[jconaway]

I need some suggestions for software (CAD) and (CAM) . I have a Taig mill with rotary table. Running EMC 2.3 controller. This is for home workshop.
Can't afford to buy the high end stuff.

What 3D CAD and CAM software are most home workshops using for 4-axis machining?

James Conaway

[fabconv]

3d cad:
solidworks

cam program:
visualmill

i'm afraid there's no free and good program for 4 axis

[DareBee]

I also use SolidWorks and VisualMill.

Most 4 axis work can be broke down. Typically - 90% of mechanical operations can be done with 2.5D Cam with an indexed move to the next face and more 2.5D machining.
The same can be done for more complex geometry that requires 3D programing.
Even stuff that you swear must be done in full 4 axis can usually be broke down into 3 + 1 toolpaths. It takes a lot more programming time and effort but is do-able.
What I am getting at is that you can likely get done what you are trying to do with free software, a bit of hand coding and using your noodle (aka brain) creatively.

I don't think you will find any Cam that will do 4 axis continuous toolpaths for less than $3g

[awerby]

[While it might be possible to break a 3d operation down into a ton of 2.5d ones, it would be a major PITA to have to edit them all together and make them run smoothly. It's also inviting a little error to creep in and trash your part or machine. Hand-coding is okay for simple things, but it is pretty unforgiving of typos, like forgetting to put in the decimal point (don't ask me how I know...)

Similarly, you can do some 4th axis work without a program that specifically supports it by creating multiple instances of your part and indexing the rotary axis in between multiple 3d operations (or lots and lots of 2.5d ones, if you're a glutton for punishment) but it's also a lot more work, and might not give you the same results as a continuous 4th-axis toolpath.

I'm not sure what DareBee means by "continuous", but DeskProto has a number of 4th-axis strategies, and it costs less than half the $3k he mentions. You can download it from www.deskproto.com and use it free for a month - it will be fully functional for that period.]

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com

[ger21]

I'm not sure what DareBee means by "continuous",

All 4 axis moving at the same time.

[jconaway]

Thanks for your input. I have downloaded VisualMill trial. Don't think I can afford SolidWorks. I'll look at DeskProto.

Does anyone have any experience with ProEngineer. I'm not looking for any thing for free, just the best deal I can find.

Thanks again,

James Conaway

[ger21]

According to this, Pro E costs 4x more than Solidworks.


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