Subject: Best Language-based CAM (APT) system

From: Todd Muscat <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 1996 03:05:09 -0700

Hi,
I was wondering what the group felt are the best CAM products out there on 
the PC platform?  MasterCAM, CAMAX, etc.?  What I really need is a system 
that can *ALSO* be language based - which, i guess is to say 'APT-based'.  
I realize that for some reason "APT" is now a dirty word in this industry 
(i guess largely due to all these bubble-gum point-&-click CAM systems 
nowadays:-).  Most vendors choose to call what is 98.7% APT, something else 
- like "NCL".
Cheers
Todd

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From: "Allen Evenson" <[email-masked]>
Date: 19 Sep 1996 07:19:56 GMT

Todd Muscat <[email-masked]> wrote in article
<[email-masked]>...

> nowadays:-).  Most vendors choose to call what is 98.7% APT, something
else 

I Have used 4 cam systems in the last 5 years, here's my humble opionion of
each:

1)  "JCS"  3 + limited 5-Axis  PC-based SourceFile+Post = Machine File
program
	plusses: macros, simple geo creation, fast 2d
            minuses: no real time graphics, limited surfaces, documentation
Have used this off and on since 1988, local based product. Cheap!

2) smart CAM (last dos version) 5?  3 axis PC-based Point and click
(no-source file)
           plusses:  Layer/Tool management,toolbox approach, good 3d
           minuses: viewing features,  database operations
Used from '93 early '94

3) Surtcam V6.0 : 2-5 Axis PC-based Point and click (no-source file)
          plusses: Dynamic viewing toolbar, 2-3 axis cutting routines are
quick.
          minuses: weak Post-processors (esp. 5-axis), non associative
tool-geometry.

4) NCL V8.3:  2-5 Axis Unix-base APT+Graphics model (and I mean GOOD
graphics)
         plusses: strong Post processors, good graphics, associativity
         minuses: geometry trimming, model anylization features.

For What It's worth,  I'm a 5-axis programmer currently using a 5 month old
Silicon Graphics Indy R5000 with NCL V8.3 and Verimatrix (3d solid modeling
package). We switched from
Surfcam because of the Associativity issue.  NCL is like APT with Surfcam's
graphics (close)
. Where I work we couldn't live with having to change a 5-axis program when
a tool diameter changed .008". I like the APT programming model (less
section I and II). I come from a BASIC and C++ programming background.. The
ability to write, loops, macros, and completely control the position of the
tool regardless of its diameter and form (if i do it right ..lot's of
variables)
gives the "part program" I write a lot of flexibility.  Instead of trying
to remeber what sequence of clicks I made and how exactly I set all the
options in the dialog boxes, I open a source file in NCL and step thru
it/and or edit it (watching dynamic tool motion) and fix or improve the
process.

							Allen E.
  							MIW Aerospace
							Kent, WA

"

Ran from '92 to early '94.

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From: Todd Muscat <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 1996 12:04:28 -0700

Hi Allen,
Thanks for responding.
I guess what i'm looking for is a sort'a NCL/Varimetrix (great mix) on 
the PC sort of solution - strong modeling WITH language based 
programming!
Cheers
Todd

PS:  I worked at VNA/ NCCS at the time of the integration - exciting 
stuff!  Still, an explosion would literally ensue in the marketplace 
should a PC based solution exist!