which CAM do you guys prefer

[awjareme]

I haven't used CAM yet, but what do you guys prefer to use with Milltronics. Is there any that have better post processors, for less error? Right now i have the option of edgeCAM and MasterCAM, but can probably get others. Its for a 4 axis RH33.

[sld4121]

I prefer GibbsCAM myself, but any cam system should do what you need.
As far as the post processor goes, if they are not right, your supplier should be able to correct it. Personally, I do my own so I don't have to rely on a supplier. This way I get what I want and never have to modify the code going to the machine.

[ZZZZ]

I use Mastercam. I have played with others but I always come back to Mastercam.

[harley4ever]

I use Dolphin CAD CAM and occasionally Surfcam. If you have the budget for something like Edgecam, it would prob be a good choice.

[BobWarfield]

FWIW, did a survey on the relative popularity of different CAM systems. Results are here:

The Results are in on the CAM Package Survey « CNCCookbook

Cheers,

BW

[moldcore]

Bob,
Nice survey. How many responded to the survey? The percentages don’t surprise me though.

As a Surfcam and Milltronics user for over 15 years I can recommend the two together with some reservations about Surfcam. It’s old and dated with the worst interface of all the CAM programs but does make pretty good code. I can only recommend it because I’ve grown used to it over the years. I can’t recommend their latest version (5.1) however, too many bugs. I wouldn’t worry about getting a post from whatever program you choose. My only problem was modifying the post for hard taping, took a few tries to get it right and it’s been so long now I can’t remember what I did. I’ve heard that some programs require new post with each program upgrade, not with Surfcam.

[BobWarfield]

Originally Posted by moldcore Bob, Nice survey. How many responded to the survey? The percentages don’t surprise me though.

Hundreds. I get a lot of visitors to the site and this seemed to be a topic of interest.

Best,

BW

[ihbuilder]

I have a partner 5 cent 4 knee mill . I was given fast cam Jr when I bought it . Any how , do any of these cam programs we have today have a post for the cent 4 ? or am I SOL ?



thanks much

Steve

[sld4121]

GibbsCAM has posts for the Centurion control.

[cadman]

GibbsCAM. I have an Advanced Mill "C" style Centurian post modified for our machines. We have a VM16, VM22, and VM22 5 axis, all with the Cent7/8200 controller.

[ihbuilder]

If it has the post for cent 4 and I can use my a-cad files I'm game . About how much am I looking at for it ? just trying to get a feel for the $ . I'll be getting a cnc lathe soon and would put the cam on the cost figures .


thanks much

Steve

[cadman]

Originally Posted by ihbuilder If it has the post for cent 4 and I can use my a-cad files I'm game . About how much am I looking at for it ? just trying to get a feel for the $ . I'll be getting a cnc lathe soon and would put the cam on the cost figures . thanks much Steve

Gibbs opens dxf & dwg files with no problems, so your acad files are good to go. When you buy a seat you specify what machine & controller you need the post for. Additionally, a free version of Posthaste is integrated with Gibbs and you can create your own posts. There are a couple Centurion templates supplied with it.

Give the people over at GibbsCAM a call for an accurate cost, they won't hound you like Bobcad does. I have several options on my mill package and I it bought it 11 years ago.