Re: software questions

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "starcast82" <rh@g...> wrote:

> I'm new at this so bear with me. From my understanding of CNC
> software, If I use AutoCad I am basically drawing the toolpath of
>the
> cnc and not the object itself ? Is there a program where you draw
>the
> object and then the computer plots all the paths and does all the
> calculations determined by cutting width of your tool(Is this what
>a
> CAM program is) ? Is there a difference between a CAD program and a
> CAM program ? I currently have Autocad and TurboCNC and trying to
> decide how it fits together and if there is other recommended
> software to use or if I need a CAM program also. Thanks for the
>help.

Most CAM programs require that you draw the tool offset path as you
have found out. The only low end program that I know that doesn't
require this is Dolphin.
Dolphin automatically adds on or subtracts half the width of the
cutter to generate it's own toolpath. All you see on the screen is
the object itself.
To generate a CNC cut part you need three elements. A CAD program to
draw the part. A CAM program to generate the code for the toolpath
and a controller program that moves the motors.
There are combined CAD/CAM packages out there like Bobcad, Vector and
Dolphin. Bobcad and Vector are integrated programs where the CAM side
is closely built into the CAD, ie writing code as you go.
Dolphin is two seperate modules where the code is only written when
all the job is done to your satisfaction.
In fact in Dolphin it's possible to bring a DXF file in from say
Autocad straight into the CAM side and miss out the CAD side
completly.
Dolphins web site is at http://www.dolphin.gb.com
Well worth a look.

John S.