Newbie- Mastercam Demos

[Apprentice_Sam]

Hello everyone I am now to the forum board, and new to CNC machining in general. I have just downloaded MasterCam X4, i know its not the newest edition, but it was a good start for me i think. I have toyed with X3 previously, but I am a little overwhelmed with X4, if anyone knows of a 3D demo that would be great.

Thanks,

Sam

[Superman]

There should be a folder called "samples" under the McamX4 directory.
This contains examples of the different machining strategies on various shapes ( metric and/or inch formats) for all the machine types ( mill, lathe, etc)

[Jhjr]

Check out eapprentice.net & streaming teacher they got lots of good training stuff there. Some free vids. Not to expensive either for the whole package. Any CAM system can be a little daunting at first especially if your new to cnc. Start with the simple stuff first then work up to the 3d stuff once you get more aquatinted with the software. It'll take time to get efficient with it also. What I'm trying to say is don't overload your brain with to much info at first cause you'll get frustrated then might just say teh heck wit it. X3 & X4 are almost identical. X4 has a few more high speed tool paths & a few more little things here & there. A little less buggy also. X5 isn't out yet so you have the newest software for a little bit. Good luck.

[Mike Mattera]

You downloaded it from where?

[advt001]

If Mastercam has a demo download page please share it with us.

[Jhjr]

I downloaded the mastercam X4 home learning edition on eapprentice.net about 10 months ago. I had to sign up for a day which I think was around 10$. Mastercam U has it if you subscribe but it's not cheap. If you contact your local mcam dealer they might hook you up with a copy. Especially since X5 is just around the corner.

[Mike Mattera]

I do the same thing. If you purchase one of our training CD's, we'll get you a link to download the demo version/ Home Learning Version for free. X3 & X4

Mike Mattera

[SBC Cycle]

That sounds interesting. I am a BobCAD user looking at their newest version of SW "Parts and Assemblies" with BobCAM. It looks like something that would be valuable to me but at the price I was quoted, I feel it is only prudent to see what else is out there. Obviously when the topic of CAM software comes up, MasterCAM comes to mind but I refuse to purchase any software that I can't evaluate on my own time.

What are the limitations of the "demo" version? I don't care about posting code but I have to be able to see toolpath and simulate it.

I must admit, the maintenance concept is a bit confusing for me. This may not be the thread to discuss it but does it shut off after a year or something?

[TheBigJW]

Originally Posted by SBC Cycle That sounds interesting. I am a BobCAD user looking at their newest version of SW "Parts and Assemblies" with BobCAM. It looks like something that would be valuable to me but at the price I was quoted, I feel it is only prudent to see what else is out there. Obviously when the topic of CAM software comes up, MasterCAM comes to mind but I refuse to purchase any software that I can't evaluate on my own time. What are the limitations of the "demo" version? I don't care about posting code but I have to be able to see toolpath and simulate it. I must admit, the maintenance concept is a bit confusing for me. This may not be the thread to discuss it but does it shut off after a year or something?

Just put simple mastercam is a nightmare company to deal with. Just move on. Think cell phone contract. Penalties to cancel parts of your maintenance and all that kind of crap. Look elsewhere.

John

[SBC Cycle]

John, after making this post I did some poking around here and elsewhere I have come to the conclusion that MasterCAM is not the software for my shop. I don't need to add further but thank you for the reply.

[Jhjr]

The demo will do exactly what you say. Everything but posting. I'm sure your local mcam dealer will hook you up with a copy.

[cadcam]

Wow so John has an issue with his dealer and you are going to walk away. Well Bobcad has allot of upset people all around. All dealers are not the same.

JM2C