Our company has purchased a new Integrex (be here in Dec.). I'm just wondering what cam package you programmers are using to get "GOOD" g-code to the machine floor? We are planning to use the machine for full 5axis work and use solid models to get the geometry from. Suggestions? Recommendations? Serious users help please! thanks,

Mike

SolidWorks (since 1997) and Surfcam (since 1992)

Solidworks/Gibbs combo since 1998.

How do you like Gibbs? We are also using Solidworks for modeling and drafting. We just started using ProE for this task.

So my question would be what is the advantage of Gibbs? How does it recognize the model? Is this a "feature" based/ driven software? thanks

Surfcam? is this a stand alone program? I see you have been using it a long time. Has the software adapted well over the years? What about cost? thanks,
Mike.

I do the modeling and drafting in Solidworks.

Gibbs can open the Solidworks part model directly. No conversion. It is as easy as draging the file from explorer into a session of Gibbs.

Then in Gibbs just go about doing whatever machining tasks you need.

There are geometry and modeling tools in Gibbs. These can be used to do work from scratch or do modifications to imported geometry or solids.

All in all they work very well together.

I must add a disclaimer that I am NOT a 5 axis guy. I do mostly 3 axis mold work with some general 2.5D stuff thrown in for fun.

Thanks,
I am really looking for a Mazak Integrex users to chime here. I have a cam package already. I really need to know what works good for 5axis Integrex work?

yes, stand alone, but is a CAM partner with SW, meaning that it reads the SW file and if you change the SW model it tells you the geom. has changed and do you want the new data.

A long long long time was beta test site of the year in 99, version 3.5 dos,

like 2001 to 2004 they didn't do much, but when they added velocity cutting to the mix holy crap...batman.

as for cost $10 to $20+ depends on what you need

That seems to be the reaction of everyone who uses truemill. Holy crap.

Since you're a long time surfcam user, what would you think about having it run inside Solidworks like some of the other CAM packages do? My main complaint with surfcam is the very outdated user interface. I think it would be awesome to have all the functionality of Solidworks and Surfcam in one place. Mastercam has got a SW version out, but I'm not sure how well it works.

Oh yeah Surfcam on a Mill-Turn 5 Axis machine. I call bullshit. Take a look at Feature Cam. But if you are machining full 5-Axis go with Esprit. The good thing is you can get local support.

http://eccmri.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-hom...rit-cam-center
http://www.dptechnology.com/en/produ...ltitasking.asp

Look at Delcam Partmaker. Gibbs does MTM, which is an add on module that then requires a machine definition custom written. All of which costs extra. I really like Gibbs for 2ax lathe work when importing geometry from another program (god forbid you have to create geometry in Gibbs). However I find Gibbs limited for all that money. You don't have as much control over machining and tool path strategies as you do with other CAM packages. That said it is a solid CAM package that can make parts. I primarily use Mastercam and can tell you to stay far away from for programming an integrex or multi-axis lathe. Just go over to the emastercam.com forum and listen to the Mill turn users kvetch. About a year ago tried to use it to program a C X Y lathe with sub spindle transfer and was ready to kill. I used to use Delcam for 4ax work years ago and it was excellent.

I would argue that velocity is of little use on an integrex type machine. The machining strategies are very different. There isn't a lot of 2D cutting going on.

sorry what you mean by bullshit? can or can't do?


as for surfcam running inside SW, sure it would be nice, I had a beta version of that in SW99 with surfcam running inside, but SW and Surfwar had a falling out because SW changed kernals from ASIC to Parasolid and surfware would have had to rewright what they had done.

Go to surfcam's web site a find where they offer mill turn. Its there, after a few clicks. Wouldn't bet a company on it.

Here what Mori Seiki offers on their new MAPPS IV control. I'd say its a stellar endorsement.
http://www.moriseiki.co.uk/upload/pr_preemo09_engl.pdf

Attached Thumbnails

 

Short clip showing Esprit simulation of 5 axis machining in a Integrex.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJUbY_PXpYU

MasterCam ..... Esprit ....

On Integrex and eMachines (eH or eV) ... mostly MasterCam though.....

I probably should now mention I am currently using Featurecam. I have already looked at Esprit (very impressive!) but I got a quote of $33k for one seat. Wow! I assume Mastercam pricing will be similar. I also got a quote to upgrade my 4 axis Featurecam to 5axis and yearly maintenance and post for the integrex we are looking at $14k. I already know I don't like the way Featurecam handles getting the geometry from the model to generate features. So, I can only imagine how it will handle simultaneous 5 axis work. I would rather put $19k into tooling more than into software, but if I am going to be fighting the cam system maybe it would be better to pony up the cash for a new system. What do you guys think? I have to say I HATE the never ending software investment. I know it's just business but it's a very expensive one.

MIke

Mike, yes its a big nut investing in a CAM or CAD package, but think of it, it's the same as investing in a good employee without all that goes along with them. you are giving a small amount to get started, no insurance,sick time, vacation,workmans comp, SS or problems. and if you are the one learning even better and you can even claim it as a tool on your taxes.

so do the math see how much you spend on one employee to what you'll spend on CAM it'll be less for CAM.

Never looked at it like that but, you have a valid point. I just hate the never ending maintenance cycle and the learning curve that goes with cad/cam packages. I have been through that routine more times than I care to remember.

IMO you can't go wrong with Esprit. Their 5 axis mill stuff came from the Italian mold software Auton, a very strong 5 axis software. As said before you will get great customer service locally from the Esprit Cam Center in Tulsa.