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Author Topic: Solidworks-> ???CAM??? -> G-code->MACH3  (Read 18898 times)

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Solidworks-> ???CAM??? -> G-code->MACH3
« on: April 04, 2012, 09:17:11 PM »
I'm a home hobbyist who has recently rigged up my little 3-axis mill with Mach3.   I have access to a legit version of Solidworks by virtue of the work I do, but I do NOT have access to any CAM software.   As a hobbyist, all the decent CAM software that can work with Solidworks costs some serious $$$.   What would you guys suggest?   I'd be willing to spend as much as $200, but that is orders of magnitude off of what most CAM companies want.   What say ye???    I'm not interested in using pirated software.

Offline ger21

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Re: Solidworks-> ???CAM??? -> G-code->MACH3
« Reply #1 on: April 04, 2012, 09:27:20 PM »
You can export .stl files and use MeshCAM.

Or export 2D drawings and use Vectric's Cut2D.

Both are under $200
Gerry

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Solidworks-> ???CAM??? -> G-code->MACH3
« Reply #2 on: April 05, 2012, 11:33:53 AM »
HSMXpress is a free CAM for SolidWorks.

http://www.hsmworks.com/hsmxpress/

Juan

Offline Sam

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Re: Solidworks-> ???CAM??? -> G-code->MACH3
« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2012, 03:43:44 PM »
I second the HSM software. Mighty powerful indeed.
"CONFIDENCE: it's the feeling you experience before you fully understand the situation."
Re: Solidworks-> ???CAM??? -> G-code->MACH3
« Reply #4 on: April 05, 2012, 05:57:29 PM »
What?   Free???   How can that be?   I will definitely check it out.
Solidworks-> ???CAM??? -> G-code->MACH3
« Reply #5 on: April 05, 2012, 07:09:36 PM »
Yes, free. I'm using it and I made a few parts. Really good software!

If you only need to make 2D parts, is enough.

Juan