Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CAD-CAM Software

Before you get your mind too fixed on 3D CAM, consider what type of work
you will be doing. If it is general engineering type work (i.e. stuff
you could mostly make on a manual mill if you wanted to spend the time)
then probably 2.1/2D CAM would be better. 3D works very well for complex
3 dimensional curves but in general doesn't work so well for simple
brackets, plates and general engineering type parts. 2.1/2D and 3D use
different machining strategies and what is efficient for 3D machining is
usually quite inefficient for 2.1/2D machining. The more expensive
packages combine 2.1/2D and 3D in one but you may end up spending an
awful lot of money.

Can you describe the sort of parts you intend to make.

Les


Jack Mc Kie wrote:

> Jon's post about the Syil America X2 retrofit brings up another
> question that I looked up in the archives but there was little
> substance to the thread.
>
> I am also looking at various CAD-CAM software. I currently draw in
> AutoCAD LT for the fellow who does my laser cutting. I really need to
> learn a 3D CAD-CAM software package. Price is important but the
> software needs to be reasonable to learn and produce usable results. I
> am looking for something under $1000. I have been considering BobCAD
> (with training discs) and Vector. I want something compatable with
> Mach3. I also see a new CAD called ViaCad. Anyone have any insight or
> suggestions?
>
>