PDA

View Full Version : Recommendations for CAM software



leon_tyler
08-23-2012, 09:05 PM
We're looking for a new CAM package to generate our ShopBot code. We run two PRSAlphas that are essentially the backbone of our productivity.

The parts are almost all MDF, melamine, or masonite, and most of the work consists of milling thru holes and drilling associated pilot holes that hold the woofers, tweeters, etc. we put into our speakers.

We've used AlibreCAM in the past, but it's clunky and requires too many workarounds to be efficient. We've got a couple of our designers saying we need MasterCAM, but I'm pretty sure it's overkill. And at $15k for a chair, it's a hard sell...

Any recommendations for a more reasonably priced CAM package?

Thanks!

steve_g
08-23-2012, 09:15 PM
Tyler

For what you're doing... PartWorks (ShopBot specific V-Carve Pro) is more than adequate. You don't even need the pricier Aspire... at least for what you're doing now. Any one who wants MasterCAM was raised on it and sees an easy learning curve...

SG

gene
08-23-2012, 10:12 PM
Steve hit the nail on the head !

adrianm
08-24-2012, 04:43 AM
Go to www.vectric.com and download the trial versions of VCarve (partworks) and Aspire.

leon_tyler
08-31-2012, 05:32 PM
Thanks for the recommendations guys! I'll check out those demos.