[jdubb75]

Hello, could someone give me some of the more popular (user friendly/powerful) options for a CAM package that integrates into SW? I will need them to do 5 axis milling, turning and I also would like to be able to program a 3-axis wire EDM with it as well, but it's not a deal breaker if it doesn't.

It's been several years (about 7) since I've used a CAM package to do any CNC programming. At the time we were modeling in Inventor and programing with SurfCAM. I'm at a new employer now and we are leaning toward purchasing SW and would like an integrated CAM package, as well.

The names I keep seeing are Mastercam, HSMworks & SolidCAM. I would like to start contacting some resellers soon and don't want to overlook any options being that I've been out of the game for awhile.

Any help is appreciated!

[Gabe Newell]

When you say 5-axis, do you mean 3+2 or simultaneous 5-axis?

I've been very happy with HSMWorks, both the product and support.

Two caveats:

• I don't use HSMWorks for turning,
• You should check to make sure its 5-axis support is adequate for your purposes.

[cncDecoder]

SolidCam is the best I've used so far.
More user-friendly than Camworks or Mastercam.
Product on-site training and post-processor support (initial & ongoing) should be key factors also.

Good luck!

[jdubb75]

When you say 5-axis, do you mean 3+2 or simultaneous 5-axis?

I've been very happy with HSMWorks, both the product and support.

Two caveats:

• I don't use HSMWorks for turning,
• You should check to make sure its 5-axis support is adequate for your purposes.

The CAM package will have to be capable of simultaneous 5-axis programming. Thanks for pointing this out. These are the type of questions I should be asking the resellers but have gotten a little rusty in my absence.