Anyone tried HSMworks?

[shopvak]

I'm wondering if anyone has given this software trial yet? I've tried and used quite a few CAM programs over the last 1 1/2 years and this is the slickest package by far. It's an added bonus having it run inside Solidworks since that's my primary CAD package.

[1ctoolfool]

i'm thinking of purchasing this software,
it's made by cimco which has produced some very impressive programming tools in the past.
this may be a step into the future of cnc.

[shopvak]

I've been using it for about 4-5 months now and have to say it's one of the most impressive software packages I've ever used! It's the second CAM package I've purchased and I've tried and used a number of others and this one blows them all away! Having a CAM system run inside Solidworks is the ONLY way to go. I do a lot of design changes and prototypes and to be able to have toolpaths update automatically with design changes is priceless. Also no need to keep separate files from the SolidWorks files. It's all kept together as one file type. The user interface is really slick and fast IMO. No popup windows, it's all very logical. You can tell these guy's really think about things before doing it.

They are being very agressive with updates to this software. Development versions are added about 2 times a week. I've reported a few bugs and have had some of them fixed within 24 hours. They are very fast to respond to issues. Charles at http://www.ngms.us/default.htm has been great with getting my posts written and general support.

[1ctoolfool]

hi, where are you located, we should try to get a user forum up and running.

[fistafury17]

I have been using the software for about a year now and feel like this is the most intuative softwate on the market. I have been giving alot of feedback to the HSMWorks people and they are always quick to respond. Many of the Assy files I am working from contain multiple configs for machining several workpieces without having to close and open a new file and this feature is still under development but the HSMWorks people have assured me that it is a high priority. What kind of problems have you had with the functionality of the software?

[shopvak]

I haven't really ran into any big problems, but a few little quirky issues. They have been really good at helping me with anything I've ran into.

I don't use configurations very much. Most my work is 2D, but complex 2D. Also, I try and run efficiently, running as many parts as I can on one setup. Most of the time that's 4 to 8 or more parts. Lots of soft jaws get made and used.

Most of the issues I see seem to be more related to product maturity. Not so much that features don't work, but need to be refined a bit more and maybe a few functions added. For example, I would like to see a sort function added to patterns. My reseller was really good at working with me on my posts, but I kind of wish editing posts was made more user friendly. It's done with java script, which I don't know or want to take the time to learn just for this. I'm told it's very efficient, but for my particular use, that's not a concern. I think the default posts could be a little better and maybe a wider variety offered.

Overall, having used and tested quite a few other programs, this one blows the rest away. I can really get a lot of work done fast compared to the pain I use to endure. The interface is fantastic. This is certainly one of the better purchase choices I have made!

[fistafury17]

"Also, I try and run efficiently, running as many parts as I can on one setup. Most of the time that's 4 to 8 or more parts. Lots of soft jaws get made and used."

What type of patterning or offsetting do you use when working with multiple parts?

Some of my fixturing assemblies have sketches attached to them that allow me to pick points on the sketch for Duplication Patterning.

Do you use G54 or multiple WCS?

[shopvak]

I don't use to much off-setting, mostly just patterns because most the time I'm cutting multiple parts out of a solid bar of stock.

The way I create a pattern is to create a folder. Add the operations I want to patten to the folder, then right click on the folder and add the pattern info, like spacing and direction. It's kind of a hidden function. You have to simulate the tool path to see the pattern.

Sometimes I have to use sketches for controlling tool paths, but I've been getting a lot better at learn ways to avoid this added step.

[fistafury17]

Yeah, the patterning is really good. I mentioned that I use the duplication option for point selection since many of my workpieces do not fit in all of my fixtures useing a linear pattern for multiples. see pic



At times I will set-up multiple workpieces useing G54-G55-G56 and I would like to post multiple programs with the G54 and such offsets designated to the specific work pieces. I don't know how to get thew software to post a program with anything but a G54 offset.

[shopvak]

Nice!

Yea, I haven't really used duplication or offsets much, so I'm not much help on this. My machines are smaller and I can't fit more than one vise in them. I do use double lock vises with longer jaws to help with that though.

[jackrowley]

Has anyone tried engraving. I have an evaluation copy and I cannot see an obvious method to do this. The text I am trying to engrave is on a sketch at present but could be changed it to another feature type if needed.

This may be the first of many questions !!!

[fistafury17]

I have done engraving with HSMWorks. On Monday I will review my files and give you some instruction.