What CAM program are you using?

[DareBee]

I use VisualMill 6 Pro with SolidWorks.
It is not associative but will take my models directly with the plug-in. It also doesn't have big maintenance fees (none at all actually).
I feel it is very easy to use and has great tech support.

If you do not need 4 axis continuous, I would also look at SprutCam. It does do 4 axis positional.

I have no opinions on any of the "associative to SW" CAM because they were out of my budget on initial $ and yearly fees.
SW hurts bad enough by itself.

[Kool Parts]

SurfCam for quite a few years. But haven't updated for some time now. Need to really step up with capability...soon. Will be looking at all of them at IMTS..if I can wait that long.

[Visnovits]

Hello,

I use FeatureCam in my business and don't have any major issues with the software, http://www.featurecam.com/. The learning curve is small compared to MasterCam. I'm very happy with the software and highly recommend to others. You can download the full software with the save and post crippled.

Steve
Hava Turn LLC

[Shawn Schwartz]

Shop junkie,

All I have seen here is people plugging the software they either sell or think is the greatest CAM on the planet. The fact is no one has asked what your needs are going to be. I work For Sescoi (WorkNC) but I have also used it, along with other’s, in the shop. Fact is, even though I think WorkNC is the best, it might not be the best for you. Are you looking to get into more 3D intricate models, or are you just looking to bump up a little from where you are now. That is the first question you need to answer. The point I am trying to make here is you need to go out and try the ones that make the most sense in your shop. Some, like us, will let you evaluate the software in your shop with a working post so you can cut on the machine and see for yourself what it can do. These high-end software’s do not come cheap, but you will find that they speed up your programming and machining times, in turn making up the cost of the software in a very short period of time. I am sure this will start some big debate about who is truly the best, don’t get wrapped up in that. Get some ideas of the better CAM systems from the people on here and then make the calls to do some evals.

[Mike Stevenson]

Originally Posted by Shawn Schwartz Shop junkie, All I have seen here is people plugging the software they either sell or think is the greatest CAM on the planet. The fact is no one has asked what your needs are going to be. I work For Sescoi (WorkNC) but I have also used it, along with other’s, in the shop. Fact is, even though I think WorkNC is the best, it might not be the best for you. Are you looking to get into more 3D intricate models, or are you just looking to bump up a little from where you are now. That is the first question you need to answer. The point I am trying to make here is you need to go out and try the ones that make the most sense in your shop. Some, like us, will let you evaluate the software in your shop with a working post so you can cut on the machine and see for yourself what it can do. These high-end software’s do not come cheap, but you will find that they speed up your programming and machining times, in turn making up the cost of the software in a very short period of time. I am sure this will start some big debate about who is truly the best, don’t get wrapped up in that. Get some ideas of the better CAM systems from the people on here and then make the calls to do some evals.

Welcome Shawn. You hit the head right on the head. Very well put.

[jybute]

Like a few of the guys on here have said.. its all about what you need.
In my opinion, if you are mainly doing 2d work without the need for indexing. From what I have seen, bobcad is pretty easy to use. So why change things up? If your are doing a lot of surfacing, something with some poop behind it is in order. I am running GibbsCam V8.9. It is every bit as powerful as MasterCamX. The problem here in Alberta, there is very little support for GibbsCam. MasterCam in this region has phenominal support. You have many options, so take your time. It will be worth it in the end.

Oh yeah, GibbsCam is very easy to use and has full 5 axis and true 4 axis machining integrated. Be careful with salespeople talking to you about rotary milling and 4 axis milling. there is a difference.

[speedrider]

I use Smartcam 11.5 freeform. They are up to ver15.1 but I still have the last ver before CAMAX went out of business. I still think it is a powerful system. I use it for mostly 2D and occasional 3D surface milling.
http://www.smartcamcnc.com/

[Eagle View]

SurfCam Velocity 3, 2 1/2 D, user here, have been with it for 9 years or so. Like all tools it has it's good points and it's bad features. There feature that has really changed how I machine is the TrueMill. I blew it off where it was first introduced. I am running an 1992 VF-0 with a 7 1/2 really 5 hp 7500 RPM spindle and only 64K of RAM but we have gone from running mostly aluminum to cutting mostly steel and I needed to do something besides buy a new machine so I dug into Truemill a little more. Good news, it alllows me to cut steel like I have never been able to before. I run a 1/2" carbide 4flt TiAN coated end mill in 1018 steel at 3100 RPM and 30" mer minute dry of course but with air to keep the pockets free of hot chips. I never go over 25% on the load meter and the cuts are smooth and nicely finished. Swift Carb out of Kent WA is bringing out a new line of end mills just for Truemilling, they ran a 1/2" coated endmill at 3/4" deep 9000RPM + and I don't remember the feed but it was a lot higher than I would have ever tried in 1018 steel at Westech. these mills do have a radius at the bottom but that can be cleaned up with a finish cut. The bad news is the Truemill creates huge files forcing me to DNC most programs. This one feature has saved me from having to buy a new machine but may make me enough to be able to. SurfCam has been worth the cost but I have had my moments with it. We tried BobCad 19 but were too far into Surfcam to make a switch mentally to their way of doing things. I import a lot of SolidWorks part files and work off of them. That has been very helpful with complex parts. I work on mostly firearm related stuff so lots of weird angles, pockets and small or thin parts out of some heavy stock.

Eagle

[Powder_Keg]

Gibbs and FeatureCam here, ive dipped into MasterCam X a little bit. Gibbs and FeatureCam both have their good points and bad ones. For 2D i like the Gibbs better and thats just because it makes more sense and i like the tool paths and ability or ease of making tools do what you want and not having them assinged for you or have to change them to what you have for every process like in Feature. I am self taught but for 3D i use feature, i guess cause i could figure out the 3D on it easier than on gibbs. I use them both on a Fadal 4020, Haas lathe, Haas mini mill, and OMax waterjet. I would like to find some tutorials on gibbs so i can further my knoweldge on it. If anyone knows where to get them or has them to send i would be greatful

[Shop junkie]

Thanks guys you've been very helpful. I appreciate it.