Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Re: Best cam only software?

Well a primary reason I want NURBS support is that all the CAM programs i've
seen so far tesselate to polygonal form before tool path generation, this
not only is inaccurate to the parametric surface representation, it should
be a needless step. You may think you're getting smooth arcs, but I bet you
aren't unless you model is excessively high on the polys. And to let you
know IGES is the only format that supports NURBS, but most CAM ignore that
or tesselate to polygons on import.

> > Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2002 23:35:24 -0800
> > From: "John Schwab" <johns@...>
> >Subject: Re: Best cam only software?
> >
> >After spending lots of time looking though software and reading posts

here,

> >I am still uncerstain as to which program I could use. I am getting a
> >Shoptask 3 in 1 and need cam only software that will work with my 3 axis
> >CNC
> >for both lathe and mill jobs. What is best, what is cheapest, and what
> >does
> >everyone recommend? Note I don't need or really want the Cad part, since

I

> >have this already why should I pay for it. What i'de really like is NURBS
> >supported cam package, but that doesn't seem to exist for the home

market.

> >If not anyone want to help me write a NURBS cam program?
> >
>
>
> John, If you don't want to Cad in your Cam, why do you need NURBS?,

especially for lathe? Nurbs is convenient for surface modeling and solid
display, but not needed for most hobby/home projects. If you need swoopy
surfaces, save your design as an STL (or related format) file. There are 3
or 4 programs that can mill these. If you are making prismatic parts (most
frequent use) export a DXF wireframe from your CAD program. This will give
you access to 5-10 CAM programs. Most of the low cost programs do not
charge extra for the cad capabilities, and many use this for developing
toolpaths.

>
> A lot depends on the kind of parts that you want to make. Maybe if you

described the kind of work that you would like to do, someone doing similar
work can give you advice.

>
> I've recently been testing a NURBS system that will probably be available

for a home use price. It will be released around the end of the year.

>
> Best Regards, Fred Smith- IMService
>
> Listserve Special discounts and offers are at:
> http://www.vectorcam.com/cced2.html
>
> We are THE source for low cost Cad Cam