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View Poll Results: Integrated CAD/CAM or Stand alone CAD with Stand alone CAM?

Voters
26. You may not vote on this poll
  • Integrated CAD/CAM?

    13 50.00%
  • Stand alone CAD + Stand alone CAM?

    13 50.00%
  • Other

    0 0%
Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Posts
    428

    CAD + CAM or CAD/CAM

    We're just looking for some user feedback here.

    Do you prefer an integrated CAD/CAM package?

    or:

    A stand alone CAD package with a stand alone CAM package?
    Dolphin CAD/CAM Support

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    160
    Depends on a few factors, if the cad is really good and the cam is really good then it would make a good all in one package, but if either cad or cam is lacking then it makes the entire package pretty useless, I would like to see more energy dedicated to a target area such as cad or cam
    Cheers
    Chris

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Posts
    428
    Thanks Chris.
    Dolphin CAD/CAM Support

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Posts
    0
    I like to have one native format to go from CAD to CAM, especially with complicated 3D shapes. A lot of details can be lost or slightly altered while translating from one format to the other.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    3738
    Integrated is fine if you never need to import/export work.
    If you need to deal with people outside your CAM environment then being able to import/export as many formats as possible then becomes an issue.
    It might be $$$s but getting a file from a customer, modifying it and returning to customer with a simple change, with no choice of saved format/version/vintage means some packages need to be avoided.
    A well known package can load and save back to almost the first version.

    A simple tick the box for losing/using features is all that is needed.
    The user must be able to choose what features they may lose for backward compatibility, whether 2D or 3D, or even a PCB.

    Christian_Knull :
    ACIS and IGES model get rid of the "dumb" surface model problems
    Super X3. 3600rpm. Sheridan 6"x24" Lathe + more. Three ways to fix things: The right way, the other way, and maybe your way, which is possibly a faster wrong way.

  6. #6
    Depends on the circumstances:

    • Simple parts, lots of third party files or a large variety of parts with little in common: stand alone programs to be as flexible as possible.
    • Complex parts where the CAM benefits from knowing how the part has been designed instead of getting just a "dumb" surface model: integrated solution. Also if CAD and CAM is intended to be used by the same person -> similar user interface -> less need for training...



    Christian
    My CAM Software and CNC Controller: www.estlcam.com

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    243
    I like the integrated CAD & CAM feature of GibbsCam or the simplicity of Simple Lathe Cam: Tool Nose Radius Compensation Lathe Cam
    www.WebMachinist.Net
    The Ultimate Online Source for Machinist Related Stuff!

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