performs well.. and is easy to learn.

For more complex surface machining the CamBam Beta is a little limited.. it can do the job.. but may take more time to code 3D surfaces at small stepover settings. The Beta also lacks a cutting preview for surface finish.

However, all is not lost. FreeMill can perform 2.5D / 3D coding from .STL meshes with little difficulty. It does have a surface preview function and the code runs well in mach software with an appropriate postprocessor.

To be fair... you may need to invest a little time in learning to use both CamBam and FreeMill, but you will need to learn whatever software you use for these aspects anyway... Might be worth taking a look at these options BEFORE spending money on a commercial solution. It's surprising what CAN be acheived for zero cost in this regard.

Hope this helps

Danny (aka Yohudi)

[Master_CNC]

EZ-CAM has been an all time favorite. It is very robust and very affordable. They offer a live demonstration, which should definitely be taken advantage of--it would be foolish not to consider. Judging by other forums it was a wise investment. So do your homework, which is always a pain, but never go into it blind.

[roctech]

Type edit!!

Why dotn use Type edit software, Type3, is a very famouse one on the CNC feild.

please check www.type3.com

[dirtdiggler]

Cajun Taco,

I'm going through a similar thing trying to figure out the right CAM software to purchase. You can trial almost all of them for free. I found that Cut3D, MeshCam and CamBam all do excellent for under $300.00. If you want to get into more options like 4 axis..and advanced finishing options I really think MadCam is the best bang for your buck in features....but it might be an overkill for what you do. I would try Cut3D first, it's CAM simplicity at it's best.