Evaluating CAM software for Lathe

[David Da Costa]

Hi I am about to take delivery of my new CNC Lathe from Gunhead and I am trying to decide on which CAM software package to get for turning.

I currently use Vectric Aspire for most of my CAD/CAM on my CNC Router and CNC Mill and have recently purchased Alibre Design for more sophiticated CAD/CAM work. The CAM that comes with Alibre is an older version of Mecsofts Visual Mill.

The three packages I am currently looking at are Dolphins Partmaster turn, Mecsoft Visual Turn and Sprutcam turn.

My budget can at a push run up to $1200 (SprutCAM).

As I am starting out on CNC turning I would be grateful on any objective input/ opinions and any comparisons between the three packages from people who have experience with them.

Thanks


David

[dertsap]

take a look at shopcam http://www.shopcam.com/download.php , the lathe package is $495 or mill/turn package is $695 , its an easy to use shop floor software , there's a fully working demo so you can post out code for a 30 day evaluation

[HuFlungDung]

OneCNCXR3 lathe is worth taking a look at. It might be over your budget, but it costs nothing to test drive it, because sometimes, if you like what you see, you'll spend more to get better functionality.

I've used OneCNC lathe over 4 previous versions, and was not particularly excited about the previous versions. In fact, I was as liable to modify an existing lathe program in a text editor as I was to actually start a fresh file in OneCNC lathe.

What has changed in XR3 that is well worth one's consideration, is the introduction of templates, and "Repick path". XR3 mill has the same sort of template thing, but I feel it really comes into its own in lathe work, because all lathe work is so similar (say half a dozen job styles in my line of work).

So with templates, you initially go in and set up an operation using typical dialogs to make the settings. Then you can save those settings as a template and lock it so it stays as a permanent set of settings. Name it sensibly so that the tool type, material type, tool number and perhaps facing/turning are in the template name.

Now, the way the previous versions used to work, the toolpath wizards would autosave the last set of settings you used in each style of operation. So it always seemed to me like I was having to redo the settings on a continual basis, because I was either switching machines (different tool settings) or switching from facing to turning. So there was no real shortcut for me.

But in XR3, now I can permanently save a list of templates in each type of lathe operation, and recall those setting with a simple double click, and apply it to new geometry. So I barely have any need to go in and set up a new lathe program from scratch, nor waste time searching through my repertoire of 'similar programs' to modify by hand at the machine. Just pick a machining style, select the contour, recall the template, done.

Got a shaft that needs machining from both ends, where the same tools will serve? Duplicate the entire toolpath group that was used to machine the first end. Repick the geometry for each operation in the duplicate. Done. Post it and cut it.

I like it a lot. I believe there are a few current variations of OneCNC lathe, some have provision for mill/turn machines. So there are a range of prices, but I am not sure how expensive the most economical one would be.

I've never given broad endorsement of OneCNC lathe before XR3, because I felt it was pricey for all one gets. But its pretty powerful now in the ways that are important to productivity, which is the whole reason to buy lathe software instead of hand editing stuff.