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Alternatives to CircuitCam

Alternatives to CircuitCam

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We currently use Aegis CircuitCam for our Production work in... - Aug 16, 2022 by ProcEng1

Valor has always been there. ... - Aug 16, 2022 by Evtimov

Hello, This software ProntoPLACE ( https://www.unisoft-cim.c... - Aug 16, 2022 by Richard Larue

Have you gotten a quote for upgrading to FactoryLogix? Sure... - Sep 14, 2022 by robgd3

Have you gotten a quote for upgrading to FactoryLogix? Sure... - Sep 14, 2022 by robgd3

I have not. I did watch an online webinar but of course it ... - Sep 14, 2022 by ProcEng1

I rep a company that may have a solution for you to consider... - Sep 14, 2022 by CAPSE

I get that...the system is getting quite large with the feat... - Sep 15, 2022 by robgd3

Why oh why can companies like Aegis not just bundle up this ... - Sep 15, 2022 by Spoiltforchoice

eh...Marketing folks gotta eat too :D Seriously, though..I ... - Sep 15, 2022 by robgd3

Have you considered using PCBSYynergy for the CAD conversion... - Sep 20, 2022 by sarason

We are at the mercy of our Customers. Some give us ODB+ fil... - Sep 20, 2022 by ProcEng1

For gerbers there is Visualplace which interfaces to PCBSyne... - Sep 20, 2022 by sarason

Yes, the import data type is a common issue with electronics... - Sep 21, 2022 by Richard Larue

Hi there Siemens Valor Proceed Preparation is a alternative ... - Dec 08, 2022 by Madmungrel

seems too expensive ... - Jan 04, 2023 by steve1418

Seems too vast. I am not looking to reinvent the whole ecos... - Jan 04, 2023 by ProcEng1

Yes it's crazy how complex these systems can get. Most of t... - Jan 05, 2023 by Richard Larue

also our prices are great ... - Jan 05, 2023 by Richard Larue

Hey everyone, It's interesting to see the discussion on alt... - May 03, 2023 by StefanHeisl

> I rep a company that may have a solution for you &l... - May 26, 2023 by Myroslav

https://embrox.com/ ... - May 26, 2023 by Myroslav

Unisoft's ProntoPLACE software (https://www.unisoft-cim.com/... - Jun 02, 2023 by Richard Larue

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 16 August, 2022

We currently use Aegis CircuitCam for our Production work instructions, and machine programs. I am looking for an alternative, as CC is no longer supported.

We receive Gerbers (sometimes CAD files) and BOM from our customers. That is all that I can reliably count on getting. Some customers send more. We digitize the component locations from the gerbers, and import the BOM. From that I assign parts to different process steps (ie. Surface Mount, Selective Solder, COnformal coating) . We also have machine programming modules built in so that I can generate a SMT or TH or VCD program. I don't need inventory tracking or purchasing capabilities.

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 16 August, 2022

Valor has always been there.

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 16 August, 2022

Hello, This software ProntoPLACE ( https://www.unisoft-cim.com/pcbplace.php ) may help and we can run a PCB project with you as a test if you wish (contact info is at https://www.unisoft-cim.com/contact.htm ). Thanks, Richard Larue . >>>>> The Unisoft ProntoPLACE software ( https://www.unisoft-cim.com/pcbplace.php ) creates programs from CAD or Gerber or XY rotation and BOM files for setup of SMT Pick & Place, thru-hole, manusert & dispensing machines, and includes the basic features of ProntoVIEW-MARKUP ( https://www.unisoft-cim.com/pcbview.php ). Most machines are supported such as Assembleon / Philips, Mydata / Mycronic, Juki, ASM / Siemens, Universal, Fuji, Contact Systems, Samsung, Quad, Europlacer, Sanyo, Sony, Panasonic, Mirae, Essemtec, Yamaha, Hitachi, MultiTroniks, Amistar, Manncorp, Robotas, Autoronik-SMT, Dima, Dynapert, KME, Zevatech, Mamiya, Novastar, Ragen, TDK, Tenyru, Tescon, TWS Automation, etc. Also the software will create assembly process sheets, kitting labels, do first article inspection, assembly/part cost reports, solder joint count (DPMO) report, aid assembly, rework, repair, troubleshooting, etc. Also when you have a subscription to the Unisoft software you are automatically licensed to distribute the free PC board assembly viewer software to anyone in your plant or to your vendors and customers. Also modules are available to quickly setup PCB AOI Optical Inspection machines, ATE Test and Selective Solder equipment, dispensing machines, etc. Also CAD to CAD translation software modules will convert one CAD format to another. A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software module is also available for PCB electronics manufacturers and other industries such as medical, chemicals, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, foods, and textiles. The MES software module option provides product and job tracking with traceability for regulatory compliance.

