what's best software?

[dino-new]

I need to learn CAM software to start programming for verticle milling center, probably Fadal. What's the best CAM software?

Thanks,

Devin

[sendkeys]

i have a cd from
http://www.cncci.com/products/mcpocd.htm
that i payed for off ebay year or so back i will sell to you for 20 bucks+shipping what i payed.i dont have the manuals but you really dont need them or you can buy them from there website. It's for the "Fanuc controller".

unless your talking about cam software like say mastercam ect?

[dino-new]

Yea I was looking for some sort of CAM software to integrate or stand alone with CAD. I make 3D models then I would tool path them. Generate G code and away I would go, hopefully.

I saw edgecam and thought it looked good. What's the most popular?

[sendkeys]

really have to know the price range. there around say 1,000 programs ranging from free for 2d work to 100,000 bucks for 5-6axis.

some higher end are (talking 10k+)
mastercam
featurecam
edgecam
espirts
delcam
surfcam

lower mid price range would maybe
visualmill
bobcad-cam
dolphin


so what is your price range and what type of system 3axis,4axis 5axis?

there is really no "most popular" mostly has to do with what you need. some have cad software build in. others cost more money. So in the end you have ti pick what you need and what support they will give what updates,solid support,lathe addons?,4axis?,post precessor(or cost of one) ect. Alot work will go into picking one out if you're talking highend. :P low end is alot easyer Your price range really selects one of you hehe.

[dino-new]

I was thinking of not spending more than 5k. I'm now thinking either edgecam or mastercam. I guess If I'm going to spend that much I should get the cad built in? Or maybe not.

[sendkeys]

might have it wrong but think the basic mastercam is like 10k and edgecam(basic) was more in the range of 5k.
but if you're taking 4 or 5 axis i think that is out of the pricerange as for cad build in..... i really dont like them. They might be cool and look like they save money but they never work that great. maybe if they are only used for shop floor access it would be fine. but real 3d work i say solidworks,solidedge, maybe that Alibre(form other postings) for 3d parts. rhino for surface work . but soildworks/solidedge are out of the price range.
there is as much cad software as cam haha but when price is limited there isn't much you can do

now if you're talking 4-5 axis think you will be limited to maybe visualmill pro(4k) or bobcad.

artcam is i think around 7500 but it is more for jewelry/signs but has cad+cam or can import most cad.


5k is a hard price range little to much for hobby little "too little" for pro :P

good lucky finding prices on all this software. you almost have to give them your creditcard number befor most will even talk to you. then takes hour or two to pull a price out of them.

might check out featurecam(10k+)/visualmill/bobcam/turbocadcam/dolphin demo's you can download and play with them.

Some of this software is setup for fast working small runs like say visualmill/featurecam. and other is setup for long production runs were you can customize it alot like mastercam espirt ect. Other are just out dated with gui's of win3.11/dos hehe mastercamx is just now coming into the real world (atleast i think so, others do not) so that is somthing to look into when selecting.

[wms]

Dino,

I would have to respectfully disagree with statement that you can't get a professional cad/cam package for around $5000.00...

One that had a excellent hybrid solid modeler and powerful cam tool pathing..all 100% windows..wizard driven dialogs..

OneCNC Professional is just such a program..and it is under $5000.00..

Below is very small sample of the models I have created in OneCNC..all Onecnc nothing else..also there is a shot of the tool path preview of one of the parts..just a small snipet...

OneCNC was also running a "gift" to the members of the CNC Zone..$500.00 to-wards any new OneCNC package...if you are a member of CNC Zone..which you are..I think it is still going on..until they reach 200 seats..last I looked they had about 80 left...

[Ken_Shea]

Dino,
There is a great deal to be said about cad/cam as a integrated package and in my opinion is the only way to go if you are able to afford it, fortunately with a budget of 5K you are. The major benefit is a common layout and a single support factor. The single support factor being a major consideration and at the top of the list of reasons I purchased OneCNC. Do look into it and see if it might just be the package you are looking for.

[CNCadmin]

Dino,

OneCNC was also running a "gift" to the members of the CNC Zone..$500.00 to-wards any new OneCNC package...if you are a member of CNC Zone..which you are..I think it is still going on..until they reach 200 seats..last I looked they had about 80 left...

Here is the info on that- OneCNC's $100,000 Gift To 200 members of the CNC Zone.

[sendkeys]

Dino,

I would have to respectfully disagree with statement that you can't get a professional cad/cam package for around $5000.00...
.

hehe i didnt want to come off that way :P you are right it's not true almost all this software will give the same results. Some just some make faster models or faster g-code or make tools last longer. When you start getting into the world of "time is money".

that onecnc package looks like a nice one. The expert package from a old post was 6500 maybe if you get lucky or tell them you're with cnczone they might give you a discount. Got to remember There is really no "set prices" when dealing with this type of software :P Start walking away prices will drop :P or try other vendors. Deal with them like you would a used car salesman :P

[dino-new]

Thanks guys, I was starting to sway towards edgecam but I think I'll look into the OneCNC package. Nice rendering, real professional looking. I'll take a look and get back.