[Dolphin USA]

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?

[Momentz]

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

[Dolphin USA]

Thanks Chris.

[JabroTechDesk]

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.

[neilw20]

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

[Christian Knüll]

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

[MetalZilla]

I like the integrated CAD & CAM feature of GibbsCam or the simplicity of Simple Lathe Cam: Tool Nose Radius Compensation Lathe Cam