Opinion: What's the best 4-axis backplot software?

[jvarney]

I'm in the market for a good backplotting program to use for 4-axis and eventually 5-axis programs. I used to use Predator when I was programming with NX. Anybody know of a better one?

[Goldorak]

VERICUT !

[gcode]

If money is an issue, Predator is a good choice.

If you've got the $$$, it's Vericut.. hands down...

 

if you buy Vericut for just one machine, without Machine Builder and all the bells and whistles

the purchase is not as expensive as you might think .

Vericut annual maintenance is painful though

make sure you ask up front, or you'll be in for a rude surprise a year down the road..

[Greg Williams]

Vericut

[maxxperf]

I am new to Mastercam, is there a problem with their backplot?

[gcode]

is there a problem with their backplot?

 

no.. backplot works very well..

The shortfall is with Verify.. it runs on Mastercam NCI and does not alway reflect actual machine tool movements.

For regular 3axis mills and 2 axis lathes , its perfectly adequate.

To accurately simulate 4 axis and 5 axis mills and multiaxis mill/turn machines you must run the posted gcode.

Mastercam Verify cannot do this so many people use a 3rd party solution like Vericut or Predator VCNC.

The new Machine Simulation introduced in X5 is taking steps correct this, but it still runs on NCI,

not gcode.

[Guest]

The new Machine Simulation in X5 also introduces a new back plat AND verify, that are worth while to check out as well.

 

Verify on a 3 axis as gcode stated, works and it works well.

 

MachSim is really aimed are addressing 4 & 5 axis verify and MachSim DOES verify gcode which it creates off of the nci file, it uses an internal post processor to create the gcode.

[gcode]

MachSim DOES verify gcode which it creates off of the nci file, it uses an internal post processor to create the gcode

 

but is it the same gcode you'll be running on the machine?

[robk]

IMO, Vericut and only Vericut.

[Code_Breaker]

Vericut annual maintenance is painful though

 

It is 15% of current retail selling price ...

[Watcher]

Depending on what you want, a backplot software for 4/5 axis with fair results for some controls is Cimco-Edit professional.

 

JM2C

[André Lapointe@In-House Soluti]

 

MachSim DOES verify gcode which it creates off of the nci file, it uses an internal post processor to create the gcode

 

but is it the same gcode you'll be running on the machine?

 

The logic can be implemented into your own 5 axis post to output something that would be really close to gcode simulation as the coordinates given to the mach sim would be generated from the the same logic which generate the Gcode you put on the machine. This way you know that if you have a choosen in your misc value to use the positive solution of your tilt axis instead of the negative, you will see the good movement on the screen, for example. I know it has been done already.

[Guest Free Ipad]

Have you ever looked at ICAM ? They do the posting, verification (better than Vericut) and Control Emulation

[Guest]

Have you ever looked at ICAM ? They do the posting, verification (better than Vericut) and Control Emulation

 

Says the ICAM schill

[gcode]

Have you ever looked at ICAM

 

ICAM is great stuff. If you can afford it, you probably don't need to work for a living

MAKE SURE you are sitting down when you read the quote, else you may pass out and hurt yourself

[TheePres]

Does any of you know if possible to save as geometry the backplot toolpath from Vericut?

[EX-wccprogrammer]

The toolpath? No. But you could use NC2DXF to get it. Cut stock can be saved if you have a license for it.

[David Colin]

If your NC program is ISO you can try this tool, just updated URL(first post)

http://www.emastercam.com/board/index.php?showtopic=26071&hl=nc2dxf

[Matthew Hajicek - Singularity]

NCPlot will also do this.

[TheePres]

Thank You David,

I will try this out 1st thing Monday.

Let me share the purpose I am after.

Customer supply us Catia generated programs to machine Titanium shims, .015+-.001 thickness 240" long.

Them that walk on water are tied up and I have been asked to do the next part, following "exact parameters that have been developed, tested, and proven and not to be deviated from".

So im looking for stepovers, ramp angles...etc.

 

BTW, this are 5-axis programs. Would NC2DXF handle this code?

[EX-wccprogrammer]

Hang on, let me check...

[EX-wccprogrammer]

My version does simultaneous 4-Axis.

 

There may be another version that does 5-axis, not sure.

[TheePres]

WCC,

17 days and counting!!!

[David Colin]

Oops, sorry 5-axis isn't supported with NC2DXF and won't be able to implement for now. Anyway you should try it and see what you get... You can also send me an extract of your NC code and i ll look into if it can be easily tweaked to give something useful.