I need to buy a CAM software package and I figured I'd like to get one that might make it easier to get work if I learned how to use it. I like RhinoCam since I use Rhino as my CAD package but I don't think a lot of shops use it. I have been told solidworks and pro/e are the way to go.
What do you think? Remember, I want to get jobs as a machinist not an engineer.
Pro/E is an awesome, no compromise design tool with a powerful CAM module. If you have it and can use it properly, you can design and manufacture parts of high complexity and sophistication. It is not cheap, and the entire system has a fairly steep learning curve. Some companies (who will remain unnamed) use Pro/E as their design and engineering software, but their manufacturing engineers use an easier to master CAM software even though Pro/NC is available and just as capable. Unless you plan to receive a lot of native Pro/E data I wonder if something else wouldn't be easier.
[The jobs that are going to be easiest to land are the ones that require familiarity with oddball programs that nobody knows about, but the shop has made an investment in. The openings for people familiar with more commonly-used programs, like MasterCAM, Gibbs, SurfCAM, SolidCAM, and ProE will draw more qualified applicants. All these programs, as well as a steep learning curve, have a steep affordability curve as well. The best way to get familiar with them is to take a class at an institution that's using them.
As for RhinoCAM, it's releatively cheap and easy to use. You might be able to afford it (especially the Basic version) and teach yourself how to use it on your own while you're saving up for the market-leading programs. It's not as common in job shops yet as the ones I mentioned above, but it's getting to be more popular. It will certainly get you started in modeling and programming toolpaths for parts, skills which can be transferred to other software once you get the hang of it.]
Andrew Werby
Personally I really like MadCAM for use in Rhino. I have used demos of others but went with it, have not looked back since. A free demo is available. IHMO the capabilities surpass that of programs many times more expensive.
FWIW, Rhino is definitely my choice for objects, everytime.
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