[Bwana Don]

Hi all,

I'm looking for any recomendations on a Cam package. We have AutoCad 200 for cad software, which is hard to 3d anything in.

Here are the requirments:

• 2 1/2 D, drill, tap, profile, slot etc
• Price, under $5,000
• No yearly maintenance fee
• Multiple parts
• Peel milling & Trochoidal Milling for roughing passes
• Fanuc and Fadal mills

The $5,000 applies for Cam plus any Cad if you think it's neded (Cad plus Cam less than $5,000).

Thanks for any and all replies. Cheers.
Don

[wwendorf]

It looks like you aren't needing 3d modeling, but yet your comment mentions Autocad not being good 3d software.

I would suggest Alibre for 3d CAD, and for 2.5d stuff only, you might look at Dolphin CAD/CAM. Their software is easy and I believe it fits all of your needs. I import from Alibre to Dolphin all the time and with their v11 software, it has a 3d IGES reader/importer.

You can get into both software packages for around $600-$1500 depending on the options you want to have.

Wade

[MetalZilla]

Wow, under 5K, you may want to look at Bobcad. I prefer GibbsCam myself but it is pricey.

[Bwana Don]

Wow, under 5K, you may want to look at Bobcad. I prefer GibbsCam myself but it is pricey.

I've heard way too many bad things about BobCad. On all CNC forums!

[Bwana Don]

It looks like you aren't needing 3d modeling, but yet your comment mentions Autocad not being good 3d software.

I would suggest Alibre for 3d CAD, and for 2.5d stuff only, you might look at Dolphin CAD/CAM. Their software is easy and I believe it fits all of your needs. I import from Alibre to Dolphin all the time and with their v11 software, it has a 3d IGES reader/importer.

You can get into both software packages for around $600-$1500 depending on the options you want to have.

Wade

Your right, my statement is a bit confusing, I don't need 3D modeling. I could import a 2D DXF file in from Acad I guess. Actually I would prefer this as I draw really fast in Acad, plus all my fixtures and parts are all ready drawn.

Thanks

[wwendorf]

Then I would suggest you look at Dolphin CAD/CAM (Dolphin CAD/CAM CNC Software). It's fast and easy to use and 2.5d stuff. I've done some really complicated parts with it. It also does have some "z-axis profiling" options. It's not true 3 axis, but it's darn close.

Wade

[Bubba]

I personally use Draftsight for cad http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsig...-cad-software/ and it is free you only have to register it.
For cam, I use Sheetcam www.sheetcam.com and is currently priced at $195 and has excellent support in the area of post processors and overall support by the author.

[TheCamMan]

personally i would recommend using the money to pick up a seat of SolidWorks standard. that would give you great 3D modeling. and the downloading HSMXpress (its free) its a full 2D milling program.

[DareBee]

Taking the time to learn 3D parametric modeling when you have no use for it is a waste of time. If you could foresee having use/sales for having SolidWorks, I strongly recommend it, otherwise stick to your AutoCAD (or Draftsight (the free and better version)).

CAM - I used to recommend VisualMill but they went to an "annual release" model and I refused to sucked into that (had enough experience with annuals with SW thanks).
A good 2.5D SHOULD be cheap and easy, but you will have to play with the Demos.