OneCNC Versus Solidcam when all design done in Solidworks.

[scrapper400]

Hi all,
Our students use solidworks quite a bit and I wish to machine some of their work on our Hurco VM1. So far I have just imported DXF files and added depths for 2.5D work but we have decided to use some of our limited funds to purchase either OneCNC (Mill advantage) or Solidcam (contains all software except HSM). They are both about the same price.
I like the idea that Solidcam will run inside solidworks but in the quote we have received we are quoted for installation and post processor configuration. I can't understand why we would have to configure the Hurco to read the information coming in.
Can anyone tell me if there are any massive advantages or disadvantages of one over the other? I did a search on the archives but the only posts I can see comparing both are from 2007.
I would really appreciate anyones help on this.

Rgds,
Scrap.

[HuFlungDung]

Each make of cnc has its peculiarities in the way that it might accept motion commands with a slightly different syntax than other controls. The post processor configuration takes care of these differences. This is done so that you do not have to go in and hand edit the programs after they are posted.

I've not seen SolidCam, so I cannot make a comparison of the utility of the two systems for you.

[rayzer]

OneCnc is the Fastest cheapest and easiest way for Milling
3 to 5 axis Index (not simultaneous) machines.

If you want fast and simple results there is no better software.
I repeat Simple in usability Simple in toolpaths and simple in Features.

There is also a great Cad environment and the complete software kernel is optimised and designed in house.

Once every 2/3 Year a new version is released with little to NO Bugs
No yearly maintenance.

Although denied by ONECNC -> One cncXR4 will do 5 axis simultaneous !!

It lacks in advanced machine / Toolholder / Mill simulation and graphic's
Little to none custom post possible.The software can only do the most common machinetypes. And is also simple in what you can do with its toolpaths but they get the job done. fast.

[daedalus]

scrapper400: what prices did you get quoted for onecnc and solidcam? We use solidcam at work (a university) and apparently the educational discount is substantial.

[mcphill]

Can you elaborate on "One cncXR4 will do 5 axis simultaneous !!"? Is this due out soon, or what?

What is the ballpark cost for the OneCNC packages?

Originally Posted by rayzer OneCnc is the Fastest cheapest and easiest way for Milling 3 to 5 axis Index (not simultaneous) machines. If you want fast and simple results there is no better software. I repeat Simple in usability Simple in toolpaths and simple in Features. There is also a great Cad environment and the complete software kernel is optimised and designed in house. Once every 2/3 Year a new version is released with little to NO Bugs No yearly maintenance. Although denied by ONECNC -> One cncXR4 will do 5 axis simultaneous !! It lacks in advanced machine / Toolholder / Mill simulation and graphic's Little to none custom post possible.The software can only do the most common machinetypes. And is also simple in what you can do with its toolpaths but they get the job done. fast.

[HuFlungDung]

No one knows if and when OneCNC will release 5th axis continuous. The developer refuses to publish dates to avoid all the clamouring for it. So we can speculate, but that is about it