Anybody know of a good CAD program that can go straight to a CNC machine? I'm looking to get some things made, but I'd rather take the time to do all the drawings myself. I've used I-DEAS, Solidworks and Pro-Engineer so this would be nothing new for me. I just don't want to have to pay extra for someone to do all the CNC programming.

 

Mastercam.

 

Do you know what is required to set up a machine to CNC a part?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dave.g &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Do you know what is required to set up a machine to CNC a part?</TD></TR></TABLE>


I would certanly hope so. (I run them all day)


Mostly what the machine shop wants from you is a good drawing that all of the lines connect to eachother. They don't really need, or in most cases want a toolpath from a customer.

Machine crashes are bad.


If you have any questions about setting a mill up feel free to ask. I'll explain to the best of my ability.

 

http://emachineshop.com/

download and use their software, they are expensive for 1 off parts but something you need in a higher quantity shouldn't be that bad.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by McDade &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">http://emachineshop.com/

download and use their software, they are expensive for 1 off parts but something you need in a higher quantity shouldn't be that bad.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I have a family friend that runs a machine shop so I'd go through him for anything I need.

As far as drawings go, I think I'll just stick to Solidworks etc and just print from there. Maybe I can get a job there this summer and learn how to do some CNC programming.

 

Machine shop cad programs write cnc programs for you.

 

Damn. Even better. Maybe I can just go in and draw out the part and have him set up the machine.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dave.g &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Damn. Even better. Maybe I can just go in and draw out the part and have him set up the machine.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Exactly.


Or, you can learn how to set the machine up and do all of it yourself.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by matt_sb2000 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Exactly.


Or, you can learn how to set the machine up and do all of it yourself. </TD></TR></TABLE>

True. Although then he wouldn't be able to charge me anywhere near as much to make stuff.

 

That's the idea isn't it?

 

Not for him I'd hope.

How difficult is the CNC software compared to any CAD programs?

 

Machine shop programs are way easier then conventional cad programs.

 

Most of times you draw the CAD draving and save it as DXF. Most of the CNC machines nesting programs understand this format. This is how it's hapend on CNC sheet metal work machines.

 

We do all of our modeling in Solidworks, then use MasterCRAP, er, um, MasterCAM to convert it over for the mills, lathes, lasers, and EDM. This works for us, but for you it's gonna cost about $10,000 ($8,000 for SW, $2,000 for MC).

The best overall package I've seen is Unigraphics since it will generate a toolpath directly from the model, never having to convert between programs.

Your best bet is to draw the parts you need made, keeping in mind that any tolerances get much more expensive as they get closer to .030" and have a machine shop make them.

One of most inexpensive shops in my area is Benz Metal in Menomonee Falls, WI. They might even be able to ship to you cheaper than you can find locally.

I know my shop charges $65/hr for something like you're probably working on...

 

replying to above post...2,000 for mastercam? from where? I know ppl paying over 15 grand for master cam . i have gibbs cam and edge cam , gibbs cam was over 10 grand, edge came was more. maybe if you get a very very basic mc you can get it that cheap but i sure dont know where. if you do please tell me bc im tired of paying so much for a legal copy.

 

If you don't know how to operate a manual mill(and I don't know if you do or don't so please don't take this the wrong way) you shouldn't write CNC code(even with software like mastercam). You really need to get some seat time on a manual mill first. Then you can do some basic programming by hand. Learn some G code. Then jump to software. You still need to check your output code and make sure it is right before loading it onto a 20k+ machine.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by d@ve.G &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Anybody know of a good CAD program that can go straight to a CNC machine? I'm looking to get some things made, but I'd rather take the time to do all the drawings myself. I've used I-DEAS, Solidworks and Pro-Engineer so this would be nothing new for me. I just don't want to have to pay extra for someone to do all the CNC programming.</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

I worked on manual mills and lathes last year.

 

anyone ever used GeoPath? Very easy to use check it out http://solution-ware.com/

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Brandon Clifton &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">We do all of our modeling in Solidworks, then use MasterCRAP, er, um, MasterCAM to convert it over for the mills, lathes, lasers, and EDM. This works for us, but for you it's gonna cost about $10,000 ($8,000 for SW, $2,000 for MC).

The best overall package I've seen is Unigraphics since it will generate a toolpath directly from the model, never having to convert between programs.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

I currently use UG but our company does not have the CNC package and i forgot how to use it also since i left school.

 

What about Surf Cam I have heard this is a real good program as well.

 

i used surfcam before and it is comparable to mastercam.

 

well if you have I-DEAS then you are set... it will create a tool path for you, or well, you can go through and create it yourself.... So, since you have access to that, go play.

 

yo man mastercam is the best program for that i know how to do it email me if you got ne ?'s maybe i can use my old program to help you out. By the way what you lookin to make??

 

You have no idea how much I hate I-DEAS. What a lame *** program.