Re: Re: Compare & Contrast/Vector & Bobcad

Another BobCAD plus is it is on sale for $350.00 for ver 17 at:
http://www.machinemaster.com
Darrell

----- Original Message -----
From: Fred Smith <imserv@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@onelist.com>
Sent: Monday, December 06, 1999 8:13 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Compare & Contrast/Vector & Bobcad


> From: "Fred Smith" <imserv@...>
>
> 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
>
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> List Manager
>