Question: CAD Software

[WolfLMM]

I was about to ask about this software. I just started working with this some at school this semester. Is it any good? How similar is it to SolidWorks? Sounds like SolidWorks is a much more common modeling software. Is there much of a learning curve to go from one to the other?

Solid works is WAY more powerfull. Its pretty different from solid edge (what I used in school) to solid works (what I use at work), but once you get the general "jist" of one cad program you can usually jump to another and not have terrible problems. User interface is better with solid works.

With that said, Solid edge is a great program to learn on IMHO, and can do pretty much anything SW can do, just not as good:angel::rofl:

 

[JoshH]

Good to know. Thanks for the info. I played with AutoCAD some in high school, but that was over 10 years ago. You're a ME, right?

 

[WolfLMM]

yea, i have already forgotten pretty much everything though:spit: Only thing I remember is what directly pertains to machining.

 

[Osubeaver]

I should add, CAM software is a PAIN in the ass in general. Most of the generated tool paths are loaded with excess moves and a bunch of just shit in general.

Rant over.

We've already been through this once If you have a properly written post processor, and know inside and out how to get the results you want, the code is just fine.

Only in very large production runs, in my opinion, will you see any gain that justifys spending any time editing code by hand. Especially when your customer throws rev changes at you the next run, then you need to start your editing all over.

Unless your post is junk. But I'm a work smarter, not necessary harder kind of guy. Invest the time up front and fix the problem at it's source.

 

[WolfLMM]

We run parts by the tens of thousands, every millisecond counts. While it may or may not bother you any excess move is more wear on the machine...