Toolslinger
Plastic
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2007
- Location
- Central Jersey
Ok, so, yes, I went through lots of older posts, because everyone gets tired of the same topics over and over.... Did I miss one? Very likely. If you know of the post I need, please feel free to refer me to it...
That said... I need to look for a new CAM software. Here are my parameters.
Ok, I think that covers it... Let the arguments begin...
Thanks!
That said... I need to look for a new CAM software. Here are my parameters.
- We're a Solidworks shop. That isn't going to change.
- I want to be inside Solidworks. I don't want an external program.
- I'm currently running the free HSM from Autodesk, and quite honestly, I really like it. I'd be happy to stay with it, but well, Autodesk...
- I would like the opportunity to go full 3 axis, rather than 2.5. Frequently, no, and I've cheated my way through with HSM ok so far, but I'm trying to expand the possibilities here a bit. That right there takes me outside the Solidworks baked in packages of Camworks... (this one is real negotiable, but I would like it)
- If I find price for the full 3 axis is beyond reality, then I'm back to 2.5, and ok with that.
- I do want whatever the equivalent of Adaptive Clearing is in HSM... Volumill in Camworks I think, and whatever in SolidCam...
- So currently, I'm looking at Camworks, and SolidCam. I believe I know what I would have to buy from Camworks, I don't have a clue for SolidCam as their website is making my head spin...
- My IT department is a nightmare. I will not get any support on any of this from them. They will do their best to thwart me from making any progress.
- Obviously these programs keep evolving... I need info that's current, not 5 years old...
- Is anyone willing to give me some kind of price ranges you're dealing with? Yes, they're all expensive. I have rough pricing on the baked in Camworks versions, but obviously the standalone will be higher with more capability... I find nothing on SolidCam. If you don't want to post it, feel free to PM it. I just need some realistic basis to work from when I talk to the money people to see if we can do this...
- The work here is with a Haas VF2ss. I run prototypes, and small parts runs of the odd pieces. Production runs get sent to shops with lots of machines, and really good programmers.
- I know they'll both make parts... I'm looking for as painless a transition as I can manage. I am going to try to keep my current setup going, and set up a complete separate computer for the new option. Once I get up and solid on the new, then the old can wither away, but I don't want to just loose all the saved tool paths that work in case I need to make something RIGHT NOW...
- I'm not going to say money is no object... That said, I'm more concerned with functionality, and ease of use...
Ok, I think that covers it... Let the arguments begin...
Thanks!