Re: BobCAD/CAM v.s. Dolphin CAD/CAM

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Ross" <rrcarl@n...> wrote:

>
> I can't figure out the difference between Dolphin CAD/CAM and
>Dolphin 3D CAD/CAM. Other than extended file support in 3D, it
>looks like they both do the same thing, but there has to be more to
>it than that.
>
> Ross

Dolphin CAD/CAM also called Partmaster is a 2 1/2D program with
limited 3D capabilities. Very easy, fast and simple to use for 90% of
CNC work.

Dolphin 3D CAD/CAM which is actually a badged up version of Sprutcam
is a full 3D version of a modern 3D package where you see the model
as opposed to wire frame versions of some dated products.
In this way it is very much like Visual Mill in that to have the
power to do complex 3D shapes with advanced features such as rest
machining it unfortuatly makes simple 2 1/2 D work more complex, a
trait shared by most 3D programs.

Fortunatly Dolphin have made this easier with their upgrade path and
it's better to start off with their simple to learn program
Partmaster and then later, when more experianced move up to full 3D
if needed.

I have found though that often people set their sights too high in
specifing what they need. I have had many people tell me that "Yes I
NEED full 3D capability" only to find out a few years down the line
that the 2 1/2 D function is all they have ever used. For this they
have paid a premium both in software, time learning a program that is
more complex than they need and also because they have the advanced
program they usually miss out on lot of quick simple features.

Partmaster has got to be the easiert and quickest program to learn.

John S.