Does TurboCADCAM even work???

[MechWerks]

I have been using TurboCAD since version 3. No expert but gets the CAD work done. I now have a 2.5d mill and have tried TurboCADCAM to make machine code. I have tried v12 and now v15 and their correct CAM plug-ins.

When I do a chain mill offset, the resulting mill path is centered on the chosen contour without offsetting. The tool offset shows in several places where you can view and edit the offset and the tool path doesn't change when the offset number is edited. Dropping the code into a third party CAM to backplot the code shows bad resulting code (disjointed segments).

Basically my question is if there is anyone out there acutally using TCC to chain mill offset contours? What versions work?

I am starting to believe the CAM doesn't work and people just give up on it rather than report issues.

I noticed with the new v15 that a simple drawing caused one of the fillets to appear and disappear when zoomed (never seen that one before). When converting a contour to a polyline, two polylines were created (meaning there were now three polylines, two need to be removed, the remove original button doesn't work and it is near impossible to decide which polylines need to be removed. With a chain mill operation, a symbol called a "camentrypoint", basically a red arrow, is placed at the tool entry point but doesn't scale when zoomed (stays the same size) and are left behind to be manually cleaned up if the toolpath is deleted.

Some incredably flakey stuff...and I don't have anymore time/interest to fix someone elses product.

[cyclenut]

I had this same problem using version 11 and found that by zooming in and then selecting the path it was offset correctly. I have not used the program much but have programmed some really good stuff for the mill I use at work. I'm still in the learning mode and always will be but can get it done using turbocad/cam.
Hope this helps

[Preston E]

I'm using version 14 and entering the gcode into Mach3 on a cnc router and bed mill and have not problems....though it is only 2.5d...

Regards,

Preston

[David Flowers]

Im useing turbocad pro15, I hate to put down a product but I have seen it do many a crazy thing. I feel this program was a complete waste of money and time spent learning.

[cmnewcomer]

I've been using TurboCAD also and it has certainly almost put me over the edge many times. But for the cost and the fact that I'm finding it harder to learn new tricks, I've decided to use a little bit of brute force and ignore to make it work for me.

I'm certainly no CAD or CAM expert, but I've been able to get some decent results as shown by the attachment. I do usually edit the g-code afterwards though and don't always understand why it does certains things in regard to z-axis changes and homing but I've gotten use to removing those lines. I'm sure one day I will figure it out though.

Best Regards.

Carl

[BonanzaMan]

I have been using TC for several years and added the CAM plugin a few years ago. All in all, I am very happy with TC (I am presently using version 15.2). As for as CAM goes, I am currently using version 3.5. I must say that the CAM plug in has its issues, but I have learned to overcome most of them. I use it a lot for creating G code for Mach 3 Mill and also for my Kitamura MY0 with a Yaznak MX-3 controller. I have customized the plug-in G-code generation using the setup facilities provided in the plug in with good results. My biggest complaint is that IMSI (or whoever wrote this Plug in) has done NOTHING to enhance it in the years that I have owned it. Evertime I upgrade TCC, I need to buy the new compatibility release of the plug in and I have yet to see a single new feature (or even obvious bugs or oversights fixed) in new releases. This is most frustrating. For 3d tool paths, I use MeshCAM and am very happy with it. Talk about a program that is constantly being improved - MeshCAM - a great value. So if you like TCC for CAD and need to do CAM, buy the CAM plug in, be patient, experiment, optimize the code generator for your controller or personal preferences. If you hang in there, you will get the job done.

[Dean448]

I purchased Turbocad pro 14 with the CAM package off ebay and it arrived this past thanksgiving. I thought for just over $200 it was a better deal then Vectric 2D which looks good but doesn't have the CAD.
Overall I really like the way the CAM package is integrated with CAD. You can easily create paths around forms and simulte each milling pass and then edit the path parameters like feeds, z-steps, full depth, ect. Then its just a matter of resaving the g-Code to pull up in Mach. Everything I've sent to Mach works with no problems once I worked out some changes to the Fanuc post.
On thing to note is that Turbocad reads just about any DXF but the cam package really needs a very clean form. No breaks between lines.
The CAM comes with a decent help section that is just good enough to get an idea of how to use the package. It helps to read and try a couple times.
I'd say for anyone struggling ..make sure your drawing has everything connected, don't expect to cut internet DXF's without tuning and take your time with the CAM.

[dc36]

Dean448 you stated turbo cad/cam has worked once you made changes to the Fanuc post for Mach 3 what might those changes be?

Looking at purchasing if a viable option for Mach3

Thanks

[Dean448]

The Post on TurboCad's CAM software has a CNC setup were you can create standard routines for any machine.

You can define the NC Codes, Moving Codes like G03, Fixed codes like F for Feeds, and program codes.

Program codes can be Begin, End, Tool load, tool unload. You can also add anything you like.

So for program begin I use:
program comment, end of line
Block, english units, rapid, XY plane, english units, absolute data, G41/G42 cancel, G43/G44 cancel, can cycle end of line. So these routines are added to in the post.

Attached is g-code for sample part designed on turbocad, tool path using the CAM software with this modfied Fanuc post, designed to run with a .250" end mill. I also attached an image of the tool path as seen in the CAD software.

[dc36]

Thanks for your quick reply and help

[ynnek]

I have been a TurboCAD user since v3. It is up to v16 now. I use the software daily at work. I am a machinist at a liquid packaging plant in Memphis, TN. I have been using the CAM plugin for about 1 1/2 years now. While the CAM software does have it own limitations, I have used it here at work to save my company thousands of dollars over the past year. If anyone needs any help with the CAD or CAM softwar please feel free to visit the TurboCAD User Forum