What Cad software, ver. and post are you using.

Mc2

Mc2

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I just wanted to open up a discussion of what software everyone is using out there to create their G-code for CNC work.

I am currently using Bobcad v24 with a post that I created myself for easily creating indexes for me on my A axis. I do have V25 however, I have found that others that I work with are using V23 or 24 so it is easier to send them files without going backwards. After I go through the complete set of v25 training videos I will most likely switch over completely as it has a few nice added features.


Jim.
 
Cad

Jim,
Running Bobcad V25. Just got done going thru most of the videos.
Hate the machine set up part of V25, but the basic 4th axis stuff has potential. Still have to hand write the subroutine parts. Far as I can tell Bobcad still won't deal with M97, M98.
Drill and tap cycles seem pretty strong, and the generated
feed and speed rates are coming up with pretty accurate chip loads.
Their Haas post processor seems compatable with my VF2.

Guy down the street bought the 4th and 5th axis pro version.
So I'll have an opportunity to get a peak at it.

I'll also add that I know just enough to be really dangerous.
 
I use Aspire 3.5 from Vectric software and the post processor was developed by my CNC manufacturer, ShopBot.
 
What I use

I use unigraphics and tebis. But I don't make cues, I make great big metal stamping dies.:grin: It's also been awhile since I've been on the cnc's. Ive been working in the presses and on the and scheduling end of things for a couple years. I also used "work nc" and "smirtware", but that was a long time ago.
,Tom
 
Thanks for the post. I am just now moving into the 21st century and learning a little about CNC. I am sure I will have a million and one questions. Right now I am playing with the Aspire free trial program. Not sure if my windows XP will run the aspire program. Is there a decent cad program that will run on XP or am I going to have to upgrade? Only one million questions to go.

Larry
 
63Kcode said:
Thanks for the post. I am just now moving into the 21st century and learning a little about CNC. I am sure I will have a million and one questions. Right now I am playing with the Aspire free trial program. Not sure if my windows XP will run the aspire program. Is there a decent cad program that will run on XP or am I going to have to upgrade? Only one million questions to go.

Larry
Click to expand...

Larry,

I am running Aspire running Windows XP on my laptop. You won't have any issues.
 
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Cue software

I am running Autocad 2009. I like it better than some of the more recent versions. I import into Mastercam10 to generate toolpaths and I use MCFAN post processor. I run 4 axis in MachIII on a 4 axis machine that I built. 38" x travel to get complete butt in so no registration needed for butt sleeve and forearm machining.
 
Draw in Autocad and toolpath with bobcad24. I like the interface of cam in bobcad, i just doubt i can get where i wanna go with it.
 
Solid Edge modeling. Autocad 2D. Bobcad V23 for tool path. Gecko control running Mach 3 thanks to Mc2. :wink:
 
cutter said:
Jim,
Running Bobcad V25. Just got done going thru most of the videos.
Hate the machine set up part of V25, but the basic 4th axis stuff has potential. Still have to hand write the subroutine parts. Far as I can tell Bobcad still won't deal with M97, M98.
Drill and tap cycles seem pretty strong, and the generated
feed and speed rates are coming up with pretty accurate chip loads.
Their Haas post processor seems compatable with my VF2.

Guy down the street bought the 4th and 5th axis pro version.
So I'll have an opportunity to get a peak at it.

I'll also add that I know just enough to be really dangerous.
Click to expand...

Steve, M codes are specific to machines. Machine code. That is why bobcad does not handle them specifically well other than standard codes. M98 will work I guess however, I don't use Bobcad's subroutine. I hard coded mine into the post processor and it works great. If you want, I would be happy to help you in this area. If you can tell me what your looking for, I would be happy to try and modify your post.

JIm.
 
LGSM3 said:
Draw in Autocad and toolpath with bobcad24. I like the interface of cam in bobcad, i just doubt i can get where i wanna go with it.
Click to expand...

Where are you trying to go with bobcad? I maybe able to help. Can I assume you are using Mach 3 for your machine?

Jim.
 
DanO said:
Solid Edge modeling. Autocad 2D. Bobcad V23 for tool path. Gecko control running Mach 3 thanks to Mc2. :wink:
Click to expand...

DanO, your welcome. I do admire an individual as yourself who builds their own machine and gets great results from it. I hate to admit, I get just as much satisfaction on building equipment as I do cues.

Jim.
 
Thanks Jim, right back at ya. I’d rather build my own and understand the idiosyncrasies of it than buy something turn key and not. CNC is an entire different animal for me though. Still learning to walk. Building it was the easy part.
 
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