[Jared]

I know that on our school computers we've had trouble with inventor add ins. It seems that the folder that contains some of the add in configuration data is sometimes stored with the user, instead of with the software install. Make sure that HSM express is installing to Inventor 2014/Bin, and that the add in manager (under settings) has "load automatically" checked.

I like HSM express, but the lack of automatic tabs makes it slower for me than MasterCAM X4. HSM express lacks a lot of features that make parts with multiple depths more complicated. In MasterCAM, I can make multiple cplanes, and the tool path automatically knows how deep to go, and where the material starts.

Overall, it's very user friendly, and it can save a ton of time if you have to make a little change to your design and will automatically adjust the toolpath. The greatest feature is that you can set the climb/conventional mill setting for one operation, and all the pockets/chains will update. MasterCAM must be told for each chain if it is CW/CCW, and has no option to set all chains in one direction. The default tool library is pretty nice too.

If you're doing only "2.5D" operations, then HSM express works really well, but for more complicated parts or 4 axis machining, you'll be much better of with a full CAM package, like visual mill.