[cam1]

Hi:
You have many 3X machines, and only 1 5X. So, do you try to choose software based on 1 machine, or do you look at the rest first? I'd say that you could first satisfy the requirements of feeding code into the rest of the machines, and then looking into an upgrade/expansion to satisfy the 5X. So, you could select one of the three based on their demonstrated ability to scale up to 5X.

regards

[bostosh]

Managers or accountants select your (the machinists / programmers) software, they possibly will make an uniformed decision.
The program they select can make or break the business. (and you too)
Go with the real money makers (software) .

Are these guys professionals?
http://www.brekmfg.com/
This is how it is done. NCCS is their software choice.
http://www.contouraerospace.com/

[NexGenMfg]

Twenty years ago I heard horror stories of successful companies that bought expensive 5-axis machines and then went bankrupt because they could not program the machines effectively.

Luckily software technology has come a long way in the last 10 years, and there are some very good PC based 5-axis CAM systems out there.

IMHO 5-axis is one place where you might consider going with a different CAM system from the 3-axis machines. It depends on the work you are doing. If your 3X machines are doing simple things, and your 5X is doing serious complex work, then do you want your 3X guys using something that is overly complicated, or your 5X guy using something that can't do the job?


Of course, depending on your work, you may find one system that fits both requirements.

But really, the cost is software for metal cutting 5X machines is small compared to the cost of the machine, a big crash, or lost productivity if you buy something that can't handle the job.

Don't go "cheap" in this area or you will regret it. Get what can prove it can do the job, write the check, and keep the spindle turning.