
Automation tools are clunky to say the least. What hyperMILL doesn't do well is simple parts. They tend to be the market leader in a lot of cool 5 axis technology. The simulation is good, the posting is good. It really excels at putting out high quality 5 axis toolpath quickly.


It is a fantastic niche 5 axis milling software. It can throw toolpath a parts FAST, but I am not making huge quantities of really simple parts. If you want lots of control for programming complex parts, it will disappoint. When I tried it, it was really buggy, but they have had a lot of time to iron it out. I would like to point out that for a milling application, you should be looking at TNG. The feature recognition is pretty great, the amazing API, etc. It's probably the most versatile product on the market. What are your parts like? For me, it would be a choice between Esprit TNG and hyperMILL, with part complexity being the determining factor. As well as something that is able to handle quick & dirty 3 axis stuff, just as well as complex 5 axis work. What are your UBIASED thoughts on the pros and cons between these CAM packages? My coworker and I, at our old shop, set up, and were able to output a very nice setup sheet at the push of a button in Esprit, and that's definitely something we are looking for. Myself and another coworker come from the same Esprit shop, so a demo of that is on its way, as well.as Hypermill, and Camworks. That being said, we are exploring other options. Our reseller rep was hardly able to make a tool-path without an error message, and support has just not been acceptable, considering the cost. Needless to.say, it was a complete shit-show. We recently had our reseller come in to help with some migration stuff, do a little training to get some of the beginner guys more advanced, and just help squeeze a little more of Mastercams capabilities out of it.

We currently use Mastercam, and it's been.ok. Everything from 30 Taper robodrill 3 axis, to a huge Dixi, Matsuuras, OKK's and a pretty insane Yasda PX30i 35 pallet, 5axis machine coming in December. The shop I work at is in a transitional state.
