The Assimilation Continues

[gcode]

Maybe

I'm going to add to the Maybe

If file size is not a problem, some of the ModuleWorks toolpaths yield really nice toolpaths in a 3X, 4X or 3+2
environment.
The morph toolpath comes to mind.
If you know how to use it, it can produce superior results with a minimum of work
Parallel, set up to emulate swarf, and hooked to a stock model can do amazing things roughing walls.
 

[JParis]

I'm going to add to the Maybe

If file size is not a problem, some of the ModuleWorks toolpaths yield really nice toolpaths in a 3X, 4X or 3+2
environment.
The morph toolpath comes to mind.
If you know how to use it, it can produce superior results with a minimum of work
Parallel, set up to emulate swarf, and hooked to a stock model can do amazing things roughing walls.
 

Sure can.

If it's not a "need" though, I wouldn't incur that additional cost, no real payback.  If a job comes up that you need it, then hell yes.

[MIL-TFP-41]

My experience with NX was akin to me trying to use a PC with a trackball, left handed, while standing on my head. Usable, but a pain in the ass till you got used to it.

[riverhunter]

NX... overhyped...

That's funny right there!  I have used Catia, NX and MC over the last 15+ years and they are not hard to learn unless your just plain stubborn and want them to work like MC.

[CNCAppsJames]

I used CATIA between 2005 and 2015 as my primary CAD and secondary CAM. I would estimate it took me a year to gain an acceptable (to me) proficiency on the CAM side. 

CAD was far faster... ~1 month. 

I did not expect it to work like anything else. Judged it on it's own merits. Big difference between it and a host of other CAM systems, you have to tell it. EVERYTHING.  There are no default settings that will net you usable motion.

[riverhunter]

There are no default settings that will net you usable motion.

This is one of the biggest issues with advanced CAM systems I have came across.  The OOTB configurations is pretty much useless and leads to frustration. MC is a lot better OOTB.  What you put in is what you get out.  Knowing what you want is the key. 

[TSmcam]

That's funny right there!  I have used Catia, NX and MC over the last 15+ years and they are not hard to learn unless your just plain stubborn and want them to work like MC.

That is why at first, I struggled with TopSolid. I tried to use it like Mastercam. Then, I realised that I had to understand the workflow, and then when I reapplied myself, I jumped on board quickly. Since then, I explain that to new users, and they get it.

[TSmcam]

As the Stomach Churns

Cimquest about to be sucked up too? Yikes.

[JParis]

Cimquest about to be sucked up too? Yikes.

They were the 1st in the US... this is just the final movement

[TSmcam]

They were the 1st in the US... this is just the final movement

Oh, Cimquest has already been purchased? I missed or forgot that. You're part of the machine now

[JParis]

Oh, Cimquest has already been purchased? I missed or forgot that. You're part of the machine now

Oh yeah,  back in February
https://www.mastercam.com/news/press-releases/mastercam-to-acquire-reseller-cimquest/

It's all going to be part of the machine soon

[TSmcam]

Oh yeah,  back in February
https://www.mastercam.com/news/press-releases/mastercam-to-acquire-reseller-cimquest/

It's all going to be part of the machine soon

I wonder if it will spread to the rest of the world. Probably in due course. Although down here, Coromant tooling is sold through distributors now. There is no local/country office at all, and no Sandvik employed representatives.

[Here's Johnny!]

I wonder if it will spread to the rest of the world. Probably in due course.

Your resistance is futile!!!! 

[SuperHoneyBadger]

Your resistance is futile!!!! 

Hinga dinga Borgen! Joina da cubie, yah?

[TSmcam]

Your resistance is futile!!!! 

LOL, doesn't affect me at all. CNC Software and its reseller here hate me.

Its been a while since I plugged the hasp in