Mastercam Or Work N/C?

[deerslayer3244]

Hey Guy's

 

I'm a Program Manager at a modular fixture shop in Michigan. The Owner put in charge of buying new N/C software. So I figured I would ask the expert's which software is better. Our basic needs for this software are being able to Surface and cut small details on a Fadal 80/30 or Fadal 40/20 VMC, originated from Catia, Unigraphics, and Autocad software. I know how much Work N/C cost's, however I can not find a price comparison for Mastercam anywhere on the net. Price is always a concern, however it will not be the deciding factor in this case. If any of you out there could give me some insight on this program I can use to make my decision. I would be greatly appreciative.

 

Thanks Gary

[cqualls]

I can tell you that a full blown Mill level 3would cost you approximately the same as Work nc, but sounds like you might only need level 1 or 2(don't know costs). I've not used Work Nc, from what I hear its a very good program but it is strictly a cam system. Mastercam is also a very good cam system with the added benefit of 3d cad. With your local Mastercam dealer and the use of this forum you can't beat the service you will get from Mastercam. Very quick responses to your questions on this forum.

I have never had any problems importing files from Pro-e, Catia, Solid Works, or Inventor into Mastercam.

[mold100]

C'mon man,Your on a mastercam forum are we really going to say "hey, you oughta buy work NC", not gonna happen.I evaluated it about a year ago for our shop and it was 25 % more cost

than mill level 3.User friendliness NOT. no excellnt forum such as this where you can get most technical answers at 2:00 a.m. its great.

Try doing some 2d drawing and cutting in work NC.

I have eval. 6 other cam systems in the last 3 years some have really good features but #4# I gotta stick with the champ.

 

MASTERCAM there I even spelled it out for ya.

 

OH yea welcome to our humble forum.

[Trevor Bailey]

You will get good info from the forum on which is better, etc.....However, you should contact your local dealer for pricing, demo, etc........

[godzillia_dude]

I am a very new Mastercam user and I hope that this point of reference/view might help. I looked for about 5 months doing research, going to Westec, having demos done and what I found out is that there are 2 extremly big benifits to Mastercam (and yes, I am learning more benifits every day). The first big advantage is that Mastercam is so user friendly that I have been able to figure out a lot of things on my own without tech support and that translated into machines running fairly quickly. The second issue is that out here in southern california, you can't swing a 3 iron without hitting someone who knows how to at least do some 2D work in Mastercam! The NTMA Training Centers (my favorite) and several community colleges teach Mastercam. Tech service may be great with some other but not having to special train people when hiring for a position; that is powerful and a great value for the dollar. Another note would be that tech support out here (Cad-Cam Consutants, HB) has been great. HTH and ciao

[Scott Bond]

quote:

---

The Owner put in charge of buying new N/C software.

---

Avoid comparing brochure to brochure, every software looks great on

there prepared demo.

Locate a dealer , that will show up and give

a Brand-X- demo on one of your parts.

Locate a Mastercam dealer , that will show up and give

a demo on one of your parts.

Repeat until you see what your looking for.

 

[ 01-18-2003, 01:30 PM: Message edited by: Scott Bond ]

[deerslayer3244]

Guy's,

 

The reason I posted a message in this forum is because I was leaning toward Mastercam, and just wanted to have some hard copy comments to show the owner. I appreciate your input and comments. I knew up front that I would get a bias opinion, however I had a feeling some of you would have had experience with both programs, and I was right. Thanks for your speedy replies, and comments. I look forward to getting involved more in this forum, and I'm sure I'll have many more questions as time goes by.

 

Thanks Gary

[Trevor Bailey]

Gary I do not know if you have a demo disk or not, but you may want to get one and then you will in turn be able to practice on the software of choice and at the same time, show the higherups the power that you will have at hand. Also, show them the resource that this forum has and is for all Mastercam users.

[deerslayer3244]

Trevor,

 

That is a very good suggestion, and I am going to look into getting a sample disc tomorrow. Also I plan to setup this forum tomorrow on our server, for everyone to see how, this site will benefit us with first hand support from the guys that use the forum and software evey day. I'm very pleased all the interest and help I have been receiving with my search for information.

 

Thanks to all for your help

Gary

[Gary]

Gary just wondering were in michigan your shop is from.

[mikhael gutman]

Hi !

I am using both Mastercam and WorkNC

In my opinion WorkNC you can use as advance tool for surface machining only.

[Trevor Bailey]

Mikael,

 

Not to start a flaming debathere, but wuold you mind posting an "advanced surface' program to the FTP site that you think WorkNC is better at? I believe this would make for some very interesting viewing for our forum members.

[mold100]

I to would like a crack at an advanced surface model,I think I need a good challange.

[deerslayer3244]

Hey Guy's

 

To answer the first question about my location in Michigan. We are located in a city called Warren, It's about 18 miles north of downtown Detroit. By the way you guys are tops in my book. I showed the forum to the Big guy today and he was impressed that I took the bull by the horns and not only researched the software, but also found a support forum as well. I see V.P. in my future. Well, anyway I have a rep coming in on Weds. to demo the software. I will keep you informed on how things workout. Again, you guys really came through for me and I appreciate it. By the way, I'm not just a paper jockey, I spent 18 years on the floor, programming, designing and building, before I worked my way into Management. So I know where you are coming from as well.

 

Thanks Gary

[iowajim62]

Hi Gary,

 

Welcome to the Forum. There is not a better free learning tool than this Forum for MC. The other thing that you find here is knowledge covering all aspects of manufacturing. Finally you will also find alot of Really Good People .

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Thanks for coming in Gary. Hope to see you back or prehaps one of your programmers.

[mikhael gutman]

Hi !

I am working at mold shop. So we have to cut many 2D and 3D complicate parts .

We found that Mastercam match better for 2D stuff not bad for 3D too (Excellent tool for mold maker).

But for 3D WorkNC works better . Fast calculation, easy to use, create safe, gauge free tool path. This is my personal opinion

Regards to All.

 

[ 01-22-2003, 06:45 AM: Message edited by: mikhael gutman ]

[Dave1286490654]

Gary:

After you purchase mastercam will you be in need of a programmer? I live in the area and have been using mastercam for several years.If interested talk to Rob Shea at axsys.I've known him for years

[deerslayer3244]

Dave,

 

We are currently looking for a programmer/operator right now. Our programmers also do the cutting operations as well. If your interested let me know.

 

Thanks Gary