The parts I'm making don't need days or weeks of CAM programming, so I'm not as concerned as some other shops might be. Currently if you stop paying subscription do you lose access or just loose functionality?
Because they have conventional machines and not CNC.
I currently use Rhino 7 with BobCam's Rhino plugin. I use the 3 axis Mill premium version. I realize I'll probably catch shit for mentioning BobCam, but believe me when I say this company has come a long way. I absolutely Love this CAM. Almost every feature of the software is customizable, has very efficient toolpaths, great user interface. IMO, it puts Fusion 360 to shame in many ways. Haven't had a single computer freeze or bug to date and I've been using it for months now. The Rhino CAD is a very powerful tool for the money as well. The integrated CAM plugin is icing on the cake for me; it just flat works. I believe they also have a plugin for Solidworks as well.
BobCam has gotten a bad rap in the past for their sales reps hassling potential customers. After downloading their demo, I received exactly ONE call from the rep to see if I had any questions about the software. I can't say the same for all the others I demoed prior to purchase. They also offered many support packages, including just a stand alone perpetual license w/no annual fees if you go that route. They will customize any package you like.
Anyway, flame on haters! LOL
.......So I would pick Inventor or SW if I were you, a no brainer. I have also used Rhino since 2003, so trust me when I say that it's not an efficient solids modeler for nuts and bolts. It shines when you design organic surfaces (furniture, textiles, ship hulls, etc). Yeah yeah, I know about the parametric Grasshopper plug-in. I use that a lot as well. But it's not an ideal plattform for CAM stuff. Each tool for it's use even though I love Rhino big time. Cheap as well.
Best of luck! Remember if it's not expensive then it's a hobby, not a job![]()
not what you stated "Recently we acquired a 2nd hand 3 axis CNC milling from 2005 that has Heidenhaim TNC 530i control"
Hi so general consensus is that the best solutions are Inventor or solidworks. I should steer clear of Fusion. What are the advantages/disadvantages of these 2 software?
In the mean time I'm going to check out Rhino/bobCAM.
Hi so general consensus is that the best solutions are Inventor or solidworks. I should steer clear of Fusion. What are the advantages/disadvantages of these 2 software?
In the mean time I'm going to check out Rhino/bobCAM.
Seriously!!! That's a complete change from what I have experienced. I was able to get about 5 minutes of work done on a Yasnac post and that's it, around 5 years ago. Any more and I needed to find a VAR to pay to do it. The last time I tried to get help, 2 years ago?, I got another forum user to tell me good luck and that no AD people were involved anymore.infinite free help with post processors
Seriously!!! That's a complete change from what I have experienced. I was able to get about 5 minutes of work done on a Yasnac post and that's it, around 5 years ago. Any more and I needed to find a VAR to pay to do it. The last time I tried to get help, 2 years ago?, I got another forum user to tell me good luck and that no AD people were involved anymore.
Mud, where do you get this help? I am only aware of the HSM Post Processor Forum here.
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