RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: CAM Expert software

I agree, I haven't been able to do too much in Vector CAD as far as a
complex drawing. I use AutoCAD r14 and save a DXF. Then this is imported
into Vector for the toolpath and G code generation. I have tried MasterCAM
and it worked great, too bad it's 12 or 13 thousand dollars. Also, sadly,
MasterCAM has no FEA capability, either native or available as an add-on. I
think that my shop's next step (a ways into the future) will probably be
from the AutoCAD/Vector combo to Solidworks and a FEA program that works
within it.

Thanks,

Ward M.

wardmerk@... <mailto:wardmerk@...>



#)-----Original Message-----
#)From: Chris Luebke [mailto:datac@...]
#)Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2001 4:06 PM
#)To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
#)Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: CAM Expert software
#)
#)
#)Hey Ron,
#)I have messed around with as many Low Budget techniques as I could. The
#)bottom line is there are none that work quite up to what I think is
#)necessary, especially when they are just DXF to G-code
#)converters. The real
#)challenge is that a simple DXF conversion does not allow room for
#)"sequencing" or "ordering" cuts, "start- stop" locations and
#)such. One finds
#)himself creating numerous different "Paths-Files" in order to cut even one
#)simple part. That my friend is a Pain.
#)
#)I have Ashlars 2d release (drawingboard) and will agree it to be
#)absolutely
#)the most intuative software out there. (to bad it was discontinued at that
#)$150 level)
#)
#)There is absolutely no comparison between the two programs for drawing
#)though, I will say there are unique things about VectorCad. I cannot draw
#)anywhere nearly as quick with VectorCad, ( Actually, I don't think I could
#)draw "anything"....) So, I don't.
#)
#)I flip between AutoSketch and Ashlar. Then, "import" things into
#)VectorCam
#)via DXF. Vectorcam can then automatically resequence your cuts or
#)you can do
#)it manually. Works very, in fact VERY well. Offset what ever you want, DO
#)whatever you want !
#)
#)I think VectorCam is probably "the best low cost option" to
#)create toolpaths
#)for plasma, 2-1/2d routing etc.......... Once you make the Post Processor
#)work the way you want it to.
#)
#)I have played very little with the 3d aspect so far. Short of opening a 3d
#)"demo" file and executing the paths on one of my routers, I have
#)done nothing
#)yet, but, that did run very well.
#)Even though I have other CAM options, taking advantage of Fred's "Group
#)Special" is one of MY "better" moves lately !
#)
#)Seeya,
#)
#)Chris Luebke
#)http://data-cut.com/
#)