Im starting out with cam software and need to make a choice, dont want to waste time on learning something thats turn out not to be compatible…
I have a working install of solidworks + camworks, but as far as i can tell the postproc for this package is old and not compatible with kinetic control?
Mastercam seems to be an option as a standalone package, unfortunately it no longer integrates with solidworks. (Fusion is not an option)
Is my info correct? Solidworks has post proc but not compatible with kinetic, next best thing might be solidworks for cad, mastercam for cam?
Hello - been using Mastercam’s hobbyist licence with PNC’s 2025 post. Models generated via Fusion/Inventor/Rhino. Learning curve having had some previous cad/cam experience was not too steep. Something “arty” e.g. a walking stick top Darth Vader’s helmet is reasonably straightforward.
The main issue it does throw some extra gcode wobbles which can be edited out in a editor.
It also really shines (as it should…….) on cad files - automating many tasks.
However I’m a hobbyist so the £10k for a commercial licence - thank goodness I’m on the hobby at sub £200. Follow Titan cnc for info.
At the other end I’d recommend Deskproto - it’s more craft than cad and not really full 5 axis - more 4.5ish but once you’ve understood it’s coordination it’s an inexpensive option.
If money is no object have a look at Solidcam. The iMachine component is great for automated work but I can’t comment on PNC experience my hobby version outputs for Mach3 on my other machines. But having worked through some 5 axis practice inside SolidCam it’s a breeze aside maybe setting up tool library. That’s where Mastercam shines and it’s support and tutorials and example files that can be reverse engineered.