Re: CAM questions
Posted by
Andrew Werby
on 2002-11-11 10:37:44 UTC
Message: 11
Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2002 13:31:56 -0000
From: "dgmachinist" <scsm@...>
Subject: CAM questions..........................
Hello all,
Could you guys help me? I need some advice.
I am looking at purchasing a CAM program. I'm not sure what I should
get. Here are my requirements:
1)Import AutoCAD DXF
1.5) Engraving, especially multi-line text
2) It can be 2.5d, but I would like to be able to implement 3d work
at a later date.
[Using the same program? Up to this point, I'm thinking of TurboCadCAM, but
it doesn't have any true 3d capabilities. They might add some at a future
upgrade, though.]
3) 4th axis support so I can engrave on a diameter
[That eliminates TurboCadCAM, if you want it to function automatically. Once
you start requiring 4th axis functionality, you're out of the low price
range. If all you want to do is engrave on a cylinder, though, there are
ways to do this with a 3-axis program. You lay the engraving out flat, then
swap the A axis for the Y axis. The linear values written for Y become
angular values in A. As long as the scale works out, this technique is
viable, but it's definitely a kludge and takes some messing around with to
get right.]
4) Runs on XP
5) Reasonable learning curve. I don't want to have to read through
an entire encyclopeadia to learn the darn thing.
6) Under $1000, preferably under $500.
So, what is out there that can fill those requirements? Any
suggestions? How about some links?
[Take a look at VisualMill. It comes pretty close to fulfilling your
requirements, since it runs in XP, is relatively intuitive, and right now is
still available for $1400 bundled with Innovate, or Alibre or $1450 with
Rhino. Since these CAD programs sell for at least $450, the cost of the CAM
portion is within your stated budget. I've got links to all this stuff on my
site. ]
You can email me off list, scsm@...
Thanks,
Seth
[Okay, I'll do that too.]
Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com
Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2002 13:31:56 -0000
From: "dgmachinist" <scsm@...>
Subject: CAM questions..........................
Hello all,
Could you guys help me? I need some advice.
I am looking at purchasing a CAM program. I'm not sure what I should
get. Here are my requirements:
1)Import AutoCAD DXF
1.5) Engraving, especially multi-line text
2) It can be 2.5d, but I would like to be able to implement 3d work
at a later date.
[Using the same program? Up to this point, I'm thinking of TurboCadCAM, but
it doesn't have any true 3d capabilities. They might add some at a future
upgrade, though.]
3) 4th axis support so I can engrave on a diameter
[That eliminates TurboCadCAM, if you want it to function automatically. Once
you start requiring 4th axis functionality, you're out of the low price
range. If all you want to do is engrave on a cylinder, though, there are
ways to do this with a 3-axis program. You lay the engraving out flat, then
swap the A axis for the Y axis. The linear values written for Y become
angular values in A. As long as the scale works out, this technique is
viable, but it's definitely a kludge and takes some messing around with to
get right.]
4) Runs on XP
5) Reasonable learning curve. I don't want to have to read through
an entire encyclopeadia to learn the darn thing.
6) Under $1000, preferably under $500.
So, what is out there that can fill those requirements? Any
suggestions? How about some links?
[Take a look at VisualMill. It comes pretty close to fulfilling your
requirements, since it runs in XP, is relatively intuitive, and right now is
still available for $1400 bundled with Innovate, or Alibre or $1450 with
Rhino. Since these CAD programs sell for at least $450, the cost of the CAM
portion is within your stated budget. I've got links to all this stuff on my
site. ]
You can email me off list, scsm@...
Thanks,
Seth
[Okay, I'll do that too.]
Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com