[RP Designs]

I've looked at the threads and didn't really find a good answer.

What I am looking for is what people think is the best value in CAM software for the hobbyist/ small business market. The criteria should be functionality (I need 4 axis functionality) and features, ease of use and cost. So far I have demo'd bobcad/cam and visualmill. I found bobcad's quick start manual to be a bit vague and so far like the visualmill.

So what do you think is the best value for the hobyist and or small start-up business?

[DareBee]

VisualMill or one of its CAD packaged partners if you need CAD (AlibreCAM/RhinoCAM).

[RP Designs]

I guess I should also add in customer support as one of the criteria since I forgot to include it as well.

[Jason3]

Hi there,

What 3D software are you currently using?

I use MadCAM, a plugin for Rhino - you might like to check it out if you haven't already. There's a fully functional (25 saves) Rhino demo you can download free, and MadCAM will do a free 30 day trial license. It'll do up to 5 axis (Expert version).

As for support, I've had a fast and helpful response from Joakim (MadCAM creator) whenever I've needed any help...

Of course, if you don't want to use Rhino that's no use to you at all

Best regards,

Jason

[RP Designs]

Hi there,

What 3D software are you currently using?

I use MadCAM, a plugin for Rhino - you might like to check it out if you haven't already. There's a fully functional (25 saves) Rhino demo you can download free, and MadCAM will do a free 30 day trial license. It'll do up to 5 axis (Expert version).

As for support, I've had a fast and helpful response from Joakim (MadCAM creator) whenever I've needed any help...

Of course, if you don't want to use Rhino that's no use to you at all

Best regards,

Jason

Thanks Jason,
I have access to CAD software which I am pretty comfortable using so I don't want to relearn another program. I simply need a CAM program that I can import various file formats into i.e .igs, parasolids etc. and create the machine code.

[DareBee]

VisualMill has great support.
The 3D imports are limited to igs, step and stl, they do also have a SolidWorks plugin that works on the parasolid kernel but I do not think they have a straight-up parasolid importer.

With VM I suggest getting the Pro product as opposed to basic + 4th axis module.
The toolpath editor and other functionality included with Pro is something I make good use of.

[wms]

I simply need a CAM program that I can import various file formats into i.e .igs, parasolids etc. and create the machine code.

Might have a good look at OneCNC XR3.

OneCNC imports as standard..not add ons:

IGES
Step
Rhino
SolidWorks
Parasolid
SAT
STL
VDA
G-Code Backplot

Easy to learn..super support..private support forum..

[RP Designs]

Might have a good look at OneCNC XR3.

OneCNC imports as standard..not add ons:

IGES
Step
Rhino
SolidWorks
Parasolid
SAT
STL
VDA
G-Code Backplot

Easy to learn..super support..private support forum..

Any idea on the cost? ballpark figure is fine.
Thanks,
RP

[wms]

Best to pick up the phone and give them a call.. They don't hound you like some others..

But it will be in line with what you are already looking at...

Different version have different functionality and different prices..

[DareBee]

Any idea on the cost? ballpark figure is fine.
Thanks,
RP

Like WMS say they are great to talk to on the phone.
I think it was 6-7k with 4 axis and no CAD.

SprutCAM may be another good one to look at as well.

[wms]

I think it was 6-7k with 4 axis and no CAD.

Actually that is not correct.

All OneCNC products have some form of cad in them..Even the Express version has 2D cad stuff..and can import solid models to drive the cam side...

But you would have to step up to the Professional version before you could add the 4 axis stuff...

Again best to contact them direct..then you have the real answer..

[DareBee]

Sorry, I misprinted.
I meant to say without solid modelling.
It is an additional module (last I checked).

[wms]

It is an additional module (last I checked).

Actually Solid Modeling is not a module...

Solid Modeling is in Professional and Expert versions..

Express and Advantage versions will import Solid models ..but have no solid modeling..

And Of course Solid Creator is just a Cad only solid modeler..

4 axis is an add on module.

[RP Designs]

The more i look at the software and features the more the price starts to climb. I am a little hesitant to spend several thousand dollars on a start up venture until the cash flow is a little more secure. I haven't purchased any equipment yet so I really am in the planning stages still. I'd like to keep the price under $2K dollars if possible, so I am curious as to if that changes anyones software recomendations.

Are there older versions of current software you guys like? maybe I can pick up an older version cheaper used with better functionality?

[ger21]

What type of 4th axis parts are you making?

[RP Designs]

What type of 4th axis parts are you making?

Right now I am not. Most likely will use it for gears and a few other operations. I am looking at the Tormach mill and trying to think down the road a little bit although I am not sold on it 100 percent. The majority of my parts will be 3-axis stuff, but I would like good surfacing capabilities for mold making.

[HuFlungDung]

You don't need 4th axis software to do simple indexing on a tight budget. Although I have and use OneCNC's 4th axis module, in many cases, I could say it is a luxury, a convenience, but not an essential. So for a newbie, I would say get the basic program, or consider that the modelling aspect of the more expensive versions would be worth a lot more to you than 4th axis module would be right off the bat.

It is no more difficult nor expensive to add the 4th module later when it makes sense to buy it, than it does to buy it now and never use it.

My 2 cents.

[TOTALLYRC]

The more i look at the software and features the more the price starts to climb. I am a little hesitant to spend several thousand dollars on a start up venture until the cash flow is a little more secure. I haven't purchased any equipment yet so I really am in the planning stages still. I'd like to keep the price under $2K dollars if possible, so I am curious as to if that changes anyones software recomendations.

Are there older versions of current software you guys like? maybe I can pick up an older version cheaper used with better functionality?

I don't have 6-7K to put towards my hobby/small buisiness. I use Deskcnc which is an integrated motion control card and cam controller software in one. You can just get the software seperately. It will import dxf, stl,image and other things. I think it is $250 without the card and $350 with.
You can download a 30 day trial from www.deskcnc.com