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Onshape Needs Its Own CAM
Integrated CAM within SolidWorks has never lived up to the hype because both CAD and CAM really need to share the same database. Using a CAD systems API hasn't worked out very well and I no longer believe it's an effective strategy for true, fully integrated, CADCAM. I'm not the only one who has this belief. This CADCAM architect, who was responsible for a good deal of think3, shares my belief. For those not aware think3 had/has much better surfacing tools than either SolidWorks or Autodesk Inventor:
http://www.openmind-tech.com/en/products/hypercad-s-cad-software/inside-hypercad-s.html
Sadly, Onshape has the same mentality for 3rd party applications that SolidWorks had when it was founded.
Open Mind is building their own CAD despite running inside of both SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor. Other CAM companies that I speak with are starting to realize they need their own CAD and are doing something about it.
Jon Banquer
CADCAM Technology Leaders group on LinkedIn
http://www.openmind-tech.com/en/products/hypercad-s-cad-software/inside-hypercad-s.html
Sadly, Onshape has the same mentality for 3rd party applications that SolidWorks had when it was founded.
Open Mind is building their own CAD despite running inside of both SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor. Other CAM companies that I speak with are starting to realize they need their own CAD and are doing something about it.
Jon Banquer
CADCAM Technology Leaders group on LinkedIn
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Comments
Why do you feel so strongly that OnShape CAD should integrate a CAM package?
Here, look at this link from the OnShape website: https://www.onshape.com/cad-blog/onshapes-core-values-our-statement-of-principles
Their core values and mission statement say nothing to indicate the focus is on CAM. OnShape is a CAD package.
2) There are many CAD users who have NO use for CAM whatsoever. CAD applications extend beyond parts that will be fabricated on a CNC machine.
3) I think Onshape is on the right track and there is a need for the product they are creating.
4) Onshape is spot-on by utilizing technology partners. Look at apple and the app store. There is power in community and by allowing technology partners to develop applications that work with the core platform growth is exponential.
Imagine the possibilities if there were thousands of apps that link with onshape in the future.
Saplingstore.com
With all the shortcoming of Fusion 360 having integrated CAM still makes it a much better option for me.
In another thread I see many people suggesting cheap CAM options. Most mesh based. I can tell you that after using a half decent CAM package and F360 might be half decent at best the thought of going back to anything less is just not going to happen.
I was grandfathered in to the ultimate subscription for the $300 a year price so I can't really afford to drop that subscription but if Onshape proved to be better I might almost consider it. Even if I didn't have this cheap subscription or if I decided to get another CAD program I still don't think I would be able to justify spending $1200 a year on Onshape if it didn't have capable integrated CAM.
http://www.solidcam.com/en-us/solutions/cad-integration/onshape/
Any sign of a road map?