I've been using HSMWorks in Solidworks 2 years. Stopped using MC within the trial of HSMWorks because I got tired of switching between programs and having to reimport model as changes are made. Especially the case when designing electrodes. Now I design, cut, and create all necessary documentation within Solidworks. You can also get a student version of Solidworks for free that has a 90 day license that you just register again when it expires.

I got a look at the Mastercam/Solidworks imbedded software today and I have to say it is probably a year or so away from being as capable as the HSMWorks software I've been using. The HSMWorks product isn't completely developed either as I can blow up files fairly easily through configs. Stay tuned

quote: You will need to have both the SLDDRW and the SLDPRT files for it to open, just like in Solidworks If you save the Solidworks file as a detached drawing, THE FILE NEED NOT THE MODEL.

quote: Most brake discs are made of cast iron Grade17 I roadraced motorcycles for over 10 years and had seen cast iron brake rotors fail so frequently that their use was made illegal. Cast iron brake rotors rust and look like **** and crack when overheated. You can never be sure what your customer will do with your product so don't set yourself up for a law suit. Look at the Vesrah or EBC web pages for more info regarding proper production tecniques.

I installed an HSMWorks demo last week snd have really been impressed. My biggest complaint is the inability to convert my Mastercam tool libraries into a HSMWorks tool libraries. Other than that, I find the programming to be very simple and intuitive. If Mastercam doesn't get their software developed quickly, I will be moving to HSMWorks.

quote: My employer recently bought me a new computer Did your new machine come loaded with vista?

quote: Would mastercam be able to automatically spot/drill/ tap the holes based on the hole wizard info? The Griffo Bros. Geosolid for Mazaks does this. This is what I use to program all 2D toolpaths right now. I'm sure the Mastercam will employ some sort of feature recognition when the developers address 2D toolpath creation.

Some of the more complex programs I write are taking a long time to regen. Do the Mastercam High Speed Toolpaths regen any quicker than the conventional 3D toolpaths? What impact does the code from a high speed toolpath have, if any, on the program size or speed in which a control reads the code and the feed rate a machine can be run. Has anyone run a high speed toolpath program through a Cimco Filter?

quote: I'd like to hear what people would expect it to do Thanks for the interest. One the possibilities I envision for the software is the ability to program a set of electrodes in a fixture. I see loading electrodes into an existing assembly using "replace components" and repeating this process using different configurations with unique toolpaths for new electrodes in the same assembly file. Because of the references created in Solidworks, any changes made to the cavity geometry would be red flagged and require a regen. In assembly with configs all of the trodes would be updated simultaneously. Thanks, Steve

Starry, right click the file and do an open with. You can select Mastercam X2 from the list and check "Always use the selected program to open this type of file" I have never uninstalled a previous version to update a piece of software and never had any troubles.

What about a helical circle mill with a centercutting endmill.

quote: This is a moot point I disagree. I am not trying to give direction to the development of the software, I am sharing some thoughts I have and would like to see those of others. Maybe this forum should be moved off topic. Take Care

+1 on the dual boot. I have all my office '07 tools loaded on the Vista side. I'll use Vista at home and XP at work for all of my cad/cam work.

quote: mastercam will be inside of Solid works so you will have all the SW power and soon to include MC's Cam power. WHAT???

I'd like to hear from all you Mastercam and Solidworks users regarding what capabilities you would like the upcoming Solidworks imbedded software to have. Personally. I'd like to see the software run in both the part and assembly modes. I'd also like to have a transform Toolpath type function driven by a sketch or component pattern where I could use the skip instances feature. Additionally, I'd like to see toolpaths dedicated to configurations within the same assembly or part file. anybody who is using Solidworks knows the design capabilities are absolutely limitless and can see the infinite potential of MasterWorks.