Using Obj. and stl. files

[zymon]

I was thinking of buying MeshCAM as it states that it will work with lots of Mesh sculpting softwares like Zbrush and MeshCAM told me this:-

"'Most CAM software converts CAD files into the same type of representation as an STL file because the math to calculate a toolpath is much more simple and reliable. As long as the STL is at least as accurate as you need the finished part to be, you're good.''

[Ger21]

I was under the impression that to convert mesh files like obj. to nurbs files like 3dm. was very difficult and the software that does it is very expensive.

Yes, and there's no need to convert your mesh models.
There are a variety of CAM programs that work fine with mesh models.

[zymon]

There are a variety of CAM programs that work fine with mesh models.

Assume one is MeshCam. Could you mention a few others as I need to decide which will be best for me.

Cheers

Zymon

[Ger21]

DeskProto
Cut3D
V-Carve Pro (limited)
Aspire
CamBam

[zymon]

Thanks for your feedack - Ger21

Deskproto has Student licence with is good.

Found this comparison of the above, which was good for me. https://www.cnczone.com/forums/uncat...mastercam.html


Cheers,

Zymon

[Ger21]

I've always been a big fan of MeshCAM since the first beta.
However, a few years ago, the developer formed Carbide 3D, and since then, development of MeshCAM has slowed to a crawl.

But it is still being developed. The current version of MeshCAM 7 was released about 4 months ago. But in it's current state, I prefer version 6.

If I ever get a machine running with a rotary axis, I'll probably invest in a copy of DeskProto.

[zymon]

If I ever get a machine running with a rotary axis, I'll probably invest in a copy of DeskProto.

Is Deskproto mainly for rotary axis. I am only using a flat bed CNC.

Simon

[zymon]

How would MesCAM/Deskproto compare with BobCAD? Especially the new version.

I had a look at the previous version of BobCAD and found it looked rather complicated. Can it do more than the other 2?

Zymon

[Ger21]

Run away from BobCAD as fast as you can, and don't look back.