[encarlisle]

I have worked in the job shop/aerospace enviroment for 25 yrs started as a button pusher-cnc lathe and worked my way up. The first system i worked on was apt then lots of manual g code at other shops finally got on master cam vers 5 since then mastercam solidworks/cam worknc and ug currently solidworks 2009 solidcam 2008, mastercam x3, worknc, and ugnx6, my favorite is ugnx6 followed by solidworks/cam but for the money its hard to go wrong with mastercam.

[agressoru]

Hello Guys, what about Pro/Toolmaker ? Is very simple and nice ! is made by the americans PTC !

[tobyaxis]

Mastercam still in the lead with the most votes

[Dan B]

Why do not have PowerMILL?

I believe the Poll poster is looking for high end software.

Then what is OneCNC doing in the list?

This isn't much of a poll. You want high end? Add PowerMill, WorkNC, HyperMill, Tebis too.

[tobyaxis]

Probably should have added Pro/E and CAM Tool as well.

Tebis I have heard is very powerful, but never used it.

[titan99]

For complex mould making uses, nothing beats Unigraphics.

Pros: Good results with 3D- faces
Cons: expensive and takes time to learn.

http://www.titanengg.com.sg

[cyrus2000]

For complex mould making uses, nothing beats Unigraphics.

Pros: Good results with 3D- faces
Cons: expensive and takes time to learn.

http://www.titanengg.com.sg

For cut Titanium,Surfcam TrueMill Engine is better than UG/Powermill/Mastercam

[joblo]

I have found Vsuallmill 6 to be very good and easy to learn.
The price isnt to bad either.

[carl jordan]

Agree with Dan, this poll would be good and useful if all the main CAM systems where listed.

[tobyaxis]

Well depending on what type of work you do it is a pretty broad question.

What is the Best 3D CAM Software??

Answer: What ever works best for the users intentions

[rponline]

How is the support for 5 axis programming on any of the mainstream cam systems (mastercam, surfcam, camworks,...)? I hate waiting 2 hours for a return call...

[tobyaxis]

How is the support for 5 axis programming on any of the mainstream cam systems (mastercam, surfcam, camworks,...)? I hate waiting 2 hours for a return call...

With MC it largely depends on your reseller but I have heard great results.

What software are you using now?

[JYTEAM]

WHAT ABOUT TOPSOLID FROM MISSLER?

[rick_7037]

Ease of use quick to get up and running efficient code and power....
without a doubt Feature Cam

[smessi]

I have been using Tebis for 12 years, first in mold making industry now in prototype vehicles. It is by far the best software for (design) and machining. It handles 5-axis better than any other I've used. Has a robust cloud scan module, and a 2-d package that can do anything you need. There is also a laser, tube bending and rapid prototyping module. I've also used work-nc, powermill, mastercam and a little bit of surfcam. All are adequate but Tebis is, in my opinion, the most powerful (and probably the most expensive)

[tobyaxis]

I have been using Tebis for 12 years, first in mold making industry now in prototype vehicles. It is by far the best software for (design) and machining. It handles 5-axis better than any other I've used. Has a robust cloud scan module, and a 2-d package that can do anything you need. There is also a laser, tube bending and rapid prototyping module. I've also used work-nc, powermill, mastercam and a little bit of surfcam. All are adequate but Tebis is, in my opinion, the most powerful (and probably the most expensive)

MC still has the lead in this poll. Funny you do not mention UG or Catia though.

Do you have any good screen shots of Tebis??

[surfsup]

This question seems geared toward how many users of a certain software frequent this board. we have been using esprit mold for a while and it is very very easy compared to our old software

[laramaviper]

Camworks, isn`t enough good to be in that table or is too expensive to be in there?

[Tony the Ferret]

It is good to see such differences of opinions, and that is what most of them are, just opinions and with nothing to match the claim. Would it not be a good idea for this discussion to move up a notch and anyone posting a reply give a case to allow others to really understand the answer... "$%$%CAM rocks" is totally rubbish. If it was "$%$%CAM rocks" because we tried 4 other softwares and this came out on top with
1) Ease of Use,
2) Reliability of toolpaths,
3) Customer support,
4) speed of calculation,
5) Interface and
6) Great Postprocessor.

Also use a common marking system -5 is rubbish, 5 is ok, 10 is great.

[Dan B]

Here is my take on 2 CAM softwares that we use:

WorkNC:

1) Ease of Use, 8 (I refrain from a higher score only because the simultaneous 5-axis can be tricky sometimes)
2) Reliability of toolpaths, 10
3) Customer support, 6 (takes a while to get a response a lot of times)
4) speed of calculation, 9
5) Interface and 9
6) Great Postprocessor. 10

MadCam (Rhino plug-in):

1) Ease of Use, 10
2) Reliability of toolpaths, 9
3) Customer support, 9
4) speed of calculation, 10
5) Interface and 9
6) Great Postprocessor. 8 (more documentation would be nice)

Dan