Best Engineering Software for BobCAD-CAM

SOLIDWORKS® 3D CAD solutions offer an intuitive yet highly effective set of tools that streamline the product development process, minimize expenses, and enhance quality. These tools enable users to effectively leverage the capabilities of the SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD along with the advantages of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which serves as a unified cloud-based environment for product development. Users can swiftly create and collaborate on 3D designs in the cloud, facilitating quicker time-to-market for innovative products. In addition to crafting intricate shapes and complex surfaces, the platform allows for the rapid generation and detailing of 2D drawings from 3D models, thereby accelerating the transition from design to manufacturing. By utilizing the world’s leading 3D design software integrated within a comprehensive engineering suite, users can benefit from the robust support of a dedicated community, fostering continuous improvement and innovation. Embracing these advanced tools can lead to significant advancements in product design and overall operational efficiency.

Rhino offers a comprehensive suite for creating, modifying, analyzing, documenting, rendering, animating, and converting NURBS curves, surfaces, solids, subdivision geometry (SubD), point clouds, and polygon meshes. The only limitations on complexity, degree, or size are dictated by your hardware capabilities. Its free-form 3D modeling tools rival those found in expensive software, enabling you to craft any shape you envision. With precision required for designing, prototyping, engineering, analyzing, and manufacturing a wide range of items—from aircraft to jewelry—Rhino ensures compatibility with all your design, drafting, CAM, engineering, analysis, rendering, animation, and illustration applications. It can read and repair intricate meshes and complex IGES files. The software is user-friendly, allowing you to concentrate on design and visualization without the software becoming a distraction. Remarkably efficient, it operates smoothly even on standard laptops without the need for specialized hardware. Furthermore, it serves as a foundational platform for numerous specialized 3D applications, broadening its utility in various fields. This versatility makes Rhino an indispensable tool for both professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Predator Software has been automating manufacturers around the world since 1994. They have developed and won numerous awards for their innovative software applications. Predator Software is a leader in Industry 4.0, lean manufacturing and industrial networking solutions. Predator's SFC technology includes CNC networking, OEE and machine monitoring, data collection, machine simulator & verification, tool management, gage crib management. Traveler management, CNC post processing. Flexible manufacturing systems. Robotic cell control software.

Predator DNC software is an industrial networking solution for connecting CNC machines, robots, CMMs, PLCs, laser markers, dot peen markers, tool presetters and test stands to the company network. Predator DNC is used for CNC programs, CNC variables, offsets, parameters, PLC registers and other production file formats. Predator DNC supports 50+ industrial communication protocols for dripfeeding, downloading, and uploading via parallel, RS-232, RS-422, Ethernet and wireless Ethernet.

Predator MDC is real time machine monitoring software. It automatically collects, charts, and processes real-time shopfloor manufacturing data, including OEE, idle time and machine downtime. Predator MDC improves manufacturing by providing accurate shop floor productivity metrics and KPIs to help improve operations and make better decisions. Predator MDC keeps you informed about your manufacturing performance. It measures how efficiently your machines are used, the productivity of your workers and the production rates. Predator MDC allows you to compare continuous improvement results in lean manufacturing efforts. Predator MDC organizes real-time data into actionable metrics and KPIs for availability, quality, and performance. With just a few mouse clicks, you can access KPIs or metrics for specific machines as well as rolled up KPIs or metrics for entire departments across multiple plants.

Predator RCM software, a flexible robotic cell controller, scheduler, and robot controller, is designed to automate a Cell of CNC Machines. It also allows for part markers, cleaners, and other manufacturing equipment. Predator RCM allows for lights out operation and production, as well as flexible manufacturing and complete automation. Predator RCM schedules each robot to load and unload every CNC machine and CMM within the cell. Hands-free operation from raw material to finished products. Predator RCM supports a wide variety of pallets, tooling and RFID tags. You can increase the productivity of your CNC machines and reduce the labor/operator requirements. Predator RCM can robotically tend to any type of machine by using the right fixtures and robotic grippers. Common machine types include CNC machines and CMMs, CMMs, laser markings, part washers, and other manufacturing and inspection processes.

Predator Virtual CNC software simulates and verifies the operation of your CNC machines from your computer. Simulating the machining process offline can help you save time, money, scrapped parts, tool breaks, and machine crashes. It also improves safety and productivity. Predator Virtual CNC™, supports all standard vertical, horizontal, and complex machine configurations with 2-5 axis. Our flexible reverse post processors allow for user-definable machine tool configurations. This allows standard VMCs as well as HMCs to work with us. All standard milling, turning, and drilling cycles are supported. Advanced cycles, such as subs, macros and variables, logic codes, and trig codes, are all supported. Predator Virtual CNC is optimized to 3-axis surface milling and can handle large files without running out. Processing speeds of up to 3,000 blocks per minute are possible, while maintaining the required accuracy. Predator Virtual CNC 5 Axis also offers 3+2 support.

Cut3D serves as a specialized toolpath generator for CNC machining, tailored for 3D models crafted in software like AutoCAD, Rhino3D, and 3D Studio, or those obtained through laser or touch probe scanning. Its user-friendly interface guides you seamlessly through various stages, including model loading, size adjustments, tab placement to secure the workpiece, and the generation of roughing and finishing toolpaths, whether single, double, or four-sided. After calculating these paths, you can preview the outcome and then save the generated CNC code for operation on your machinery. For 3D models that exceed the machining capabilities due to constraints like gantry height or cutter length, Cut3D offers the option to 'slice' them into manageable sections that can be individually machined and later assembled into the final product. The software also boasts robust import filters compatible with most industry-standard mesh file formats, ensuring versatility in model handling, and includes standard postprocessors that cater to nearly all CNC machine control systems. This comprehensive support makes Cut3D a valuable asset for those looking to efficiently execute intricate machining tasks.