Just wondering if you can find older versions of master cam that someone might sell? Or is it not possible and only thru mastercam dealer?
Just wondering if you can find older versions of master cam that someone might sell? Or is it not possible and only thru mastercam dealer?
The old line was that you could only acquire a legitimate used license if it was obtained through the purchase of a business. Today, even having a license that they recognize as legitimate wouldnt get you anywhere upgrade wise if it was too far in arrears in maintenance.
As far as using an older version that is not pirated, ie; has a functional hardware lock. I think they would not be able to do anything to you. Finding a license like that is the hard part.
Mastercam charges you $1000 if you fart to close to your computer. The only reason I would use MC is because it is so common and the local college teaches it.
As for buying a legit license I believe their EULA forbids transfer of licenses.
Of course you can. It has to be a usb dongle though; networked license obviously won't work lol. I think the newer dongles might be time limited so perhaps someone could chime in on that but for the older dongles are fine. MC doesn't know who has what so you're fine. The flip side is you won't be able to get any updates for it which can be a horrible experience in MC because they are known for seriously buggy releases; showstoppers for many people and they sit on a previous release until the new version is fixed. But hey, MC keeps coming out with more and more features right? This is known as the "Mastercam Tax": all the extra cost incurred from using their software that isn't published in the up front purchase price.
That being said I fully endorse using old software if it efficiently does what you need it to do. Personally I don't use old software because I cannot do that in aerospace and defense because interoperability between tiers is paramount.
NX 10.0.3
I foumd on mach3 support that MC PP avalable for MC 17, but i do not know if it works or not.
I will try to answer all questions from my experience working at a dealer from 2005-2016
The cheapest version: $3K - no annual fee.
If you need something with just basic 2D paths there is a product called Mill Entry that only does traditional 2D paths for half the price of Mill 2D
Mastercam Version Info Link
Not sure now current this info is, you do have to call a dealer. They are generally not scumbags - they do sell you a good tool at a fair price.
3K for software that actually works is not that expensive.
The Tax:
You don't have to buy maintenance if you don't want to. You just wont get the latest version or phone based tech support.
Mastercam is a tool in the shop. If you want to refurbish it every year - I't cost about 10% of the price in maintenance a year.
The Dongle:
The dongle will not time out. If you break it they will replace it - usually for free. If it gets stolen, you need to file a police report before it gets replaced and there is some kind of a replacement cost.
They are transitioning to software licenses. No dongle to keep track of. I like it though, you can take it home and work on your home computer.
Post For Mach:
As for a post, the generic one should work out pretty well for a mach controller and its easy to tweak. The one you ask about is not magic, its probably a tweaked generic.
My Thoughts:
If you are on a tight budget but making some bucks I always recommend Mill entry + an online Mastercam course. That will get you up and running super fast. Spend the cash, you will not regret it. If you need more upgrade to the M2D and take a course at the dealer office. It's the most up to date info.
If you are not making any money, then write stuff by hand or find something simple online that is free or cheap. No sense in spending 3K to make trinkets tha't dont pay up.
to add the step up from Mill entry is Mill. this gives you some surfacing options and all the 3d wire paths also.the latest version is 2019 with 2020 going into beta soon.
Avongil, what dealer did you work for back then?
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)
Cadcam
Software and hardware sales, contract Programming and Consultant , Cad-Cam Instructor .
Cimquest in NJ. I really miss working there.