Quote:
Originally Posted by sanddrag
I evaluated BobCAD/CAM (along with half a dozen others) and I can't say I'd recommend it based on my 2 hour demo of it. The UI and workflow seems primitive and complex compared to some other software packages. Also, once contact is initiated, be prepared to deal with their relentless sales force. You're basically on their contact list for life at that point, and you'll hear from them at least twice a month.
|
We used HSMXpress last year for all our milling and worked for everything that we needed it for (pocketing, countersinks, bosses, contours, etc.). You provide your email address in exchange for their free version (HSMXpress, HSMWorks is their paid version). I think they emailed me once if I was interested in HSMWorks and haven't contacted me since. It's a pretty easy to use package with really good Solidworks integration. They were purchased by Autodesk a bit ago so they're working on an Inventor version.
One of the good parts of having a plug in program into your CAD program is when you do rev's they'll automatically rebuild into your CAM program so that all you need to do is re-post it for your G-code.
The 1/4" EM was definitely our workhorse last year and when we were newbs at it, we'd have it cut with the tip of the EM (broke a couple EM's). I later on predrilled a lot of the paths with a 1/4" drill then entered maybe 1" into the material using the top of the EM closer to the tool holder. It's all about balancing heat, your tools, your fixturing, and your machine. You'd be surprised how much you can push your tools with the HP/revs you have.