Alibre Workshop/Meshcam pro

[Ian McVickersParticipant @ianmcvickers56553]

Still having login issues with this site….

Anyway does anyone use Alibre Workshop or Meshcam pro? I was wondering if there are any real differences between the standalone version or the one included in Workshop. I have asked Mintronics but didnt get a reply. Both are similar prices and was looking for any information to help decide. This will be used to feed USBCNC controller when I eventually finish converting a small mill to CNC.

[David JuppParticipant @davidjupp51506]

The MeshCAM Pro price for Alibre customers is attractive compared to the standalone price.

Alibre and resellers can only sell MeshCAM Pro

• As part of the ‘Workshop’ (Atom3D + MeshCAM Pro) package
• To those who already have an Alibre licence of some kind

The version included in the Workshop bundle is exactly MeshCAM Pro – there are extensive training videos on the Alibre web site  https://www.alibre.com/workshop-cam-training/

I have not used it ‘in anger’ but do have it installed so can perhaps answer basic questions.

[Mark RandParticipant @markrand96270]

I note that Mintronics don’t show an add-on price for those who already have an atom, pro or expert licences.

[Mark Rand]

On Mark Rand Said:

I note that Mintronics don’t show an add-on price for those who already have an atom, pro or expert licences.

Just ask Mintronics.  The main focus of the Alibre/MeshCAM deal is the Workshop bundle – the other sales are possible, but are not promoted.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

That is what I did, can’t remember the price now but after trying it out felt it was a bit limited for my use, seemed better for a maker with gantry machine than more engineering type work but would depend what you want to do with it.

[BazParticipant @baz89810]

I purchased MeshCAM a few years ago and am very pleased with it, yes it is basic but an easier learning curve than Fusion 360 with all its fancy toolpaths.

[Ian McVickersParticipant @ianmcvickers56553]

I did ask Mintronics and their price for Meshcam Pro is basically the same as buying Workshop, thats why I was wondering if there is any real difference.

I will be using it for parts for engine builds like base plates, beams, maybe tools, jigs, parts for use in the workshop.

I think I have a copy of Sheetcam somewhere in storage but are there any others in a similar price package that I should consider?

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Worth looking at F360, the free one works OK for me. Might have some fancy tool paths but if they give a better finish what is not to like. It is certainly a lot more engineering orientated than Meshcam

[Ian McVickersParticipant @ianmcvickers56553]

Thanks folks. I will have another look at Fusion, its been a few years since I used it. Going to investigate Bobcad-cam as well.

 

[John HinkleyParticipant @johnhinkley26699]

Reading this thread reminded me of an article that I wrote some years ago and was published in MEW issue 311, page 17 et seq in which I gave a brief review of a Shapeoko router machine which was part of a prize in a competition run by Alibre.  The other part of the prize was free copy of MeshCam..

I quote from that article:

“An email exchange with the suppliers of Alibre suggested that if I was intending to use the router on aluminium (which I was, primarily) then I was going to need software to produce the G-code which was more “robust” (their words)  than their in-house offering MeshCam.”

I subsequently set up Fusion 360 to provide the G-code, using it successfully on a number of projects until the machine sold.

Basically, I’m seconding Jason’s recommendation , above.

John

 

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