Question about Gibbscam vs Mastercam

[canyon289]

Hi,
I'm new to machining and in the process trying to figure out what software to use. I've been checking out Gibbcam and Mastercam and I've noticed a few things. Gibbscam is simpler to use but it seems like it has less options. Mastercam is more complex but it's got all sorts of options everywhere.

As a machinist is the simplicity of Gibbscam or the power of Mastercam more desirable? Obviously I'd like to do things as quickly and easily as possible but of course it has to BE possible in the software.

I've posted this in the Gibbscam forum as well since this pertains to both softwares.

Thanks in advance

[snkdriver]

Depends on the application. I personally almost always pick power over ease of learning software. As far as quick, is the software quick to use or produce quick running programs? The latter is usually preferred. I really dont care how hard the software is to learn, I will learn it. The more advanced a software, the more features that may make programming quicker and produce quicker running programs. The cad program Catia is hard to learn but is full of features. Make the judgement on what you will be cutting. If there is any complex machining, pick the power.

[metlshpr]

Power over simplicity. With the power comes the simplicity of setting default parameters. That is what I have experienced using both CAM programs. You can make Mastercam simple by setting certain default parameters so that it is more of a point and click, (Gibbscam), system. But think of your shops needs. You will eventually have a situation where you will need the power of a more complex cam software. So that being said, MASTERCAM all the way!

[KennedyApps]

Welcome to the industry. I have been using MasterCam for 10 years now, and I must say it is the best CAD/CAM out there. I used Gibbs for a year and I was really upset with the Support I recieved. MasterCam does take a bit longer to learn, but in the end it will be well worth it for you and your business. The support is just awesome. I recommend MasterCam 110%.

[cnc-king]

I would not go so far as to say MasterCam is the best Cad/Cam software out there. it happens to be the most widely used software. ProE and Unigraphics will give them a run for the money when it comes to the more complex programming ( 5 axis etc. ). That being said, your current and future needs should drive what software to buy. For regular 3 axis and 4 axis work MC is great. Tips For Manufacturing has some great learning aids for all the versions of MasterCam if you do decide to go with MasterCam. also look at Streaming Teacher.

[Mike Mattera]

Everything is easy when you know how it works. But having more options available to get the job done always helps.

Mike

[wireburn]

I used Mastercam for a few years and got pretty good with it. Switched to a company that used Gibbs and I will never go back. So much faster and easier to use. All the functionality that you will ever need is there in Gibbs, just not as "in your face" as it is in MC. FWIW.

-Mike

[dtm]

I have used both. Gibbscam all the way. Mastercam is way harder to learn, and yes it has more options for doing things, but alot of the options do not work, and the software is so glitchy it's annoying. I would never spend my money on mastercam.

[txcncman]

I currently use MasterCAM X3 (have sampled X4 and X5) and GibbsCAM 2004+. The GibbsCAM seems much more difficult to me to create geometry and once switching to machining you have to remember all your depths and tool path options are extremely limited and does not have step over cutting which means you have to create separate operations for each step over and assign an offset for each one. Very complicated to rough and then finish profiles. Pocketing works fairly well. MasterCAM allows you to select depth for machining in parameters and modify tool path options as well as has step over cutting for profiles. GibbsCAM usually does not create tool paths that are as efficient as MasterCAM. GibbsCAM is better for shops that want quicker turn around on small quantity parts orders (10 or less). MasterCAM is better for shops doing high volumes needing lower machining times.