Machsupport Forum

G-Code, CAD, and CAM => G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions => Topic started by: diyengineer on March 22, 2011, 03:53:55 AM

Title: Solidworks, to solidcam, to mach 3.
Post by: diyengineer on March 22, 2011, 03:53:55 AM

Is it that simple? Do i need a post processor for the Gcode to work correctly on mach 3? I have a simple 3 axis gantry machine, that will use mach 3..

Thanks everyone!!

(also, anyone using it? like it? )

Title: Re: Solidworks, to solidcam, to mach 3.
Post by: diyengineer on March 22, 2011, 03:54:43 AM

I do everything with solidworks, so if anyone even knows of a cam program that really flows with the solidworks files, or even a better plugin, also feel free. I have heard good things from solidcam though.

Title: Re: Solidworks, to solidcam, to mach 3.
Post by: ostie01 on March 22, 2011, 04:59:55 AM

MasterCam is well integrated with SolidWorks.

Original name, MasterCam for SolidWorks.


Jeff

Title: Re: Solidworks, to solidcam, to mach 3.
Post by: diyengineer on March 30, 2011, 03:41:22 AM

I have axis to Mastercam X5. I will have to try it out. I'm looking for something user friendly.

Title: Re: Solidworks, to solidcam, to mach 3.
Post by: ostie01 on March 30, 2011, 06:33:50 AM

Good cam software are not usually user friendly.


There's a good learning curve and very often, it will take at least a year to be comfortable with this kind of software.


Jeff

Title: Re: Solidworks, to solidcam, to mach 3.
Post by: Craig1 on May 25, 2011, 08:29:11 PM

I use solidworks 2008 and solid cam with my Sherline mill. The programs have more options then I do.

Title: Re: Solidworks, to solidcam, to mach 3.
Post by: diyengineer on May 25, 2011, 08:30:50 PM

Quote from: Craig1 on May 25, 2011, 08:29:11 PM

I use solidworks 2008 and solid cam with my Sherline mill. The programs have more options then I do.

Thanks Craig! Do you use solidcam inside solidworks or stand alone?

Title: Re: Solidworks, to solidcam, to mach 3.
Post by: Craig1 on May 25, 2011, 08:33:46 PM

You must have Solidworks to run solid cam. Cam references Works for part information.

Title: Re: Solidworks, to solidcam, to mach 3.
Post by: Craig1 on May 25, 2011, 09:08:21 PM

I agree with Jeff not user friendly. But it has good tutorials the explain the steps in creating the code. There are a fair amount of options and required check boxes and fields to be filled in. I am a veteran with SW and still learning Solidcam.

Title: Re: Solidworks, to solidcam, to mach 3.
Post by: pgh3 on May 28, 2011, 10:43:04 PM

What is the price of SolidCam? I've downloaded the demo version and looked at their website but have no idea on how much it is....
It does seem very user un-friendly, but then so was SolidWorks until I bought a book on how to drive it.

Going from a black and white drawing of say, for example, a noughts and crosses game, what is the best or most suitable software to create G-code that does not produce a raster scan cut...?
Because that is what Bmp2Cnc does. So if SolidCam is affordable, it could be a better option?

Peter

Title: Re: Solidworks, to solidcam, to mach 3.
Post by: Craig1 on May 28, 2011, 10:57:43 PM

It's not horribly difficult to use. I have successfully generated code on simple parts in 5-10 mins. As for pricing im not sure. Much like SW as you use it it becomes easier. I found a copy at a yard sale form a guy who didn't know what he had. I havn't tries going from photo tom g-code as of yet.