I am currently doing an analysis of different CAD/CAD/CAM software and I would like to have your opinions on these different choices:
TOPSOLID, SOLIDWORKS, POINTLINE, 20-20
My wish in doing this analysis is to save time between the moment we carry out the drawing and the production on the CNC while setting up the toolpath of the machine.
Note that our workshop contains a digital machine from Morbidelli dating from 2008 with the XILOG PLUS program.
The software must also be able to output a debiting list.
The goal is also to have a software that is not too hard to adapt.
I'm currently a draftsman on solidworks, I find that in terms of drawing it's really not bad. On the other hand I have never done machining with solidworks. I used to work in a forge in CAD and CAM we used topsolid topcam for die making. I was doing tool courses for milling machines, lathes, wire erosion and frankly it worked really well. The transition from 3d to CAM is really very user-friendly. The realization of tool paths is easy but you need to have experience in machining, having training as a turner-miller helps.
SolidWorks is really very user-friendly for drawing, and for manufacturing, there is the free HSMXpress add-on, here is a presentation video and tutorial:
Hello, I was able to work on Top Solid Top cam and before that on Solidworks and EFICN. Well frankly Top solid and top cam was way ahead of Solid for the CAM party. However, it was less easy to get to grips with. As usual, any software has its advantages but also... its disadvantages... And I confirm what @Obiwan says, it is very useful to know programming on lathe and milling machine, its limit surprises.
I was able to work on EFICN which for me, is rather unsuitable for production, it really has its interest for education.
I also worked on Topolid, the interface and handling are a bit difficult to get to grips with when you're used to Solidworks, but the software works very well!
I also worked on Catia as Topsolid the handling may seem difficult, but you get used to it quickly. Just like Topsolid, it's a very good CAM software, which I think is the most complete.
I agree with you, I strongly advise to have a basic programming, to check the cutting conditions, the tools, the trajectories ..
We are 2 draftsmen in a company of 110 people. We use Solidwoks and each one has different complements, I am more focused on bending and laser programming and for that I have Topsworks which allows me to directly generate files for bending machines as well as laser programming files and my colleague for machining. Everyone has advantages for using a software or add-on... For me you should do an analysis of your needs as well as supplements that could bring you something and depending on the result see who proposes what...
Yes, but you have to look at swood, it's solidworks for wood
And you will be able to perform the same tasks as on normal solidworks, it's the same engine and the same base, but study for wood
ĺĺenterprise domespace ( the saucer houses ) among others bump on SW this is the image you see on the link I posted to you on my previous answer
And it's not the only one, far from the furniture, window manufacturers, among others, if I'm not mistaken , Ikea
Above all, you need to know what your needs are in 3D drive works which is a solidworks complement to easily create rules for part families
You make a part via these general outer sides and by modifying these sides all the internal parts follow automatically and give you the flow of each part etc........
The subject dates from 2016, it looks like an unearthing.
I notice that the recurring problem and their ability to do what is rather reassuring; unless @Christian.m meant inability to do which is in this case a less positive assertion: but still indicates a constancy since 2016 the " to do " (add the missing word with the prefix IN). ;-)
Hello We also do an analysis for the use of drawing software within our company. I'm working on Top Solid to design parts distribution systems. What do you think is the best software for designing this type of machine application?
We are in woodworking, and we are on SW for the drawing / MEP part then AlphaCam on the CAM side and then on Xilog for one of our machines. (an SCM Record 125)
pares 2 strategy are possible with alphcam either from the 3D of SW for example and do automatic machining (we prefer to manage manually and from a 2D in DWG except rare 5axis machining on another machine)
Under AlphaCam it is possible to do routines or macros in VBA to simplify certain tasks.
After that, as with all software, it's a matter of license cost.
Is it better to have a software for each step or to have the same for everything like SW with the cam module or fuzion 360 all integrated or a ZW3D with its cam module.
Ideally, for the Alphacam solution, you also need to have the xilog on the same workstation and then export it to the machine.
Here are my remarks in bulk^^
Edit: I didn't pay attention that it was a digging up:) Oops? But you never know the answers can still help^^