Thinking of going UG.....

[calnet42]

Right now, using Mastercam.
Having problems with program verification.
Some think using Vericut is the answer.

Some think goung UG is a better chioce, not just a "band aid" on a mid-end CAM system.

The big question is: does UG verify actual "g-code" or do you still need a backplotter to verify what goes to the machine?

We noticed that Vericut has an interface for running "inside" UG...

Thanks,
Calvin

[bclark6716]

If you need to design as well as machine then UG is good choice, but still need Vericut. If you are just taking customer files and setting tool paths, then stick with MasterCam with a stand alone verion of Vericut.
Brian

[calnet42]

Thanks for the quick response Brian,
That is what I suspected.

Calvin.

[camster]

The standard Tool Path verification in NX uses the internal tool path not the posted G code. If you opt for the IS&V (Intergrated Simulation and Verification) which shows the machine motion, this uses the G code, and may be an extra license. Depending on the bundle you buy. You may want to look at using the CAM Express from NX (Siemens) formerly UGS. This is a stand alone CAM system and much cheaper that a full blown seat of NX.

[calnet42]

Thanks, Camster!
I didn't know there was a stand-alone version.
We will look into it for sure as well as IS&V using g-code.

Regards,
Calvin

[mgb1974]

Any idea of much Cam Express is? Yearly maintence fee?

[calnet42]

We should be having a meeting soon with the NX rep, I will let you know what the quote is.

[calnet42]

Here is the quote:
Cam Express is $20,000.00
NX With Advanced Machining is $26,000.00
NX CAD only is 8-12,000
Forgot to ask about maintenence fees.

[mgb1974]

wow, i knew it was alot but never guess it would be that much.


thanks!

[calnet42]

Actually, it is cheaper than expected.
It is supposedly a "high-end" cad/cam system.
Usually, I would expect 50-100k (ie: catia,pro/e) for a system with full 3-modeling and
5-axis milling capabiblty.

[warrenb]

First I congratulate you on your success in business. UG is a VERY expensive and VERY VERY capable program for manufacturing and when your business is at a point to require the high end software you're doing something right. I was an applications engineer for a local reseller for a while. I used UG NX in mold making and 5 axis CNC programming. Minimum cost of the multi axis CNC capable and assembly design in UG is in the $30k range. Probably another $5k for verification software. Don't forget another $10k for a post processor. Don't fart too loud near the software or it'll tack on another $5000 just because. And figure 10% per year subscription.

That being said... You can't go wrong. I much prefer the UG interface over CATIA.

One thing I haven't done in a while since I don't use Mastercam anymore... If you want to verify actual G-Code you can do reverse "post process" a g code and turn it in to geometry. Another thing you can try that I've had some success. Import a gcode in to MS excel, clean up the junk so you can isolate the XYZ coordinates, and import the file as a point cloud.

For my business I use VX and the much maligned BobCAD.

[Scott_bob]

I would not rely on what you might read here...

It is too important an investment!
I amazes me that some of the guys I respect here, do not speak up when missinformation is fly'n. Another reason why you should not rely on what you see here. This is not an exhaustive discussion of the question. Most guys just don't stop by here enough to answer a question quickly.

That said, here is my sound bite:

UG is far better than MC
MC is popular, so what, so is autocad
UG can do what MC cannot, no matter how much time you spend tryin
Vericut is very expensive and is needed only by a very few CAM users
I have not needed it in 20 years of programming on a variety of CAM systems. Wanted Vericut, yes, but have not required it...
With UG, you don't need Vericut. Vericut does do some things that UG does not, but so few people use these fuctions, maybe 2% or less.

MC for 5 axis and a good Modeling program is much more than UG and not even close to the same capability, see above...
Oh I can see it coming now the MC devotees will be all over my statements, but this is the UG forum, MC users go play in your own forum...

You will not regrete a UG purchase unless of course you're not willing to learn how to use it...