ICAM for Post Development

[mcrae_andrew]

What is the concensus about using ICAM for post development? I have just inherited a new Integrex and will be involved in the post issues for both Mastercam and Pro/E?

Will M/C spit out a nice APT file for direct read into my post or what will I need to interface?

Resellers are welcome to answer.

Andrew

[cadcam]

Mastercam will not out put APT but you can get the nci to APT from Cimtech

[mcrae_andrew]

Another Code with an incremental cost I bet! (see previous post requesting codes)

Thanks Jay, Any other feedback on ICAM?

Andrew

[Trevor Bailey]

I have only read about and toyed with ICAM very little. Never had the chance to acutally test the code. The idea of the package seems "niffty". I, too, would be interested in hearing from someone who uses ICAM in a "daily" manor.

[Guest]

We have been developing the Integrex post processor for the 200Y and the 200SY Mazak Integrex machines.

I personally wouldn't go in the direction of the ICAM software based on extensive testing from Dave at In-House and the development process that we've been through with the Integrex.

The good thing about this thread is that we HAVE a working Integrex post for the 5 axis 200SY machines.

Luc

[mcrae_andrew]

Luc,

Thanks for the advice, I however have two packages to consider - Pro E and Mastercam. I would like to use the same post for both and with the NCI-APT converter, I should be able to.

All input is welcome on either ICAM or the Integrex experience.

Andrew

[KeepMePosted]

Andrew -

Have you checked out PostHASTE? It will work with both MasterCAM NCI files (no need for conversion!)AND APT CL files (from Pro-E or any other CAM system).

The guys at Printronix have Mastercam and Pro-E and use PostHASTE for both!

Check out...

www.postprocessor.com

... Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Paul

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Well, I have dealt with ICAM and have found them to be very professional and I've done a bit of evaluation of their product. One drawback is the price. For a Mori Seiki MT-251SY, (Main Spindle, Sub Spindle, Turret, X, Y, and Z) the software and post was going to run in the $7,000 to 10,000 range. Mastercam Post for this machine, about $5,000..... It is relatively easy to use, basically answer questions about your machine, and it will spit out a post, granted it's a bit more complex than that but that's the jist of it.

If you have multiple dis-similar 4,5,6+ axis machines, the ICAM may be for you, but if you've got only one machine that is going to require a "tricked out" post, the MC Post, and the Pro/E Post may me your best bet. One thing for certain, the ICAM folks will take very good care of you.

JM2C for what it's worth.