[MBX5]

I am a Solidworks user, and have been using HSMWorks for 2 years. As of yesterday Autodesk purchased HSMWorks...for now they are saying they are going to support the Solidworks platform, but I have my reserves about that....

So - I am looking to go with another CAM package - 2.5D, possibly 3D. I was happy with HSMWorks, unfortunately I am no longer happy with them because of selling out to Autodesk.

SolidCAM looks nice. I have to download the demo and see what its about...

I wanted to ask here - if you were to do it all over again, would you purchase SolidCAM again or would you recommend it even?

I am a bit apprehensive to purchase another integrated CAM package because of how things went down with HSMWorks... Seriously considering a seat of MasterCAM Mill1 or 2....but I really prefer to have an integrated solution...

Any advice would be great. Thanks! :cheers:

[Brakeman Bob]

Been a SolidCAM user for eight years and for what we do, it was the right decision.

For the type of work you describe I would look at SolidCAM Express or OneCNC, especially if your machines have Fanuc controls. MasterCAM is a good package but if you only program parts that have been modelled in SolidWorks (as opposed to imported from say IGES or STEP), then the SolidCAM / SolidWorks bundle is very good value.

[KevinWilkins]

I can't imagine Autodesk will stop supporting HSM for Solidworks. They'd have to be nuts to do that. Ok Ok, anything is possible but I'd wait a while before I dumped HSM unless you're really not happy with it anyway.

[pdavg2]

Solidcam every time

[MBX5]

I can't imagine Autodesk will stop supporting HSM for Solidworks. They'd have to be nuts to do that. Ok Ok, anything is possible but I'd wait a while before I dumped HSM unless you're really not happy with it anyway.

Well I can only hope this is the case. Time will tell. I am not going to dump HSM at the moment, but am starting to investigate other options in the event that Autodesk decides to stop supporting it. I was/am extremely happy with HSMWorks (well the software, not so much the company)...so I really hope it stays running w/ Solidworks well into the future...at some point maybe, just maybe, Solidworks will purchase a CAM package to call their own...

[awerby]

While you're looking around, you might check out VisualMill for Solidworks. It plugs into the Solidworks workspace, which makes it easier to use than a standalone program, since you don't have to keep switching from one to the other. It comes in a base version which is quite reasonably priced but supports 2.5d and full 3d operations, in a Pro version with lots of high-end features including 4-axis machining, and a 5-axis version as well.

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com

[AiR_GuNNeR]

While you're looking around, you might check out VisualMill for Solidworks. It plugs into the Solidworks workspace, which makes it easier to use than a standalone program, since you don't have to keep switching from one to the other. It comes in a base version which is quite reasonably priced but supports 2.5d and full 3d operations, in a Pro version with lots of high-end features including 4-axis machining, and a 5-axis version as well.

Andrew Werby
ComputerSculpture.com — Home Page for Discount Hardware & Software

+1 for VisualMill. Very quick and easy to use.