What software do you use for CNC programming?

[ToddF]

Our team has been taking a critical look at how we can best improve our performance. We have identified as providing the most benefit the development of solid modeling skills and CNC fabrication capability in our students. Our mechanical mentors are experienced ProE (now Creo) users, and we can get free student editions of ProE through the FIRST PTC sponsorship. But, we aren't sure what software to use for CNC programming. If the ProE CAM modules were included in the student versions of the software, that would be most ideal. But, I don't think that is the case.

What software are other teams using for CNC programming? Are you able to get it for free? Or do you just rely on your sponsors to provide you with licenses or do your programming for you? Does anyone have a spare MasterCAM license laying around unused?

[sanddrag]

You could look at HSMXpress which is probably the best free option but it needs SolidWorks. Aside from that, for schools, OneCNC may be the best affordable option. That's what we purchased but have not started using it.

[Akash Rastogi]

will you be machining in-house or sending out to a sponsor?

[Gray Adams]

We use Mastercam, which can be had pretty cheaply for educational organizations. We used to use GibbsCAM, which isn't cheap or very fully featured (our version anyway), so we switched. That said, you could get a program for a simple 2D part done in a few minutes. No need to mess with 3D models, complex workplane setups or anything. Mastercam has so much more to offer once you get past the learning curve. And its common in industry.

Another team once told me they got Mastercam for free, but I can't remember who or how. Maybe it was 254?

[Cory]

Originally Posted by Gray Adams

Another team once told me they got Mastercam for free, but I can't remember who or how. Maybe it was 254?

Nope. Not us.

We've used MasterCAM and CAMWorks (requires Solidworks). Both have educational discounts.

[R.C.]

We also use MasterCAM and have been trying out MasterCAM for Solidworks. Highly recommend the regular MasterCAM standalone version, mixed feelings on the solidworks version.

-RC

[ToddF]

Thanks for the responses. This would be for machining in house. I'll look into MasterCAM with the educational discount. Right now I'm trying out cambam. So far, it's pretty darn good, and it only costs $150 for a license.