Some basic general GibbsCAM questions..

[squale]

I was wondering if somebody could answer the following..

1.) What is the latest version of GibbsCAM ?

2.) Is GibbsCAM one of the easier CAM software products to use? easier than Mastercam, etc.?

3.) Can GibbsCAM open native Solidworks models? Are there usually any translation problems?

4.) Can GibbsCAM be used as a regular CAD software? how about for creating 3d models? is it as powerful as Mastercam or Solidworks for CAD use? or is mainly just for CAM ?

Thanks !

[bbern]

Originally Posted by squale I was wondering if somebody could answer the following.. 1.) What is the latest version of GibbsCAM 2.) Is GibbsCAM one of the easier CAM software products to use? easier than Mastercam, etc.? 3.) Can GibbsCAM open native Solidworks models? Are there usually any translation problems? 4.) Can GibbsCAM be used as a regular CAD software? how about for creating 3d models? is it as powerful as Mastercam or Solidworks for CAD use? or is mainly just for CAM ? Thanks !

The latest shipping version is 8.7.16. V9 is in Beta testing.

I've been using it for quite a few years and i think with a quality post processor it is very easy and quick to get very usable G code. but,IMHO the drawback is that it does not offer a high degree of control over your toolpath.

Yes, Gibbscam can open native solidworks

Gibbscam is not a great CAD package. You will need a CAD package if you need quality prints. Shop floor style drawings are fine, but it is very limited.You can make solid models in gibbs if you have the 2.5d or Solidsurfacer packages.

[squale]

yeah I use Solidworks 2008 for my CAD 3d models. So I am basically only looking for the CAM side of Gibbs.. I just want a CAM package that can open all Solidworks models just fine and something easy to use and quick to take my Solidworks models and generate G-code for my machines.

I have heard that GibbsCAM is one of the best for importing native Solidworks files and that these two pieces of software work really well together.

[bbern]

Since you have Solidworks, you should be in great shape.
Like i mentioned in the other post, i have found that a post that does EXACTLY what you need is critical. I had to have many rewrites of mine untill i got one that i was confident i could count on. I wanted to be able to post it, DNC, and "pull the trigger".
I use Gibbscam "Solids Import" daily and I think Gibbs has the best package of Geometry from solids I've used. Very easy to get 2d-2.5d toolpath geometry and other data from the model. Another plus for me is the ease of programming 4 axis postioning part. You can just highlight a feature to create a Work Offset. The new Ver 9 is supposed to have improved 3D surfacing engine.

[squale]

are you using Gibbs with Solidworks? if so what versions of each? and what cnc controllers are you posting too..?

I know many others have recommended I look into CamWorks and Solidcam because they run inside Solidworks itself, but I'm not sure if these other softwares are as easy to use as Gibbs, offer the same functionality, and most importantly if I can even get Posts for my machines which are running Centroid and ProtoTRAK controllers..

[bbern]

I'm using the latest shipping version of Gibbscam, 8.7.16. The latest Solidworks model I've imported was 2008, worked fine.
I have very little experience with Camworks and Solidcam, so I can't comment about the software or the post processors.
With some diligence on your part I'm pretty sure a Gibbs post for your controllers can be made to work just fine. if you only need 3axis, Gibbs has a 3d party "plugin" (posthaste) for posting. These are very easy to modify to get the output you want.