Re: Comparison of Cadd

My CAD opinions...

1. Rhino - The best current value for modeling.
2. OneCNC - CAM capability similar to high dollar stuff. CAD is OK.
3. BobCAD for the lower end CAM. I like it's CAM interface better than
Vector's. Vector does offer more in CAM functionality. I just got used to
BobCAD, and had it configured for all my macros. Also, BobCAD's development
has been static for several years. Vector appears to be 'alive'.

Probably SolidWorks is the next step I'll take, for its assemblies
capability.

I use ACAD R13 for 2D prints. Handy GD&T. Perhaps IntelliCAD has the
same.

I've found Rhino to be an exemplary modelling tool for surfaces,
especially with the ability to control the properties of NURBS entities.
I've not stumped its import/export yet, either (IGES from ProE, Unigraphics
1?, AutoCAD 2000). I also like the flexibility offered by the programming
interface. OK filleting capability.

Probably SolidWorks is the next step I'll take, for its assemblies
capability.

I use ACAD R13 for 2D prints. Handy GD&T. Perhaps IntelliCAD has the
same.

For machining surfaces/solids in 3D, I've gone with OneCNC Mill
Professional (Formerly AusCAD down under). I've been happy with its ability
to import IGES solids from ProE and Unigraphics 1?. The operator interface
is reminiscent of BobCAD, but functionality isn't for the most part. For the
cost, it'd better not be :)
For cutting strategies it has planar and Z-level roughing and finishing.
It handles cutter tip or center toolpaths, as well as ballnose, bullnose
(radiused endmill), plain endmills, drills, and create your own (within
radius and angle limits). Also constant/variable stepover, variable path
rotation (Toolpaths at 39.8 degrees, should you desire) Their claim to fame
is no-gouge toolpaths, and that has been my experience so far. The other
CAM functions I don't use very often. (pocket clean, etc)
A nifty capability (but not an automatic one) is a spline optimization
tool, which when applied to a backplot changes the short line segments to
the closest arc approximization. Cuts a 2mb g-code program to 500kb, and the
machine runs smoother. It has a visual toolpath check, which shows the path
as milled (given a material size and cutter). Note that for contouring, 2mb
isn't a big part.

Asking price was around $2500 in April. (Last heard was $3500, but
perhaps $2000-ish with competitive upgrade, or just plain bargaining) No
maintenance contract - upgrades & support are free. (about two upgrades
since April, U-Download style) Uses a dongle (Wasn't told this before I
bought :( ). Dongle doesn't co-exist on same parport with ECP/EPP. Does with
std parport. The CAM is its key strength, much better than anything close at
this point, IMHO.

It has solids and surfaces CAD capability, but there are still annoying
quirks, expecially when merging odd contours to create solids, and fillets
with multiple acute surface joints. (The CAM handles those inside
corners/acute surface joints, so this can be worked with - i.e. a ballnose
the diameter of the desired fillet),
One 'viewport' only.
I've run into problems with complex surfaces being exported to IGES, and I
have had trouble with the importation of IGES two dimensional ACAD R14
text/lines from a customer of mine. No problems with surface/solid imports.
Occasional annoying spelling errors in dialogs and help, but I wanted the
CAM, not spelling. :)


BobCAD v17 does a nice job milling 2D items. It also can be twisted around
to do some nice things in 3D, but not easily if they go beyond
straight-forward flowpaths. Doesn't run on WinNT 4.0 above SP4. (not on mine
anyway.) KBC Tools advertises it for $469 or something similar.



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