5 axis software

[mikejkd]

I want to take a drawing from Rhino and get tool path for a five axis machine I am building. Does anyone know what I will need(stepper, servos, drivers, etc). I was looking at Camsoft but do not know what drivers are needed.

Thanks

[Splint]

What exactly are you asking? Do you need to know what software generates 5 axis code or do you need information about the requirements for a machine?

[mikejkd]

I need to get a program that will generate 5 axis code and make sure that it will be compatable with whatever driver I decide to use.

[ger21]

The cheapest would probably be Visual Mill at $5000, but it only does 5 axis indexing I believe. You probably have to spend $10K or more.

There is the CNC Toolkit, which is free. http://www.rainnea.com/cnc_toolkit.htm

[DareBee]

VM's not up to 5K yet is it?
I got mine for 1500 (VM4 promo then upgrade to 5)
But ger is right 5th axis in VM is index only - not continous.

[ger21]

My mistake. $4000

[mikejkd]

I must be missing something, isn't Camsoft $2000 and generate code?

[ger21]

I believe Camsoft will just run your machine, it won't generate any code.

They do sell this, though. 5 axis code for $18,000.00 http://www.camsoftcorp.com/prod01f.asp

[Splint]

Surfcam and Mastercam both have dynamic 5 axis capability, not sure of the price but I suspect $15000 to $20000.
Onecnc has 3+2 (meaning 4th and fifth axies are positional only). Search Google for 5 axis cnc software, that should bring up a few more names.

[Rekd]

Originally Posted by Splint Surfcam and Mastercam both have dynamic 5 axis capability, not sure of the price but I suspect $15000 to $20000. Onecnc has 3+2 (meaning 4th and fifth axies are positional only). Search Google for 5 axis cnc software, that should bring up a few more names.

I believe the "lesser" versions of Mastercam have 3+2 as well, but you get all the other bene's of the top CAM system at a more affordable price.

[yohudi]

CNC_Toolkit IS free for personal use and testing.. and it's very powerful if you understand how it works and the way to use it..

Part 1 and 2 of a brand new detailed user guide for CNC_Toolkit are out TODAY.. available as a free download from the yahoo group in my sig.. I made the guide..

Rab Gordon, the creator of CNC_Toolkit has contributed suggestions and has approved the distribution. Part 3 covering the deployment and use of multi-axis rotary configurations is currently being developed and tested...

If you have any interest in CNC_Toolkit then it's worth a read, feel free to pick up copy...

ttfn

Danny (aka Yohudi)