G-code

[sconybeare]

For those teams that use CNC stuff to make parts: how do you generate the g code? What software do you use?

[sanddrag]

We have been quite happy with OneCNC. HSMWorks looks good too.

[theCADguy]

MasterCam works fairly well.

http://www.mastercam.com/

[Cory]

What CAD program are you using?

If Solidworks or Inventor you should probably be using HSMWorks (free!) unless you have mentors that are experienced with an alternate CAM package.

I personally like MasterCAM as I've taken multiple classes using it. It has a bit of a learning curve though. You really can't just jump into it and be productive like you can with some of the integrated into your CAD package programs.

[DonRotolo]

It also depends on your CNC machine: A CNC router (generally) needs only 2.5D, while a Mill with a 4th axis would want more dimensions. The programs that generate G-Code differ wildly in price, and often have different capabilities.

HSMWorks is free, and works with both SolidWorks and Inventor.
A program called Cut2D is a good choice for 2.5D, but costs $150. The same company (Vectrics) makes other programs that are all good.
MasterCam is the gold standard IMHO, but its price is high.

Note: You can also write G-Code by hand! Like knowing how to deal with a dot prompt (Linux) or > prompt (DOS), it can be helpful to know this. For complex shapes you probably would go with automatic code generation, but you can make simple stuff by hand, as well as understand the generated code.