[ger21]

I'd use SheetCAM and MeshCAM, since you already have CAD software.

Marvin, does TurboCAD/CAM do 3d contouring paths like MeshCAM, or is it basically just 2.5D?

[chozo]

Here's what I'm wondering.

SheetCam can do 2d vectors at X height, but not varying heights?
MeshCam can do 3d, but not precise 2d layouts?

What if I want to do something like this(moreso the bottom one):


Wouldn't it have to be a 3D CAM program? Or is that considered 2.5D?

[kong]

pnimo, my engine was drawn in Ver 8 pro, not ver 9 as previously stated. Ver 8 Pro is excellent, and should do most things you need. I only upgraded to 10 recently, and must admit I have not yet used any of the new features. The program works the same as the standard version, so no new learning is necessary

[kong]

Chozo, have a look at the review of Dolphin Cad/Cam in the magazine section of this site. You can download the demo from www.dolphin.zenwebhosting.com and test your designs. It does good 2.5d, and the Mach2 version is reasonably priced.

[marvinstov]

Gerry,
I haven't tried it but there are no examples of it in the manual. Looks like it is only 2.5D. It does threadmilling and lathe tool paths as well as offset milling, pocket milling, text milling and path milling.

Marv