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Author Topic: CAD/CAM software for CNC code John Walsh Film God Posts: 2490 From: Connecticut, USA, Earth, Milky Way Registered: Oct 1999 posted 10-29-2005 07:48 PM                     Anyone using CAD/CAM software to generate G code for CNC machines? I'm looking for something simple, since my needs are basic. It could either be a Autocad 'bolt-on' or a stand-alone thing (yes, this means cheap!)  |  IP: Logged Bobby Henderson "Ask me about Trajan." Posts: 10973 From: Lawton, OK, USA Registered: Apr 2001 posted 10-29-2005 08:09 PM                     Cheap? There's the rub. At my day job, we use a program called EnRoute3D. The full "pro" version costs over $4000. We transfer the G-Code files created by this program to the control software for our 4' X 8' computer driven routing table. Pretty expensive hardware. But cheap if you want to compare it to some high end 3D machining setups. Just doing a web search on G-Code creation I found a lot different small, odd-ball companies offering programs for a lot less money than the price of EnRoute. However, I don't know about their level of quality or product support.  |  IP: Logged Will Kutler Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1506 From: Tucson, AZ, USA Registered: Feb 2001 posted 10-29-2005 08:53 PM                     Hi John What do you need programmed? E-mail or p.m. me with applicable info. K  |  IP: Logged John Walsh Film God Posts: 2490 From: Connecticut, USA, Earth, Milky Way Registered: Oct 1999 posted 10-31-2005 03:39 PM                     Thanks, Bobby, that's what I'm finding out. There are many companies making CAM application software; so many it would take a long time to check them all. So, I was wondering if anyone had gone through this before, and what they thought. If I had big bucks, I go for the well-known software like Mastercam or Solidworks. But, I was hoping to get something less expensive since the stuff I do is fairly simple. A 4 x 8 routing table? Sounds *very* expensive! Will; email sent.  |  IP: Logged Greg Mueller Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1687 From: Port Gamble, WA Registered: Jun 99 posted 10-31-2005 04:22 PM                        I use Mastercam and yep it's expensive. Now they use a dongle so you can't loan it to anybody.  |  IP: Logged Will Kutler Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1506 From: Tucson, AZ, USA Registered: Feb 2001 posted 10-31-2005 10:38 PM                     Hi Greg and John I use HAAS equipment w/Solid Edge and Surfcam, but I also have Mastercam experience. I would suggest you visit the HAAS website. They have excellent on-line tutorials that should answer your questions. If you are doing small parts and small production runs, you might look into Sherline equipment. There is a lot you can do with a Hardinge Turret Lathe, if you know how to set it up. Greg would like this: There is a simple fixture you can make to power tap (bottom tap to toloranced depth) on an ole Hardinge. Used to do production work with this.... Cheers K.  |  IP: Logged Will Kutler Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1506 From: Tucson, AZ, USA Registered: Feb 2001 posted 11-05-2005 03:54 PM                     Hi John and Greg: We just had a SME meeting this morning, and was able to ask Ed Conner, Sales District Manager for the HAAS Factory Outlet in Tempe, AZ e-mail: sales@hmtcnc.com ph(480)968-0522 what might be a good package for your application. He recommended a package called "Bobcat", but you should give him a call or send him an e-mail. Hope this helps, K.  |  IP: Logged

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