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[Karri Weston]

I have been given the OK to buy a g code backplotter. I tried the Cimco Edit V6 awhile back, and it seemed to work OK except it had issues with horizontal work. Was that just the demo, or is that a real problem? I just downloaded a demo of NCplot which I haven't had a chance to investigate much, but it looks like it's about half the cost of the Cimco. Can anyone shed some light here?

Second for NCPlot. Will do lathe and mill, horizontal and vertical, subs, macros, standard and extended work offsets, etc. I do use macros and I use NCPlot to test them. The author is also really good about answering questions and making sure your needs are met. Free trial license on their site.

Rapid colour asigned as a global red, when asigning different tool colours to different tools - also view fade so when backplotting, you're seeing the current tool a lot brighter than the previous tools (which are in different colours)

We have 25 seats of Cimco-Edit here, 10 of them are the professional version. I've been told for several months that they will put more R&D into it but looks like part of our maintenance $$$ for CIMCO-Edit is going somewhere else... Too bad... they have the right people and a very solid code... but are in the confort zone with one of their best products - CIMCO-Edit.

The Solid backplot in CIMCO-Edit is very limited... it does not work with 3+2 toolpaths, only 3x in a single orientation, but they allow you to upload a piece of STL and plot the wireframe motions over it... including 5 axis ones... (With some limitations because of some flaws in their code - MillTurns are one of those... specially Mazaks...)

Sub-programs in CIMCO-Edit are handled now for a few controls (FANUC) I think... so in the end, their only real advantage over NCPlot is the ability to load STLs... I think NCPlot is better or equally capable in almost anything else...

Dont think this has the functionality you are looking for but I have been using discriminator for years. you prob cant beat the price but does have limits and or I just havent spent the time to set it up to full potential. I know it will do more than what I use it for (quik ref and editing).

I think NCPlot would have to put a ton of development to come up with a PDM right now... NC-Base efficiency is result of years of experience and customer driven R&D... In regards DNC, although there are many tools out there too, I highly doubt they have the same capabilities of DNC-Max... maybe Predator and CIMNET are not so far, but definetely they don't offer some great small tools that DNC-Max do... So in the end CIMCO-Edit is their only technical weakness currently..

CIMCO-Edit is also a good product and very well integrated with NC-Base and DNC-Max... a very nice UI, but they slowed drastically the pace of the development in the past years and are living from the reputation they built for CIMCO-Edit in the past... their editor is no longer equally competitive when compared to other NC editors out there, such as Inplot, NCPlot, G-Wizard G-Code Editor, etc. It's more expensive than most them and delivers less.

It's just too sad, because we have a big infrastructure around CIMCO software here with nearly all modules and products: DNC-Max, NC-Base, MDC-Max, CNC-Calc, Cimco-Edit, etc... so it's something hard to quit... and they know it... that's why sometimes I vent my frustrations with the CAx world: Once they hook you up the honeymoon is gone...

CIMCO-Edit gets some fixes and small enhancements every now and then, but their NC functions menu don't get a brand new tool for what, 2-3 years? The last thing they put there was a multi-channel synch tool - It's a shame... everytime our programmers have to renumber 50 tools in a program I think about how easy it is for a developer to put a tool to handle that in that menu... but it's not in their agenda for now...

I'm all for maintenance fees as a way to allow the vendor to improve the product and offer me responsive technical support... can't complain about the last though... but honestly I feel the maintenance $$$ we put on CIMCO-Edit is not returned as it should in regards functionality... so it's a dead end: If you don't pay for maintenance, you can't get it, if you do, you don't get what you need... these are some of the problems with the software world...

It's important to consider my words only in the context of a NC editor. When it comes to CIMCO-Edit only, these are my impressions. But when you put all CIMCO products to work together you can see why they complement each other so nicely that the final result is not bad. And the company has also developed a bunch of stuff for us in the last years... unfortunately just a few things for Cimco-Edit though...

