Re: Which is the best Cad-Cam Software?

In short, the one that works best for you !

And, there is a database of programs in the database section. check
out the features and functions to see what is available.

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "caudlet" <tom@t...> wrote:
> > What are the software rankings by name, price, function, and ease
> of use? Or if nobody has a list, then what works with 3D solid
> models, is easy to learn & use, and is affordable?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Kirk Fraser
> Kirk: This is probably not what you want to hear but IMHO there is
> no best CAD-CAM software. There are many products out there, but
> many subjective things go into the word "best". What do you want
for
> your use? Do you want full 3 axis modeling and control? Do you
want
> to be able to draw, run a simulation, then hit a key and have the
> machine make the cuts. Do you want everything to run in Windows?
> Based on the reference to Cimigraf I assume you want to do more
> artistic cuts than hardcore machining. The kind of software to
> develop those kinds of cuts is often different than regular
machining
> software. Once again you have to decide what you want to do with
> your machine. If price is an issue (isn't it always) then the
field
> starts to narrow quickly. There are some good low cost CAD
programs
> that will let you do 3D modeling. There are some good conversion
> programs that will take standard 3D file formats and build 3 axis
> Gcode files. There are some good GCode to machine interface
programs
> that will run your MAXNC machine. To save money you may have to
use
> a combination of the three types of programs you need to cut an
> object.
>
>
> The learning curve on most of the packages is pretty steep. You
> mentioned Mastercam. I tried for several days to learn Mastercam.
I
> was frustrated by their quasi-Windows product that has the worst
> implementation of Windows standard look and feel as I have ever
seen.
> You have to factor in that I spend most of my waking hours in from
of
> some version of Windows and standard Windows Applications
> (Word,Corel,Excel,Access, VB, etc). Does that mean their software
> was bad?...no just bad for me.
>
> I once made the mistake of reviewing several CAD-CAM programs and
> submitted it to the list. It started a brew-ha-ha that went on for
> days. I downplayed the value of DOS and focused on Windows
> applications. I've lived through 6 versions of DOS and I have
moved
> on. That approach drew screams of protest and started a whole new
> thread of political discontent. What I learned from that is
everyone
> must choose for themselves. There are almost as many opinions on
> what is the best software as what is the best color to go with
Mauve!
>
> If you want to contact me off list I will be glad to give you MY
> opinions as to what I found as best for ME.
>
> Start out by trying out several of the packages that provide a full
> featured demo you can download. No doubt others can give you the
> names of several to try. What I did find was that after using my
> machine for a while my needs were better defined (I figured out
what
> I wanted to make with my machine).
>
> One good thing about this list is that there are no shortage of
> suggestions. Sometimes you may ask "what time is it" and you get a
> lesson on how to build a watch, but at least there are plenty of
> responses!
>
> This is a GREAT hobby.