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Anyone wise in the ways of CNC?

Anyone wise in the ways of CNC?

Anyone wise in the ways of CNC?

(OP)
We're going shopping for a CNC lathe today. We're looking at a couple of used machines.  I'm not a complete void, but I'm not terribly well-versed when it comes to the CNC programming.

So my question: Is there a computer (on the lathe) or CNC software that works really well with SWx?......or one that I should avoid like the plague when using SWx?

...as the kids say..."Word".

RE: Anyone wise in the ways of CNC?

Check out the Partners solutions at www.solidworks.com You can get a list of partners there and then you can have a more consise question.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376

RE: Anyone wise in the ways of CNC?

MMike1... To my knowledge, SW does not work directly with any CNC equipment. You will need to use a 3rd party software (like Edge Cam). So what you need to determine is what controller (fanuc, etc) the 3rd party software supports.


Making the best use of this Forum.  FAQ559-716
How to get answers to your SW questions.  FAQ559-1091
Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of 

RE: Anyone wise in the ways of CNC?

I would the same as Scott.
I am not aware of any CNC's that are better than others for SolidWorks. IMO, it really depends on the setup, operator, model file, etc.
Stick with quality name brands.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP3.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

RE: Anyone wise in the ways of CNC?

Your right CBL SW is not work directly with CNC, but if you buy a 3rd party app like mastercam or Edge cam that will work with your CNC lathe, etc... but finding them in the partners solutions one could almost guarantee that the Models coming from SW will work better inside of the 3rd party application purchased. If you get one that isn't then the you will have to export and deal with data translations more often.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376

RE: Anyone wise in the ways of CNC?

First, you will need to decide if the person driving SWx will actually be doing the programming.  This would be the first step in deciding if the integrated CAM software is even needed.  Their are pros & cons with an integrated CAM software verses a stand alone.  The packages I’ve had experience with are MasterCAM (Stand alone), Techsoft (stand alone, also makers of CAMWorks), and GIBs.  All have varying levels of options, and support most machines on the market today.  The CNC Lathe will come with a post processor and a computer interface.  If you do a search on this forum you will find a lot of information since this topic.

Best Regards,

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SW2005 SP 4.0 & Pro/E 2001
Dell Precision 370
P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
XP Pro SP2.0
NIVIDA Quadro FX 1400
      o
  _`\(,_
(_)/ (_)

"There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea"  Bernard-Paul Heroux
 

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