What is Best Software for Indexer

[JeffreySgroi]

Hello All,

Can you tell me what software you think is best to program for indexer?

Thanks!

Jeff

[steve_g]

Jeffery

Best software? I can only speak to what I know... PartWorks is adequate after you figure out the quirks. Rendering only gives you clues as to the final result. The attached image is a rendering of a Bubble pattern bracelet that is very popular here. I'm not sure, but I think for a lot more money Aspire will render nicer. I'm curious what others may say...

Steve

[donclifton]

The best cam program for indexing is DESKPROTO. You can download the full working program for 30 days to try and they have a hobby price that is a third of the commercial one. It does STL files.
Don Clifton

[rcnewcomb]

I'm a big fan of Aspire for indexer work.

From the Vectric Web Site:
Rotary 2.5D Tutorial Video (http://www.vectric.org/video/aspire3/overview/X14%20-%20Rotary%202_5d%20Machining/X14%20-%20Rotary%202_5d%20Machining_media/X14%20-%20Rotary%202_5d%20Machining.html)
Rotary 3D Tutorial Video (http://www.vectric.org/video/aspire3/overview/X15%20-%20Rotary%203D%20Machining_media/c24-rotary-3d-machining-web.html)

From a user's web site:
Indexer Tutorial Web Site (http://humblesticks.com/cnc-rotary-tutorial.html)

[steve]

Hi Jeffrey,
As long as the software you pick has post processors for your shopbot any software will work (as far as I know). I would pick the software that you need for all your other work as well as the indexer. I use Artcam, Artcam and Aspire would like you to work in slightly different ways but in the end you are just wraping a flat model around a cylinder, at least that is what I do with my work.

[myxpykalix]

HEY STEPHEN! Where you been? Have you got any new pictures of your designs?

Jeffrey,
Most guys use what works for them. For example i use a app that i developed to do my spirals.

[steve]

hi Jack,
I've been right here working, sometimes months can go by...!
I have almost replyed to a few posts but you ( or someone else) always beat me to it with a better answer so I decided the best way to mantain the belief that I know what I am doing is to keep my mouth shut.
I have a few new things, I'll post them in "show and tell".

[dana_swift]

Donald- thanks for the tip about DeskProto. I just went to their website. Looks interesting and worth a try.

Jeffrey- There is no "best" for the indexer, there are many "good" solutions. I have been using Aspire and like it, but there are parts of it that I would have written differently. I also use toolpath generators of my own design sometimes, most people are not interested in the learning curve involved in doing that. Several programs such as Rhino and others offer CAD/CAM with 4 and 5 axis output. The costs rise quickly.

What you are going to make determines what is best for you. You would do well to check out Aspire, Rhino, and DeskProto. So far DeskProto has the best price, and Aspire and Rhino have the most users on the forum.

Hope that helps-

D

[myxpykalix]

Stephen,
"so I decided the best way to mantain the belief that I know what I am doing is to keep my mouth shut."

I think that is similar to what i heard on an old Charlie Chan movie once....
"Wise man keep mouth shut rather then open it and disprove it" I think he said something like this when talking to "number 2 son":D