AutoCAD vs Rhino vs DesignCAD, and DXF to G-code converters - Page 4

normand blais · #91 Tue 02 March 2010, 11:06

Same as Alibre Solidworks joint Mecsoft for cam plugin .It is the same cam as Rhinocam

http://www.visualmillforsolidworks.com/

Mojo · #92 Wed 25 August 2010, 10:25

So check my thinking here please, Buy artcam this covers all my design needs then get Mach 3 to run the machine.. No other software needed at this point correct?

riesvantwisk · #93 Wed 25 August 2010, 10:33

Mojo,

I don't think that Artcam is a all-in-one solution for everybody. The software you need depends on your actual needs. May be you can explain first what your needs are?

Mojo · #94 Wed 25 August 2010, 12:07

Well the question wasn't really about wether artcam is the right software from a design aspect, but wether or not that's all I need in regards to taking a design from a program (artcam) to the machine (Mach 3) to final product. Do I need anything to translate from artcam to Mach 3? Do I need something else for say tool path (I believe artcam does tool path) thank 

danilom · #95 Wed 25 August 2010, 12:51

Artcam can generate toolpath out of vectors or relief and with postprocessor which it has you can export it as gcode for Mach3.

Mojo · #96 Wed 25 August 2010, 12:58

Thak you

riesvantwisk · #97 Wed 25 August 2010, 13:45

Mojo,

in that case, Artcam can generate the G-Code for you...

ger21 · #98 Sat 28 August 2010, 19:14

However, depending on what you're doing, you may be spending 10 times more than you need to by going with ArtCAM.

Gerald D · #99 Sat 28 August 2010, 20:56

Ger, just about everyone I know has been offered a free illegal copy of ArtCAM somewhere along the line and I suspect this is the reason that we have so many newbie questions about ArtCAM. Folk want to know if it is worthwhile investing the time for the learning curve assuming that they are not actually going to be spending any dollars.

sailfl · #**100** Sat 28 August 2010, 23:45

If you get a software package for free, you have to think about if you invest your time learning it, what are you going to do 5 years down stream when you want to upgrade and the package cost even more. I think it is important to buy your CAM software and that is what makes the Vectric products good. They are very capable and are reasonable priced.

smreish · #**101** Sun 29 August 2010, 06:52

...I can just say, I like the feeling of owning my software and being able to call the manufacturer for support when I need it.

hennie · #**102** Sun 29 August 2010, 08:36

Sean the only thing I hate about that is if there is a dongle involved you have to look after it like gold don`t lose it or get it stollen then you are as one can say f...

smreish · #**103** Mon 30 August 2010, 07:44

Hennie, I have felt that pain!
Couldn't agree more.

hennie · #**104** Mon 30 August 2010, 11:36

I have downloaded rhinoceros 4 evaluation and I must say I think I might just get the licence.I have designed my go-kart suspention and modefied the body with it and it is only two weeks that I have been playing with it.Quite easy to work with.

smreish · #**105** Mon 30 August 2010, 11:48

Hennie,
If you purchase Rhino4, then get the RhinoCAM & 4th axis module(if you need it) - you can pretty much tool anything you want.

Works exceptionally well.

normand blais · #**106** Tue 31 August 2010, 06:42

Check post 56 for a better price on rhino and rhinocam

Guillermo · #**107** Sat 12 May 2012, 17:47

Hi all.

I have no background with CAD and i am trying to decide for a software.

It is for my waterjet project. ( CAM software to use will be Sheetcam)

Is there a suggestion for a friendly and tested 2D CAD software.

Thanks

danilom · #**108** Sun 13 May 2012, 02:13

You can use DraftSight from Dassault its free

http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/overview/

smreish · #**109** Sun 13 May 2012, 11:29

http://www.turbocad.com/TurboCAD/Tur...6/Default.aspx

TurboCad for drafting. This version is almost identical to AutoCad Lite

Affordable
Well Tested
Well supported

Then for converting to 2d cut profiles......

http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectr.../c2d_index.htm

Affordable
Well Tested
Well supported

Axel1966 · #**110** Sun 13 May 2012, 11:42

+1 for Vectric products, It's brilliant ! Intuitive with a good preview abilities.
I tested Aspire (which contains Cut2D features, and more).
Cut2D doesn't have a lot of features, but it's a nice and affordable software.
Cut2D does well what's meant to do.

Guillermo · #**111** Sun 13 May 2012, 11:44

Hi Sean.

I read some days ago about 2D CUT, and understud it is a CAM software

Does it have CAD capabilities. ??

Thanks

Guillermo · #**112** Sun 13 May 2012, 11:47

Hi Axel.

Just to read your comment.

What about 2D CUT CAD capabilities. ??

Guillermo · #**113** Sun 13 May 2012, 12:07

Hi Danilo.

I downloaded draftsight this morning.

Thanks

smreish · #**114** Sun 13 May 2012, 12:15

Guillermo,
The links were for 2 solutions:

Cad = TurboCAD
CAM = Cut2D or any of the Vectric products

Guillermo · #**115** Sun 13 May 2012, 12:19

Ok Seam

Let me take a look.

Thanks

Guillermo · #**116** Sun 13 May 2012, 18:52

Àxel and Sean

Downloded the 2D Cut trial version and you are right.

It is a very friendly software and it alone have the drawing capabilities

needed for the job.

Thanks