Meshcam?

[fattuna]

Hey guys. I'm new to the CNC hobby/inventor thing. I am an architect and have used CAD from R12 to 2004i but just have recentlybought a plasma CNC table. The machine came with a controller (Zeus) software and I have tons of knowledge and Autocad to produce my designs but still reviewing CAM software.

Has anyone used heard of MeshCAM? The cost seems cool...this was suggested to me by the Mfg.

Can anyone suggest a or would like to trade CAM software for CAD/3D?

Thanks,

Pierre
fattunadesigns@sbcglobal.net
www.fattunadesigns.com

[marvinstov]

I use Meshcam all the time. I think you will like it if it suits what you are trying to do. I am also using TurboCAC\DCAM. I like it. There are a lot of good reports on Rhino, ONECNC and other also.

Marv

[buscht]

I use Meshcam myself. It is a good 3D milling CAM package. It is not appropriate for 2D plasma work. If you are cutting 2D shapes out of sheet steel you only need a 2-1/2D package. Sheetcam is a new program in beta testing that seems to work well for plasma cutting. http://www.sheetcam.com/

You can download the beta program, but keep in mind that there are a few problems still, but overall its pretty good. I don't know what kind of post processor you would need for your Zeus, but I'm sure that it could be worked out.

Trent

[wjbzone]

Like the others said, Meshcam is good for 3d work based on stl or bitmap files.

I also have a lot of Autocad experience, and I like using a CAD program that works entirely inside Autocad. That way I have all the geometry editing tools I am familiar with. Tahlcam is worth a look. It has a free demo at tahlcam.com. I've been using it for a few years.

Bill

[fattuna]

WOW...Thanks guys for the info.

So Meshcam is typically for 3D milling and the typical "plasma" table cnc work would not use it....I'm assuming the Meshcam software is 3D application based but Buscht, you said it would not be appropriate for 2D plasma work...can you explain?

Thanks,
Pierre A.
www.fattunadesigns.com

[ger21]

MeshCAM outputs g-code for milling 3d surfaces. For plasma you need code to do 2D profiles. As was mentioned earlier, check out SheetCAM at http://www.sheetcam.com It's free while it's in beta testing. A lot of people are starting to use it.

[buscht]

Pierre, I looked at your website. Pretty neat, and a good use for a CNC plasma.

Anyway,what you need is a CAM program that moves your plasma head around like a pencil following a line.

Meshcam is good for is 3D carvings, not following a line. They are two distinct CNC applications. Check out the Meshcam website, http://www.grzsoftware.com/

You will see what I mean. MESHCAM is strictly for milling and routing applications, not 2D plasma work.

Trent

[ger21]

You might also want to look here http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2443
or here http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2833

Both free, if a little limited.

[ESjaavik]

How do I uninstall SheetCam?
I can start it, but when trying to start the tutorials, either it just exits promptly, closing all windows.
But I cannot find any uninstall program, and it's not in the Control Panel -> install or remove programs.

I'm in serious need for an easy to use CAM program, and this is obviously not the one.

[CNCadmin]

If their is no uninstall than you should be able to just delete the fold/program.

[buscht]

I have Sheet cam installed and have START / ALL PROGRAMS / SHEET CAM / UNINSTALL SHEETCAM

You might be able to download the new version, install it and then uninstall the entire group.

As an aside, I think you should not give up on the program. I am using it and I feel its very good.

[ger21]

The demo's are time limited, that could be your problem. Mine (pretty old version) has the uninstall in the start menu too. I just checked, and mine does the same thing as yours, only I get a brief "Beta has Expired" window too.