PRO/E VERSE SOLID WORKS or other Software

[M_CODE1]

We are in the process of looking for a higher end

design software than we currently use, which is Mastercam. Still plan on using Mastercam to program our laths and mills. What I am looking to do is design fixtures in solids/surfaces models then make 2D prints to make the fixture, and what ever other job comes up. Was wanting to know what everyone on emastercam would recommend for design software. I was looking into Pro/E a few months ago because one of our customs used that software and would like us to have it also. The price of the basic package was about 5K with out the maintance and training. Does anyone know about what Solid Works would cost? Any advice you guys could give me would be greatly appreciated

[Guest]

Solidworks is in the same cost neighborhood.

 

I would suggest SW as it is what I use and like using.

[gcode]

I would go with SolidWorks also. I took a ProE

class a few years ago and found SW to be much

easier to learn.

Anothe factor is Mastercam in SolidWorks , a new product coming out this year. Realistically, it

will probably be a while before you can build

fixtures with it. The first release will contain the 3D high speed toolpaths and drilling , but at some point you will be able to design and machine your tooling all in one interface.

If properly put together, SolidWorks design power

and Mastercam toolpaths with make a very

powerful Cad/Cam package.

[Roger Peterson]

A few years ago I would have said run from Pro-e. But wildfire is not bad at all. I have only played with it with someone there to ask questions but the software really seemed pretty easy to use compared to the pre-wildfire days. I have used solidworks and prefer it, but I would certainly look at both, especially if your main customer has it.

 

 

JM2C

[Darren Long SPE]

Solidworks is the business.

 

Autocad Inventor has a very-very short learning curve, so that is worth looking at also. They have improved their Swept Feature options so you can create some neat looking forms.

[Guest]

only have solidworks and cadkey-keycreator experience here but both are worth consideration for what you are wanted to do.

[M_CODE1]

I know we need to get some thing new soon. Right now designing models in Mastercam then making 2d prints from that is a real pain. I know Mastercam has the solid Layout feature, but that is almost worthless most of the time, only comes in handy on the ISO view.

[robk]

I have used Cadkey & Solidworks in the past.

UG is what I use now and I would strongly recommend it.

[JNO]

Highly recommend SolidWorks.

[cqualls]

For ease of use I would look at Solidworks, but if your customers use pro-e I would certainly consider it. I've used both and currently use Solidworks. Solidworks has a much shorter learning curve though Pro-e is much better since the release of Wildfire.

[M_CODE1]

Does any do any importing of native Pro/E files into Solid Works? Do they translate smoothly?

 

I see that my local reseller of Solid Works has hands on Seminars at there office for you to

"test drive" the software". Looks like something I should invesagate. The Pro/E rep never had any thing like that, probally could talk him into coming here to give me a demo.

[MACHINEMASTERG]

solidworks is what weve been using for years

[Redfire427]

Our engineers use ProE and hate it. Way too complicated for general stuff, however, it is very powerful for assemblies and a few other functions. Technical support is almost non-existent.

[M_CODE1]

Thanks for all the imput, more is still welcome.

Looks like the general consenses is to go with solid works. Easy to use and the learing curve seem to be a greater strength of it over Pro/E.

[gcode]

quote:

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Does any do any importing of native Pro/E files into Solid Works? Do they translate smoothly

---

At a previous job we got a lot of very complex

ProE solid models from Rayteon. They sent them to us as step files and IGES. I was surprised at how well IGES (aka I Guess) came in, but steps came perfectly.

[Chris Rizzo]

Take a look at the support out there. There are so many SW users (here alone) that training, technical support, questions, etc. are much more available. Most community colleges have sw training, i've only seen a few with pro/e.

 

When people compare initial entry into various cam software, i always tell them about the support. Just about any mastercam question you have can be answered in around 5 minutes. Usually by John Paris.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

quote:

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...Take a look at the support out there. There are so many SW users (here alone) that training, technical support, questions, etc. are much more available. Most community colleges have sw training, i've only seen a few with pro/e...

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+1

 

quote:

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...Just about any mastercam question you have can be answered in around 5 minutes. Usually by John Paris...

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+14,531

[Guest]

quote:

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+14,531

---

Lets get it right at least

 

it's 14,534

 

 

I had to look

[M_CODE1]

Thanks for your help, I just got done having a metting with the Solid Works sales guy. Seem like this is the software that I want to go with. There support seems to be very good.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

When I quoted it I had it right!

[cqualls]

Yes pro-e files will import good if you have them saved in the step format. I have more problems importing inventor files than anything, but believe most of the problems is related to having imperfections in the inventor files when they are sent to me.

[crazy^millman]

it will change by a 1000 by the end of the week.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Actually on average he only posts 70x per week if you take his total and divide it up by 4 years (his approximate time of joining this fine forum).

[cappy]

I have used both SW and PRo-E. For simple stuff I prefer SW, but Pro-E seems to be better at complicated assemblies and customizable with the relations feature. We have one standard product line that is driven with Pro-E Family tables and it works really well, not to mention the years behind getting there. Pro-E in my opinion harder to pick up than SW.

 

Greg.

[Thee Rickster ™]

A friend of mine owns a engineering/design company

in Toronto and he has the latest in both.

 

(He also has Catia for certain clients)expensive!!

 

His major work is designing concept cars for

major automotive companies

 

He is a wizard at both and really fast at both

he prefers pro-e because he has many clients who

use pro-e.

 

 

to each his own I suppose.