Hi
Our shop is a small scale manufacturing business with some product lines. We do not do cabinetry. We currently run a Shopsabre Pro 4x8 (WinCNC) controller. We picked up a used Biesse Klever 1530 GT (2014) at auction for a steal and are hoping to have it operational in a few weeks. Currently, everything is drawn in CAD and then we use Vcarve to CAM everything.
I am trying to resolve if this is still going to be the best way to output files now with two different CNC's. Anyone out there running an older Biesse of the same era? Some of what I am trying to resolve is:

With two different CNC's with different origins should I consider having 2 licenses of Vcarve so I don't need to keep changing back and forth (origins, postprocessors, etc...)
Vcarve does appear to have a Biesse Klever (.ISO) postprocessor. Will the Biesseworks control software of that era run with ISO files?
Since we aren't doing cabinetry and everything is in 2d cad is this the most cost effective CAD/CAM solution? We are not looking to drop ($$$$$) for a high end CAM software. All of the toolpaths are 2d+. Slotting, profiling. Any other software packages out there that can post to a Biesse that aren't $1000k plus annual licenses? As mentioned we did get this CNC for a low cost, but anticipate having both of these machines running 7+ hours a day and so if we can't have a streamlined process by which we are generating files for the machine or we have to do manual tool changes for each file then we probably will just pull the plug and regroup. Thanks in advance for any insight/suggestions.

I disagree with Karl.

Redundancy is always good. and in my experience ballscrews are plenty fast.

I wouldn't skimp on software. I have AlphaCAM and it pays for itself in the ability to automatically assign tool paths to all sorts of 3D files and assemblies. It will take an assembly, like a speaker cabinet or cabinet of furniture frame and explode the parts, nest them and assign tool paths in 3 or 4 clicks. Can nest from csv files. Bridged (or stay down) nesting speeds things up as well.

If you want economical and don't need nesting, I ran a 5X10 twin table Biesse Arrow with 2 spindles and a drill block on SheetCAM for 5 or so years. It's like $200.00 and Les is a great guy to work with.

v carve ISO code is very specific to the machine...for Biesse..I would send a sample code of the ISO code from the machine to VCarve before running and files sent from CAD/Cam
ie you do not import the ISO into Bsworks..it runs from the worklist, like gcode..
for import into BsWorks you will need a .CIX file or you can send in a layered DXF from Autocad..

In addition, you will want to registrar/transfer ownership by contacting Biesse, believe its around 750-900 per year..this will allow you to create support ticket and also order parts if needed..
send email to supportna@biesse.com with serial in subject line and request transfer ownership documentation.
Hope it helps
Regards
Dylan
www.cnc-tool.com

Thanks for the responses.

Karl. We are processing sheet goods. We have the square footage for 2 CNC's. They are both in the shop and we have the capacity to add more square footage. We won't need the drill bank so not an issue. We don't have load/unload and don't use the bar scanner. Really just trying to resolve the simplest way that we are going to be able to output files to the machine. Whether it is importing dxf files and creating the CAM in Biesseworks (less ideal) or output complete nested sheet toolpath files. I have just started exploring the user manual for Biesseworks (700 pages) so I am sure most of the answers are in there but have always benefited from the accumulated wisdom of Woodweb and so hence my post.

Dropout. Thanks. If we need to upgrade to an upper tier CAD/CAM program we will but yeah if we can avoid the cost all the better. Everything is drawn in 2d cad but if we can model our products in parametric 3d where we can adjust dimensions and then have it explode/nest and CAM then that would most likely be of profound benefit. I use Fusion360 but haven't attempted to try this to see if this is possible. We have a product line but still a lot of customization. i will take a look at Sheetcam as well.

Dylan. Thanks. We have signed up for the Biesse annual tech service and have already been in touch for some technical info regarding electrical connections. I will be honest I am not sure I am understanding you regarding sending ISO code from Biesseworks to Vcarve. Is that in a format that Vcarve can open/view? Regarding sending a layered dxf to Biesseworks I am assuming that each layer will then be toolpathed with the necessary parameters in Biesseworks Thanks.

We regularly take STEP files from 360 and explode and nest them in AC.

Doing the assembly is easier than individual parts because it keeps the machining faces properly oriented.

Correct, I do not believe that V Carve sends out a (.CIX) file format, the preferred file import for the Biesse machines, ie (parameter based), I have been told the only option is gcode..Biesse do not use std gcode, but (.ISO) Code...If you have a the support I would create a ticket with support and they can provide options for you..if you run into road bumps..let me know and I can send you to a couple of people that will write a post..in addition, the biesse facebook group is a great resource for help, lots of users and programmers with multiple 3rd party software users as well.
we sell and promote enroute...very similar, lower cost that alphacam Tier 1 program and has the .cix output.
regards
db

Hi Dylan.

Some Biesse use G Code. I had 2 Arrows that were exclusively G code.

Not very common though.

droput, true, they had the OSAI controls..I just saw last week vetric does output .ISO posts for Biesse,
but I would send them them code created from the Klever to update their ISO output post.. and be careful..