The best cams software?

[rossrods]

Hey guys just taking in another survey. Which cams software do you belive would be the best to do molds with. I've heard surfcam was a good one any other choices out there. I am all ears, and my hats off to you guys for being so good to communicate with.

[bbrown01]

Solidworks + Mastercam seems to be a popular combination.

[PBMW]

I use Solidworks and Mastercam, works well. I just demo'd Esprit because I just bought a multi axis mill turn machine. they have a VERY powerfull mold package.
Cimitron is outstanding, Delcam Powermill is outstanding. You do not make mention of the machine you will be using for this but there is NOTHING more powerfull than NCL for five axis work.
I would not call Surfcam a great choice for mold work. Nore would I choose Mastercam as a first choice. I would rank Cimitron and Delcam near the top.
These are not low end cam solutions. They will cost you between $40k and $100k
But they are the best at what you are looking to do.

[big_mak]

I use OneCNC, not for molds, but I know some who do. The age old question of what CAM is best, will lead to as many answers as there are guys willing to express their opinions!!! My 2 Cents look at NX!!!!

[CNCRim]

WorkNC, Unnigraphic, Topsolid, Esprit, Partmaker.... so many out their it is pretty much what is you indent to do and $.

[pit202]

my is : solidedge + edgecam for mill, while solidedge is ok , edgecam is not so wise in some cases, now I`m looking for new software for my lathe and maybe if I find better than edgecam for a mill, interesting software is new sprutcam2007 - have some features like master cam, some like NX - I like the simulation and work with it, I still searching and reads opinion.

[Mike Stevenson]

Cimatron has so much power specifically geared towards Mold Making.

[I_flungdung]

Solidworks and Gibbscam shake hands well. I'd say go with the Gibbs if you have $$

[HuFlungDung]

Originally Posted by I_flungdung Solidworks and Gibbscam shake hands well. I'd say go with the Gibbs if you have $$

Grandpappy, is that you?

[I_flungdung]

"Geeter-dun" Yes it's me.

[PBMW]

The original poster has not told us what types of molds he wants to make....
That will certainly have an influence on the software he chooses. I have a feeling that he's also looking at a TM1, so in reality, the software isn't going to make the thing work...
Now don't get in an uproar. I ain't bashin the TM1 guys. they do what they do. But if you are doing real live, honest to Gawd "Mold" work. That isn't the obvious first choice for a machine. You'd want one that can take advantage of HSM, high speed spindles, enough rigidity to do serious hardmiling. That ain't the TM1

[rossrods]

Thanks guys for inputs into software and suggestions. Yes its a mold out of 6061 for soft plastic injection. (32"x) X (16"y) X (1.5"z) is the dims and it can be done in quadrants.
Well money dictates alot of things and I just cant afford 40K-100K mill with the little bit of work that might come available. I was going to try and start a new business, but it seems like my potential business arangement went from typical 5k a mold @ 50k worth of work a year, down to 2.5k a mold @ no more than 12 total, to only wanting to pay $500-$700, Per mold. $500-$700 barley covers the cost of material. To me those numbers dont dictate spending 30k-35k for everything I need to get started. Thats why I had to choose a more affordable mill. Bare Bones Start up Cost. It sordy stinks, just got my business liscence set up, got approved for a business line of credit, and then your potential business arangement goes from wanting to keep work in America to what I mention above, Im not even sure if some of our over sea's comp. would work for $500.00. Well thats Business for you. LOL, You can look at the last post from "mom and pop shop with mini mill" to get a look at the mold pic if you interested. Thanks everyone.