Originally Posted by
sld4121
One of the things I think FeatureCAM does better than the rest is quick bolt patterns, bolt circles, pockets and such. You don't even have to draw them. Now, you mentioned that you will be importing solidworks files. Depending on the amount of 2.5D work you are doing, their feature recognition used to be pretty decent as I recall. When 3D software was first intorduced, it was a bit weak at best. However, I am sure they have upgraded that by now.
In any case, here is what I tell all my customers. Have them each come in and import your files and machine from them. Ignore the canned demos they use. They use their files because they have a very ordered way to process them that is so much easier than the next guy's - lol. Evaluate each software's performance based on the same files. You will still be evealuating the tech's expertise, but that will be your support man as well.
As always, I will put in my 2 cents worth, I have used every system you mentioned except solid cam and I keep migrating back to Gibbs. But, the bulk of my work is 2.5D or lathe work so it is a great fit for me. If I were heavy into 3D, I would probably lean a different way. But it is OK for the 3D work I do.