As always there is a bit of time configuring it like you want it (you can do the colours of the nc file exactly the same as mastercam editor so it all looks the same) but the more you use it the more you'll like it.

It's very important that experienced people share their experiences with others... in an era where videos and eye-candy products are the rule of thumb and can have a significant impact on a procurement decision, the experience plays a key element.

With all the work you do Jeremy, why not get full verification and simulation; Vericut? There is nothing quite as satisfying as running an accurate simulation and catching any mistake before you make it on the real machine. It is spendy, but it's also worth every penny. I like to ask people "what is your peace of mind worth"?

In addition, CIMCO Edit includes file compare, mill/turn backplotter, advanced Tool Manager, NC code assistant and offers powerful add-ons for machine simulation, program management, 2D CAD/CAM, and more.

Define associated objects such as workpiece, tools and holders directly in your NC programs for 1-click setup when simulating. Generate an operation structure for faster program navigation, track variable state and more.

Point at any M or G code and the NC-Assistant will identify the code and allow you to modify its values using an interactive interface linked to the CNC code. Input the desired values and the code is updated automatically.

The file compare identifies new, changed and deleted lines, but ignores trivial format changes such as block renumbering and spacing. Differences are displayed one line at a time, all at once or printed side-by-side for offline review.

SFA provides customized CNC Editor Solutions for everyone, from small job shops to the largest manufacturers. Dozens of CNC intelligent editing commands make changes to your CNC program quickly & easily. Edit confidently with the ability to undo & redo all changes. Microsoft Word-compatible menus, toolbar, & shortcut keys make these systems easy to learn.

In addition, editing multiple CNC programs at the same time is supported, with the ability to cut, copy, & paste between them. Program includes a side-by-side file compare that identifies all G-code & M-code differences, then fixes them with a single click. Our editing & backplotter packages are developed under the most rigorous testing.

Founded in 1998, we have delivered on our promise to thousands of customers with proven software from Scytec, Ascendant Technologies & Predator Software. We have automated thousands of manufacturing machines with hardware while partnering with numerous companies to increase shop floor efficiencies & profits.

CIMCO Edit is the most popular CNC editor, providing a comprehensive set of advanced tools for efficient and accurate CNC program creation and modification. Enhance your productivity and ensure precision with features like toolpath optimisation, error detection, file compare, and backplotting.

With features like toolpath optimization, error detection, and an intuitive user interface, CIMCO Edit enhances efficiency and accuracy, helping you create high-quality CNC programs quickly and easily.

CIMCO Edit provides a wide range of tools for precise CNC program editing. With features like toolpath optimization, error detection, and an intuitive user interface, CIMCO Edit enhances efficiency and accuracy, helping you create high-quality CNC programs quickly and easily.

CIMCO Edit's backplotter supports 3D Mill and 2D Lathe for accurate visualisation of toolpaths. This feature allows you to visualise your CNC programs in 3D, ensuring accuracy and preventing errors before actual machining, saving time and resources.

The file compare feature in CIMCO Edit simplifies the comparison of different CNC programs. It enables you to quickly identify differences between program versions, ensuring consistency and reducing the risk of errors, thereby enhancing the quality of your CNC operations.

CIMCO Edit enhances ease of use with drag-and-drop editing features. This intuitive editing capability allows for quick and efficient program modifications, improving productivity and making the software accessible to users of all skill levels.

CIMCO Edit supports a wide range of CNC controls and machine types, making it a versatile tool for any manufacturing environment. This compatibility ensures that you can use CIMCO Edit with your existing equipment, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.

CIMCO Edit provides a comprehensive set of advanced editing tools, including toolpath optimisation, error detection, file compare, backplotter, and NC assistant. These features enhance efficiency and accuracy, helping you create high-quality CNC programs quickly and easily.

The backplotter in CIMCO Edit supports 3D Mill and 2D Lathe visualisation, allowing you to view toolpaths in 3D. This feature ensures accuracy by letting you verify toolpaths before actual machining, preventing errors and saving time and resources.

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