Re: cam program

Message: 25
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 04:35:18 -0000
From: "sross162002" <sross@...>
Subject: cam program

Hi

I am looking to get a cam program. I am a newbie and have seen master5,

[As far as I know, this is a control program, not a CAM program.]

deskproto and rams also mastercam. I can't find any prices just dealers for
mastercam so i think it may be too expensive.

[I think it runs about $5k- unless you want some of the optional modules...]

I hope to be able to do 4 axis work with a rotary table (jewelry waxes). can
anyone please steer me in the right direction for a true 4 axis cam program

Thanks

steve ross

["True" 4-axis CAM programs, which write code to move all 4 axes
simultaneously, are not cheap. Some of the high-end programs can manage
this- get one of them if it's the only way to do your parts. Fortunately,
for most parts, this isn't necessary. The less-expensive programs use the
4th axis in a few different ways. Indexing is one- you run the code to mill
out one face of your pattern, then rotate it say 90 degrees, and then run
code which cuts the side, etc. Another strategy is A-degrees for Y-linear
substitution. This can be used to run code written for a flat part, but
instead of the commands being sent to the Y-axis as linear (inches), they
are sent to the A-axis, where they are interpreted as degrees. Some people
simply substitute the A-axis motor leads for the X-leads, but there are also
programs that do it in software. DeskProto 3 uses a sophisticated version of
this latter technique for its 4-axis routines (it can also do indexing, as
in the former technique.) It doesn't require a flat part to start with, but
analyzes a round part and cuts it from a fixed Y zero position, either by
going down the x-axis varying in Z, then incrementing over in A and
repeating; or by going around the Y-axis varying in Z, then incrementing
down X, rewinding to A=0, and repeating. So far, this is the best
implementation of 4th-axis functionality I've seen in a (relatively)
inexpensive CAM program.]

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com