Solid edge.

Barrie, I would think [ but could be wrong ] that the CAM module will be disabled permanently in the Community edition. I will find out and post on here. All the other modules [ FEA, Advanced rendering, Motion ] will remain free.

[This posting has been removed]

Barrie, I have just contacted Siemens PLM regarding your query on the CAM module. I await their reply. [ although I don't think it will be the one you want to hear ]... hope i'm wrong though.

Raymond

As I understand it the SolidEdge CAM module is actually Siemens NX so unlocking is exceedingly unlikely.

NX probably redefines the concept of "unsuitable for the home user" as its awesomely powerful, incredibly complex with (allegedly) a learning curve that makes vertical look like a gentle slope. Virtuosos can make it fly, hypersonic. Ordinary folk crash and burn before they get to the end of the runway.

So is there anything else we can, affordably, use to get SolidEdge designs onto home shop level CNC eg Mach, Linux et al. I don't mind paying for a CAM solution as that counts as part of the machine. Its the endless software upgrades, seat licence et al for pro (ish) CAD that get me.

Clive

PS Space made over the weekend to get VirtualBox on the Mac ready for a Windows installation and some trial flights with SolidEdge during the next week or so.

Hi Clive, Yes i'm aware that the CAM module in Solid edge is Siemens NX [ that's why I think it will remain "locked "] I fully endorse your views on NX. I think i'm fairly competent using it but as you say... frightening learning curve. Incredible programme though with a price tag to match. Hope you enjoy using your new software, I'm sure it will be a "Revelation "

Can the models in Solid Edge be exported as STEP files? If so, I believe they could then be imported into Fusion 360 to use its CAM module.

Ed.

[This posting has been removed]