Re: JeffSwayze (and others)

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Patrick Alleven" <
alleven@m...> wrote:

> Jeff, (and others)
>
> as a user of both Pro-E and Vector, could you comment on the

feasibility of using Pro-E, combined with code generating
software as a "home use" CAD -CAM system? i understand that
Pro-E is a complex and powerful program aimed at industry, and
Vector is a CAD-CAM package aimed at the home user (at least
that's what i gather). do you use Vector at home because it is
easier and faster on the less complicated parts?

=============
I use Pro/Engineer at work (along with I-DEAS, but that's another
topic ;) ) and I certainly consider it the best CAD package I've ever
used. However, I also hear great things about SolidWorks.

To your point: as far as I know, there's no good working link
between Pro/E and Vector (I can't speak for the other packages.)
The output of Pro/E is a solid model. From that you need to
generate NC code. There is a CAM module for Pro, but I'm not
familiar with it. I'm sure it does an adequate job, but like the rest
of the Pro/ series I'm sure it's very expensive. Vector allows you
to generate 2D geometry and then helps you create the NC
code. This code you run through stepper driver software (in my
case CNCPro) that actually moves your machine to make your
part. I think the only way you could use the two together is to
export DXF entities from Pro and bring them into Vector, using
the various Vector commands to create a tool path.

===============

i'm asking because i have a feeling that i will need to know Pro-E
in the future (for work), and i'd rather keep the number of
software packages that i learn to a minimum. i see much
discussion of programs such as Vector, Dolphin, and Bobcad,
but very little about Pro-E. i know that Pro-E is expensive, but
student versions can be had for around $300.00, so i wonder
why they're aren't more people using it. i plan to buy the Pro-E
so i can get started with it, but if the learning curve is too steep,
or if for some reason it doesn't work out well in the home CNC
environment, i will not hesitate to buy one of the other less
expensive CAD-CAM packages.

>
> your comments are appreciated.
>
> patrick
>

================

$300 is a great deal on Pro/E, but if I remember correctly it only
lasts for a limited time, and there may be certain disabled
features. Just look before you leap!

I guess my advice to you as a beginner is to just jump into a
package and start to understand how parts are designed with
CAD. Pro/E is a great place to start, but the learning curve will
depend on your own abilities and style. No matter which
package you choose, you'll be learning basic skills that can be
applied to many others.

Best of luck,

Jeff