EdgeCAM from Pathtrace in the UK works pretty well on "associativity" with sending 3D solids to Inventor /Solidworks. Feature recognition works very well, if you update your 3d design, in your design system, EdgeCAM will recognize and understand these changes. It will also automatically update the CAM paths, and Code with very little human interaction. It's not perfect yet, but who is? However, one drawback for some is that it's still not bi-directional "associativity". EdgeCAM does not send "associativity" back to an Engineering Design system, it's a one way trip, but in most companies or cases this is best. Most others are in a two year lag or catch-up mode in comparison. MasterCAM and Gibbs have just started to really pull in solids to CAM with any associative nature.
Best of luck and I hope this helps. I've included some optional URL's for your reading pleasure. www.edgecam.com http://www.edgecam.com/default.asp?goUrl=/uk/product/Solidmachinist.shtml Greg Pelly An Old SmartCAM - Point Control Int'l AE. -----Original Message----- From: Nigel Webb [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2002 1:39 AM To: Al Jones; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [mfg-smartcam] RE: Try Edgecam from Pathtrace especially if you're looking at 3D work. It seemlessly link to Solidworks, SolidEdge & Autodesk (I can only vouch for Solidworks as this is how we use it). Edgecam with was our choice after we looked at, Delcam Power Shape/Mill, Mastercam, Teksoft Camworks, Feature Mill, Ideas Artizan/Manufacturing, NC Graphics Toolmaker/Machining Strategist, Gibbs, And a few more that I can not remember The main reason for choosing Edgecam was the link between Solidworks and Edgecam. It means the ability to work with customer models without having to redraw them. And because it is associative, if the customer alters his/her model Edgecam will update the machining! Other notes. Delcam - Fantastic product in 3D, not very good in 2D with tool comp, not associative when linking to Solidworks Mastercam - Very expensive Camworks - Excellent ease of use but always had issues on difficult machining Ideas - Just appeared very old NC Graphics - Just as good as Delcam in 3D, not very good at 2D Gibbs - Poor 3D machining cycles Nigel Webb Industrial Plastic Fabrications Ltd www.ipfl.co.uk -----Original Message----- From: Al Jones [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: 25 November 2002 21:59 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: We are about 1 week away from choosing between Mastercam & Esprit. Smartcam was my first and only cam system but we need to move into Solids. Any biased or unbiased comments about either system would be appreciated. Thanks in advance Al Jones ====================================================================== To find out more about this mailing list including how to unsubscribe, send the message "info mfg-smartcam" to [EMAIL PROTECTED] ====================================================================== ====================================================================== To find out more about this mailing list including how to unsubscribe, send the message "info mfg-smartcam" to [EMAIL PROTECTED] ====================================================================== ====================================================================== To find out more about this mailing list including how to unsubscribe, send the message "info mfg-smartcam" to [EMAIL PROTECTED] ======================================================================
