Anyone still using SmartCAM

[THREEPT82]

No. Just that silly CamConnection.

[ltmquik]

Hi Guys.
This is my first time on your forum. I've used Smartcam about a hundred years ago. The place I'm at now has Ver9.1 3d mill and lathe. They also have Mastercam 3d mill/solids and lathe. I need to make some changes on some old
Smartcam files. Is there a way to save a pm4 or sh3 file into a dxf or another cad type file.

You have to use CAM Connect to export the files into IGES and dxf formats. PM4 is the FreeForm machining 3d file. I think in that version you can export the PM4 file directly to an IGES. IF you try and convert a 3d file to a dxf it will not work.

[dpuch]

I'm not sure of the exact capabilities (file types and versions) of V9 but the import/export has been there for a while, as long as you have cam connection installed.

[ltmquik]

In some of the earlier versions one had to use CAMConnection outside of the SmartCAM software. I do not remember when SC incorporated this into the framework. Chances are if he has a PM4 file he is using FreeForm Machining in which case one can go to File-Import/Export to export into .IGES.

[maddaddy]

Hey guys, I am currently using V14 and find it's very similar to V11.5 visually but now they have really started to add some more modern features. It is still very familiar looking and does some cool new stuff like pencil toolpath and more solids functionality.

[Medway Man]

Yes, we are still using Smartcam. 17 yrs.

[burgerboy]

I still use smartcam to challenge myself, Its the 1st cam software that I learn. I got all the books published that I use to reference with. I love to torture myself with this software. Its a solid cam module and Its very advance when it was introduce years and years ago........

[Techmachineman]

Would they have been better off staying retired

[Independent CNC]

Techmachineman, WHY?

Independent CNC Programmer
Home Page: http://www.ctcn.net/~3kings

[burnthills]

My company has had Smartcam for years and I ended up having to learn it (my background was in Mastercam).

In the last few years I have taught myself to create/edit/combine post processors, customize, write and record macros and do some fancier work with digital image-to-toolpaths work.

My job is to output code to 9 different machines ranging from Milltronics to Excellon to Cincinnati brands.

I know a big issue with CAD/CAM software is having to edit code after generating it before sending it to the machine but I was able to configure all 9 post-processors to a point where I can "generate code" and send it straight to the machines edit-free.

I even have a custom toolbox programmed right into Smartcam that asks something along the lines of "how many vices are on the cnc mill?" which creates sub-programs in the main code to replicate work offsets automatically.

I guess what I'm trying to say is although some people may say Smartcam is behind the times on power compared to newer stuff Mastercam can do, Smartcam is highly customizable and very user-friendly. It seems like it's easier to learn and even modify some of the behind-the-scenes features.

[roger_morris]

Been using SmartCam since 1993 and still using it. V18.5 is more powerful than Mastercam.

[Zeke13]

We have used SmartCAM's Freeform Machining for years, now using the latest 18.6 version. The improvments over the last couple of years have been fantastic!
You no longer need to import geometry, SC wil open most formats directly from the file open menu. The software can automatically generate toolpath from solid features, with many simply set parameter selections. I don't think there is any other CAM system that gives better toolpath control & the support is great.
The ability to create & edit custom post proccessors is invaluable.