Re: Compare & Contrast/Vector & Bobcad

Hello CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO

I have been peeking into the postings since the listserv first started. We
have 2 machines that are begging for DRO's. but have not had the time to
slap them together. I have a hobby/business shop with 2 CNC lathes(Fanuc 5
& 6), a CNC machining center (AB8400), and a CNC mill (Bandit). The lathes
and machining center all work & I use them enough for production to justify
the business writeoff (just barely ;-) I have not yet put power to the
Bandit, and expect that it will get a PC based retrofit eventually.

> Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 18:55:59 -0700
> From: "Tim Goldstein" <timg@...>
> Subject: Compare & Contrast/Vector & Bobcad
>
>Would it be too much to ask if you could compare and
> contrast both products and give us an idea why and when to choose one over
> the other?
>

Bobcad and Vector are both wireframe based Cad systems with integrated CAM
capabilities. The drawing features are almost identical with a couple of
minor differences. Generally speaking Vector has the ability to automate
more functions and is more customizable than Bobcad. Vector's CAD drawing
is more windows based, and Bobcad's is more DOS/Autocad based. However this
is changing, with each release the Bobcad drawing interface is more & more
like Vector. Vector users that have never had Autocad training LOVE the
drawing interface as it is easy to learn & very productive to use. Those
that are trained in ACAD tend to be less enthusiastic, as they have to
unlearn many features. For example in the last release of Vector, it is
finally possible to make a corner fillet, without preselecting the two
intersecting lines. Previously Vector required that the lines be
preselected in order to make a corner fillet. Similarly in Bobcad, you can
now preselect geometry & then generate NC code from the geometry, rather
than vice versa.

Both programs include pocketing and cutter radius, compensating offset curve
generation, tool paths from Tru-type fonts, and Lathe roughing routines.
Both include Z level roughing, which is multiple passes to cut down to
depth. Here are some specific differences between the two, that may help
people decide to use one or the other:

1) Entity limits. Bobcad can manage a very large data base of drawing
entities and G-code lines. Vector is limited to 32000 entities or 32000
lines of G-code per object. It will support multiple objects of drawing or
NC within the same drawing, but is not suited to programs that entail say
500,000 lines of G-code. Large programs like this might be generated for a
large 3D contouring project.

2) Vector includes Lathe, Mill & 4 axis Wire EDM capabilities as standard.
Bobcad includes Lathe & Mill. For 4 axisWire EDM, Bobwire is another program
at the full price.

3) Bobcad can directly import IGES and DXF files. Vector handles DXF, and
there is an optional IGES2DXF translator.

4) Generally speaking, Vector has more finesse in all functions than Bobcad.
In pocketing and Lathe roughing, Vector generates the roughing passes and
optionally a finish pass. Bobcad only generates the roughing. Connections
include rapid up over and down to a clearance plane, then feed into the
work. Bobcad rapids up and over, then feeds all the way down. Vector has
ramping between levels, or can optionally up-over and down, etc.

5) There is a list of 25 more reasons on our web site on the Vector page,
under Why Vector?

6) Vector has a "Poor Man's Nester" flat sheet layout function

7) Vector can wrap 3D geometry about an axis, creating rotated, 3D
projections.

8) Vector can communicate with other programs by importing geometry through
the windows clipboard. You can for instance calculate mathmatical formulae,
driven shapes in Excel & paste the geometry into Vector.

9) Vector has a scripting capability on the back end, and can "ask" for
input as it generates G-code. Input like Speed? Feed?Offset?, etc. It can
also ask for up to 15 values, do calculations with them, and place the
results in the program.

> Also, I know that Vector is introducing a version that will generate 4

axis

> g-code. I would be real interested in knowing how this is implemented (ie.
> if I wanted to cut a part like a propeller blade, how would I lay it out

to

> designate I wanted 4 axis machining, not 3 axis).

Bobcad can take a flat sheet drawing & generate a cylindrical, rotary axis
G-code projection. This capability is included in the basic program. It
does not show the actual shape, it just translates the flat drawing into a
rotary G-code program.

Vector can generate a wrap cylinder drawing, which takes the flat (but
containing Z level variation) and wrap it around the X-axis. Since Vector
connects separate items together with connecting lines, things like pockets
and text for engraving, retain their logical order and Z depth. The Z depth
is translated into a radial depth into the cylindrical surface. The wrapped
shape is not limited to a cylindrical one, and can easily be adjusted into a
conical, spherical, or virtually any 3D shape with an axis through it. (I
hope to make a totem pole someday ;-))

Pricewise Vector and Bobcad are very close. Hobby class machine owners can
often purchase Vector for the price of Bobcad 16.1 (Last year's version).
The rotary axis option with Vector is under $1000 to qualified purchasers.


Best Regards,

Fred Smith
IMService

imserv@...
Phone: 248-486-3600 or 800-386-1670
Fax:248-486-3698