Printable View
Okay, I understand I need to go from my Solidworks software, to a cam software, to Mach3.
But, which Cam software is the best to work with Solidworks, yet, cheap? Cheap, as in under $500
I will be using 3 axis with a 4th axis added later in the future.
I was thinking Artcam Express, but it doesn't seem to do 4th axis?
Any help is appreciated, thank you.
I don't think "best", "Cheap" and "4th axis" come anywhere near each other... I used to use various cheap CAM, then hand edit the code for anything the software doesn't do - especially 4th axis...
Do you want something to work with 3D models. If so, do you want it to read solidworks files or step or iges? Those will most likely be over your budget.
ArtCAM Express is more of an all in one design/CAM package, and would probably only import 2D .dxf files or .stl files. However, for a lot of router work, 2D CAM is usually much faster and more efficient.
What exactly do you plan on making? Different CAM packages work much better for some things than others.
Deskproto's Hobby license is probably the cheapest 4th axis software out there. There's also MeshCAM, but it only does indexed 4th axis.
One more option is HSMXpress, do keep in mind it only does 2D operations, but I believe does support a 4th-axis.
HSMXpress is great but does not support 4th axis. For that you would need the full HSMWorks, which is not even close to $500.
C|
Thought it supported the indexing, but too bad then!Quote:
Originally Posted by cygnus x-1
Sent from my C5503 using Tapatalk
Quote:
Originally Posted by laurensschu
To be honest I've never actually looked for it. But I've been using HSMXpress for almost 2 years and I've never seen anything that indicates it might do 4-axis indexing. It would be cool if it did though.
C|
You can do 4th Axis by having a new WCS for each orientation.
Bit, CYGNUS is correct. for proper 4th Axis you would need HSMWorks
Yes we do understand, you would a least need HSMWorks to do 4 axis simultaneous. But most people only use indexing anyway.
Sent from my C5503 using Tapatalk