What CAM program are you using?

[Shop junkie]

So what CAD/CAm program are you guys using and or what do you recommend? Looking for something Haas TM1 friendly.

The head cheese's seem to think that's going to make the shop run effortlessly, and we'll all live happily ever after. Which could happen.

I got my self a new version of BobCAD and been using that, it's easy, it works for most of what I need to do. plus it works really well for the CNC plasma table. But the bosses want something better. So I would like to get some input from the guys in the field.

Thanks,

Bryan

[extanker59]

I'm using CamWorks CAM with SolidWorks CAD. It's nice to have the cad people make a change and not have to redo all your work (or import your old tool paths). One problem that wasn't forseen was, if you update one, then you HAVE to update the other. $$$. Slick. That's really the only problem I have with it. BTW- if you check it out, don't believe the Extract Machinable Features nonsense they demonstrate. If your parts are simple enough to use it, you probably don't even need a Cam system unless you're shooting for high throughput. Our parts here are almost never able to take advantage of it.

I've run SmartCamV12 (very old) and MasterCamV9. I like CamWorks much better than either one. I have not tried MasterCamV10. It's supposed to be more like CamWorks so that would be a better comparison.
Chris

[Shop junkie]

I'll have to check out Camworks. Haven't looked at that one yet.

I've worked with SurfCAM, and been through all the trainings and have certs and all that jazz. But I didn't care for it much, not very user frienly. At least the version I used a few years ago.

We have Solid works, most things are solid modeled first and than a drawing is generated from that and brought to me. What they want to happen is a part to go from solidworks/ solid model to the machine.

[extanker59]

If you already have SolidWorks then that'll make it an easier transition. I like working with the solid model over prints. Much easier. It will do what you want as far as going from solid model to the machine. We've had a few learning curves to climb, from learning CamWorks to adjusting our procedures to take into account the Cam data. For example- the engineers have the model, they send me a copy, I work on it adding features and tool paths. If in the meantime they change their original model, then all my tool paths are lost. I can still import them but it's much more work. There are others but I won't bore everybody (too late?) unless you want them.

I've never worked on SurfCam but I've heard some good things about it. What isn't user friendly about it?
How is BobCAD with solid models? How about 3D surfacing?

[harley4ever]

Dolphin Cad Cam for most everything. Surfcam every now and then. Design mostly done with autocad and then Dolphin imports the dxf. Dolphin handles all the cad but I am a very expierience Autocad user.

From seeing different demos of bobcam and trying the demo, it seems to be a joke. Not to mention, reviews on here are not exactly the best.

[Shop junkie]

It's been a couple years, but from what I remember, making changes wasn't very easy. Lots of drawing problems. I'm sure it's much better now.

BobCAD, is a very low end CAD/CAM system. It's really good for 2D wire frame stuff, hole patterns, your basic shapes and such. It does make it easier than going through and G coding everything. But that's about all I've used it for, there could be more that I'm missing (Im sure there is)

[Shop junkie]

Originally Posted by harley4ever From seeing different demos of bobcam and trying the demo, it seems to be a joke. Not to mention, reviews on here are not exactly the best.

It's a starter cad/cam system or for someone who just needs wire frame stuff. Like I said we paid 5 something got 2 seats, and it works great for the plasma table.. That's about it.

[orizaba]

BCC V22 here. I only make a few parts a week for one racing outfit, so its hobbie work. - I like the program most of the time.

[Mike Stevenson]

Siemens NX6

[Shop junkie]

I've got V21, It works well for the race car parts and rock buggy parts I make on the side.

[Cory]

We have CAMWorks and MCX. I thought CAMWorks would be great due to the integration with SolidWorks, but I don't like it at all. I never learned how to use it very well though. I am pretty proficient with MasterCAM, and while it has it's moments and can be a major pain in the ass, I find myself much more productive with it.

[Mike Stevenson]

Originally Posted by Cory MasterCAM has it's moments and can be a major pain in the ass.

I hear you brother.