Cam Software

Chris Harris · Dec 14, 2015

I am a SolidWorks user and looking for a new Milling CAM package. Can I get some suggestions for 3D Cam software please. I am running a Heidenhain Mill - not that that makes any difference.

I would prefer an integrated option but there may be good advice against that as well.

Thanks in advance.

m98custom1212 · Dec 14, 2015

Chris Harris said:
I am a SolidWorks user and looking for a new Milling CAM package. Can I get some suggestions for 3D Cam software please. I am running a Heidenhain Mill - not that that makes any difference.

I would prefer an integrated option but there may be good advice against that as well.

Thanks in advance.

Hsmworks is where I would start its free 2.5D

Atomkinder · Dec 14, 2015

Another vote for HSMWorks.

Chris Harris · Dec 14, 2015

Thank you. I downloaded HSM but the free version is 2.5 D only. I need 3D machining on the mill. I see that HSMWorks is $7,500 per seat. Does that seem to be a reasonable price? I have no idea what good CAM packages run nowadays.

m98custom1212 · Dec 14, 2015

Chris Harris said:
Thank you. I downloaded HSM but the free version is 2.5 D only. I need 3D machining on the mill. I see that HSMWorks is $7,500 per seat. Does that seem to be a reasonable price? I have no idea what good CAM packages run nowadays.

That's about right for a "professional" system some cheaper options but not integrated into solidworks.

goooose · Dec 14, 2015

Its like we do this once a week...and the answers just get repeated over and over and over. OP has 330+ posts so I can't give the benefit of the doubt of being a newb...just plain lazy then?
As has been said many times before...if you have no money and want the best full cad/cam with 3D milling go get fusion360. You still want to run SW and want full 3D...go buy HSMworks. Anything else is gonna take big money.

Mtndew · Dec 15, 2015

What about Mastercam?

Chris Harris · Dec 15, 2015

I have heard several bad reports about MC. Apparently it is the king on the block but old and with too many bugs and the coding is dated. I hear that the more modern packages provide superior tool paths and functionality. Another downside is that it does not intergrate with SW. This what I have been told.

m98custom1212 · Dec 15, 2015

Chris Harris said:
I have heard several bad reports about MC. Apparently it is the king on the block but old and with too many bugs and the coding is dated. I hear that the more modern packages provide superior tool paths and functionality. Another downside is that it does not intergrate with SW. This what I have been told.

As, much as I don't want to but Mastercam has good toolpath but these toolpaths comes from ModuleWorks. The interface is getting dated and how mastercam handles solids is dated you have draw or extract geometry to get the toolpath to do what you want.

Mastercam does integrate with Solidworks and is included in the license package now.

Mike1974 · Dec 15, 2015

Chris Harris said:
I have heard several bad reports about MC. Apparently it is the king on the block but old and with too many bugs and the coding is dated. I hear that the more modern packages provide superior tool paths and functionality. Another downside is that it does not intergrate with SW. This what I have been told.

Mastercam has "Mastercam for Solidworks" ... :confused:

Mastercam CAD/CAM Software > Solutions > Integrated CAD Solutions

But like gooose said, this has been done a million times! I would recommend mastercam because I know it. Adelpo (spelling?) will recommend bobcad because he works for them, Joe Blow will recommend surfcam because he is really good with that...

Chris Harris · Dec 15, 2015

What about HSMWorks?

m98custom1212 · Dec 15, 2015

Chris Harris said:
What about HSMWorks?

What about it?

greggv · Dec 15, 2015

I would look at OneCNC. Patrick from OneCNC West gives the best support I've ever seen! And the program will easily import Solidworks files. I do it every day. Another thing to note, OneCNC will do 4th axis work really well and easily as compared to other Cam programs I've seen. And I think Patrick is giving out some pretty hot discounts right now!

Chris Harris · Dec 15, 2015

greggv said:
I would look at OneCNC. Patrick from OneCNC West gives the best support I've ever seen! And the program will easily import Solidworks files. I do it every day. Another thing to note, OneCNC will do 4th axis work really well and easily as compared to other Cam programs I've seen. And I think Patrick is giving out some pretty hot discounts right now!

I have OneCNC Expert right now. It is a good package but I have converted my CAD to SolidWorks hence my questions about a good CAM for SW. Also Patrick does not service my area (North Dakota).

If I do not find a suitable CAM package I will simply do as you are doing - convert the SW solids and run the CAM in OnceCNC.

Mtndew · Dec 15, 2015

Chris Harris said:
I have heard several bad reports about MC. Apparently it is the king on the block but old and with too many bugs and the coding is dated. I hear that the more modern packages provide superior tool paths and functionality. Another downside is that it does not intergrate with SW. This what I have been told.

Then the people you've been talking to are wrong.
Find someone that knows Mastercam and put the time and effort into actually learning it and setting it up how they want it.
Old and dated is just someone hating on MC and they are ignorant, UNLESS they are talking about the lathe stuff.
Expensive, yeah I could agree with that.
And it does integrate with Solidworks, there is an add-on called Mastercam for Solidworks.

Atomkinder · Dec 15, 2015

Chris Harris said:
What about HSMWorks?

Intuitive, integrates incredibly well inside SolidWorks, has free 2.5D functionality to try for as long as you want and will give you a 30-day trial with the push of a button in the CAM toolbar. What do you have to lose if you already have SolidWorks? Go try it!

charlie gary · Dec 15, 2015

How much do you want to spend, and are you doing production or prototyping or......... The type of work you're doing can impact what is the best choice.

m98custom1212 · Dec 15, 2015

As previously suggested you could go Fusion 360. This is my channel I will updated with more fusion 360 videos cad and cam.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrJydMCleu7tw5JQGGzRKA?sub_confirmation=1

lionelt · Dec 15, 2015

charlie gary said:
How much do you want to spend, and are you doing production or prototyping or......... The type of work you're doing can impact what is the best choice.

Do you have time to explain in more detail?

Thanks

Jorgo · Dec 15, 2015

Look at Solidcam. It's integrated and has fantastic toolpaths. Best customer service and tech support I've had for any product, not just software. Not cheap though.
Jordy

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