Introducing a new CAD/CAM system – SharpCam.

For more details please visit: http://www.sharpcam.co.uk

Thank you

Will there be a Lathe package? Make your sketching parametric and you'll definitely have the better mousetrap.

Hi, all planned, we are getting a lot of demand for turning, thats for sure.

Talyrond

That's because there are no decent simple CAM apps for lathe. I mean simple 2 axis stuff not MTM. Either you can program an Integrex with it (like swatting flys with a sledge) or it is an absolute PIA to use. I really liked OneCNC for lathe till the rep told me it was $2500. Your product has promise if you can keep simple and keep the price down. Are you serious about parametric sketching?

I've downloaded your sw. for one feature, that is the on-the-fly code generation.
Unfortunately it won't run on Win 2000.
I'll put it on another machine to check it out, but basically what I'm looking for is a replacement for Bobcad, more specifically a replacement of the only feature that's worth using Bobcad for is the on the fly code from a cut-chain.


Complex stuff I do on Fearurecam, but the simple profiles or the tweaked toolpaths I draw completely in ACAD, and then use a cut chain on the connected lines. Bobcad is OK, but you really gotta be watching what and how to edit in the code without the backplot throwing you off.
Anyhow, to ask you about some of the details, here is what I'd like:

1: Ability to use Cut-chain by selecting the first segment and direction and the last segment, all without having to guess what the program ( Bobcad) thinks is the correct path. Just follow the chain.

2: Ability to strip EVERYTHING out of the post, so the
finished code is nothing but the X-Y coords and the appropriate G01/G02/G03 code.

3: Ability to add feed and speed commands, comments, M-codes by hand without loosing syncronicity between the code and the graphics.

That's all.
As it is Bob is doing all my Lathe, all of WireEDM and some of the specific mill programs. I'm not using any of it's "smarts" for toolpaths, just the wicked simple feature that I select a chain and get a code immediately.

If there is a W2K version that would be very cool.

On edit: One more thing. I'd want a better macro capability instead of the really retarded VB Script included w. BobCAD.

Well I downloaded the demo and had a play with it.
When I first saw code on the fly I thought of Bobcad but then watched the demo and saw that once you change something it immediately regenerates the code.

Watch the video where they drop a new island into a previously coded pocket, I know it's not new but it is at the entry price level these guys are talking about.

So far with the demo colour me impressed.

John S.

micro wrote:
> Are you serious about parametric sketching?

Yes, we do plan to have basic relationships when editing of contours is added, but it is some way off to be honest.

SeymourDumore wrote:
> ability to use Cut-chain by selecting the first segment and direction and the last
> segment, all without having to guess what the program ( Bobcad) thinks is the
> correct path. Just follow the chain.

The concept is different in SharpCam. First you connect the contours, this is a pre machining operation. The advantage is that any ambiguity is resolved before you even try and create any toolpaths. Take a look at this video, it should explain everything:

http://www.sharpcam.co.uk/Training-C.../Contours.html

> Ability to strip EVERYTHING out of the post, so the
> finished code is nothing but the X-Y coords and the appropriate G01/G02/G03 code.

Absolutely, the Machine Definition (post processor) can be edited to your hearts content with the Machine Developer. Video:

http://www.sharpcam.co.uk/Demo-Video...Developer.html

> Ability to add feed and speed commands, comments, M-codes by hand without
> loosing syncronicity between the code and the graphics

Not available at the moment, but is certainly planned. This will be a user defined section that will appear in the operation tree and can be moved around, edited, like any other operation.

> If there is a W2K version that would be very cool.

Not possible I am afraid. SharpCam targets version 3.0 of the .Net Framework and W2K is not supported my Microsoft.

> One more thing. I'd want a better macro capability instead of the really retarded VB
> Script included w. BobCAD

Again on list is an Add Inn Developer. This will have a full implementation of Visual Basic .Net, not to be confused with the old VB 6.0 or scripting. The development environment will be similar to the Machine Developer. SharpCam will have an API giving access to all aspects.

If you have any further question, let me know

Julian

Julian


Thanks for the reply.
First off, tough it did not address the question I've had, I must say that out of a quick glance, the software's ability to create and then handle geometry is already beyond what some other, much more well known software can do.
Specifically the creation of geometry without clicking all over the place, selecting geometry to be grouped into chains (contours) and the bility to detect and not get confused over overlaying multiple entities.

Anyway, I'll try to install and look at the features on an XP machine later on, but the feature list I've made earlier is a must. As it is, I draw the geometry exactly as I want the tool to follow. Then do a simple cut-chain in Bobcad, where the geometry is turned into the coords and the appropriate G-code.
What this means is that in combination with pre-written scripts, a 2D WEDM code is generated in less than 30 seconds, regardless of complexity.
For lathe and mill, a single operation might take 30 seconds or less to actually create, but due to the ad-hoc nature of Bobcad, I really have to be careful what and how I edit manually as to not loose track. Even then, a complex lathe or mill code is done in less than 10 mins, and is exactly how I wanted it to be ( right or wrong, but is what I thought it should be )

As I've said, I already have a full blown CAM for the complex things, and with Bobcad I have a mousetrap for the others. I just want a better mousetrap.

Hi,

I would imagine that it should be possible to get the code you require for your EDM, from your description.

Anyway have a play, you should get a feel if SharpCam is likely to perform as required.

Let me know what you think, we can get into the detail after.

Julian

We all have to enter this century one of these days.

If you need beta testers when the lathe app is available I'd be happy to sign up. Let us know.

Micro

Tough my W2K install is rock solid for 9 years and counting, keeping it is not a choice but a necessity due to a couple of softwares I must have that will not run on XP.
Working on dedicating a "dumb" machine to be accessed through the network so the main work PC can be moved to XP ( Or W7 perhaps )
The others are all XP and staying that way.