Modeling software for CNC (Mach3)

[wyz2285]

Goodnight folks.
Got my CNC router settled down and running, have been cutting some wood and stuff.
Gonna reinforce the x axis structure during the week to eliminate some vibe it gets when making deep cuts and prepare it for metal working. When the reinforcements are done I'd like to mill some more serious projects, things the current modeling software Vcarve pro isn't capable of (or convenient) to do.
So I'd like to ask which software should I use for modeling stuff for 4 axis milling? The router is controlled by Mach3 so the software must be able to output the compatible file for it.
Thanks in advance

[matti]

If I get it correctly you need G code for your machine? Then I would say, try CamBam (free/very cheap) or if you need better then try Mastercam with 4 axis milling if you can get one.. Matercam cost a lot.. For us it was over 20 000 euros for license.

I have used both, CamBam is very good for basic stuff, but I don't know if it even supports 4 axis. But are you really talking about 4 axis or do you mean 3 axis 3D milling?

[wyz2285]

I have used both, CamBam is very good for basic stuff, but I don't know if it even supports 4 axis. But are you really talking about 4 axis or do you mean 3 axis 3D milling?

I have a rotating 4th axis, so I suppose its 3 axis 3D milling.
From what I read the Mach3 reads g code, but I'm pretty sure not the same g code as what my 3D printer reads
I will check out cambam, thanks

[wyz2285]

Hey guys.
Not much fun with cambam, doesn't seem to allowing me to have a rotary action (from a 4th axis)
Gonna try pirate mastercam but I'd appreciate a little more feedback on the subject, am I the only one here with a machine running on Mach3?

[ramses]

Hey guys.
Not much fun with cambam, doesn't seem to allowing me to have a rotary action (from a 4th axis)
Gonna try pirate mastercam but I'd appreciate a little more feedback on the subject, am I the only one here with a machine running on Mach3?

Some CAD programs (especially the real ones like Siemens NX, Catia, and even Solidworks and Autodesk Fusion) have a built in package.

There is also a plugin for Rhino that can at least do 3 axis (no rotary) machining.

I've also heard that there is a plugin for blender that will do 4/5 axis tool paths. I have used none of them.

[wyz2285]

Thanks!
Used to use Autodesk Fusion but mostly I use Inventor, will head back to my old PC with Fusion installed and check.

[mobile chernobyl]

Mastercam, however you choose to obtain it, is very friendly with SolidWorks.

I've used the two together for CNC Lathe, Mill and EDM (no... not the music lol). And I don't consider myself an expert by any means - it's just a reallllly good tool path program that ties into SolidWorks really well and understands all of your drawing properties to make toolpath generation stupid easy.

[wyz2285]

Well as an Inventor user I'm not too inclined to start solidworks. Didn't have much luck "getting" Mastercam anyway so...
Used my student account and got the Autodesk Fusion 360, at least it has 3D milling CAM incorporated, a good point to start I guess.
Thanks folks, I'll be updating my venture into CNC machining.

[CS]

I use google sketchup for modeling. Simple interface and lots of powerful tricks built in. I can build anything I imagine with it. Thats not saying much.