Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] My CAD CAM evaluations

As I chase down the "demo" Path, I too find things that are not
necessarily the way I like. But, it is usually in one side or the other,
Cad... or Cam.

When plenty of companies are already making Cad programs that people
enjoy using, and the pure number of them is boggling, why are not more
developers looking specifically to development of GOOD Cam only prorams
?? Why waste time trying to wedge in cad to a program at all ? No doubt
there are many techniques that are protected or need to be licensed in
the Cad arena, like the techniques first introduced by Ashlar.
Incorporating these, why, even researching it must cost a lot of time
and money

. It leads me to believe that a smart developer will start looking to
keep those departments very separate. Think about it, Rhino users are
overwhelmingly happy, AutoCad users are, well, put it this way, they are
staying with AutoCad no matter what. Why bother sticking a crippled Cad
program into a Cam program at all ?? Absolutely Great 2d programs are
only $99... Excellent 3d stuff for under $999 That part has been handled
and handled well.

My comments for big business would be a little different... But, for a
hobbiest / future business user, think really hard about the "Issues"
involved of a "mixed" program, and just how "proprietary" the "Cad"
portion of your drawings really are when thay are part of a integrated
Cad/Cam program. Sure, on the surface, the combo has always looked
refreshing. But,
What about the programs future ?
Can you afford to upgrade every time they add a button ?
Can you continue to use really antiquated drawing techniqes while the
rest of the Cad world makes "leaps and bounds" improvements ? (because
in reality, this is how it is working)
When you Do come across a new program that does it all, how difficult is
it for you to "Transfer" all of your current work into the new system so
you do not have to balance the two programs for eternity?
Finally, Are you really willing to spend the extra money necessary for
your integrated program to bring the Cad techniques up to date?

Not to pick on anyone, but look at the few "Free" programs out there.
(the ones with routine registrations)

What are YOU going to do with a pile of drawings that are now LOST in a
program you cannot even start when ( it's a question of when) they
decide to no longer issue licenses ??? Bye, Bye to all your hard work.
Food for thought............

It is pretty easy to understand this as I now look at it. IF you have a
Cad program capable of saving really good .DWG's, (not saying you need
AutoCad)AND a separate Cam program, you have an open door to the cad/cam
future. You Pay for the latest in Cad, and you Pay for the latest in
Cam. At least you are not throwing away one half of the equation
everytime you make a change.

As I get older, I conclude to keep my drawings, my drawings. They are
real easy to move to newer environments. They will folow me no matter
what. I will not "lose" the ability to access them.

Developers.....Develop JUST Cam, AND do a great job at it. Do not bother
putting Cad into your program, It just drives development cost up, which
affects my ability to buy your product.

Besides, I've already got a really great Cad options and I like the
ones I am using..

Chris L