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 14 September, 2022

Have you gotten a quote for upgrading to FactoryLogix? Sure there are a lot of other functions in FLx that you won't bother using, but, the license can be tailored to just CAD/Gerber/BOM import, machine programming, and visual aids. You can also import your CircuitCam projects directly into FLx for continued use.

Full disclosure, I currently work for Aegis. Continued disclosure, I have worked with a number of customers upgrading to FLx from CC who are using the system in the same manner that you are describing.

cheers, ..rob

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 14 September, 2022

Have you gotten a quote for upgrading to FactoryLogix? Sure there are a lot of other functions in FLx that you won't bother using, but, the license can be tailored to just CAD/Gerber/BOM import, machine programming, and visual aids. You can also import your CircuitCam projects directly into FLx for continued use.

Full disclosure, I currently work for Aegis. Continued disclosure, I have worked with a number of customers upgrading to FLx from CC who are using the system in the same manner that you are describing.

cheers, ..rob

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 14 September, 2022

I have not. I did watch an online webinar but of course it showed all the extra stuff that I have no use for. So I pretty much lost interest.

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 14 September, 2022

I rep a company that may have a solution for you to consider; Kwiktic. check it out here; https://www.kwiktic.com

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 15 September, 2022

I get that...the system is getting quite large with the features, and, of course, everyone is going to want to sell the moon.

But, we do very much still serve customers that are just programming machines and generating visual aids.

If you want, inbox me your info, and I'll have your sales person get in touch.

Cheers, ..rob

Spoiltforchoice

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 15 September, 2022

Why oh why can companies like Aegis not just bundle up this clearly common requirement, put a price tag on it and an online purchase option. What is with the haggling and special quotes and a sales rep? OK so you have some features to upsell, but its also pretty likely that to a huge proportion of your potential client base either cannot afford/justify most of them or have similar features duplicated across other software suites. My understanding of the Factory Logix suite in general is it is VERY expensive, hiding the fact you can customize it to include only very basic functionality* is annoying and costs you sales.

*It is absolutely NOT a conclusion you would draw from the website.

This whinge applies to a lot of commercial software and equipment. Guide pricing for hardware, direct online sales for common off the shelf software, the ability to add features without talking to a bloody rep. Its 2022 this should be easy, all these extra steps waste time, save the rep for complex requirements and big sales that require complex discounts and customization to complete & compete.

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 15 September, 2022

eh...Marketing folks gotta eat too :D

Seriously, though..I have no involvement in that side of the business...and, back in my customer days, I would completely agree with you!

My current company notwithstanding, I've seen a decided shift in the last 5-10 years or so from relationship marketing to transactional marketing...but, it takes a long time for paradigm shifts like that to happen in any market. Knowing what I know here, and what I've seen...sometimes, customers aren't aware of offerings that could benefit them, and at other times, they're overwhelmed by offerings. I suspect Marketing and Sales folks struggle with this sort of thing everywhere...especially when selling wide-ranging product offerings.

For our offerings, we're not exceptionally expensive, especially considering the cost of other offerings on the market, and some of the products we compete against. But, cost and value prop are different for everybody.

cheers, ..rob

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 20 September, 2022

Have you considered using PCBSYynergy for the CAD conversion and bypass the gerber step. Then add in Programming by Ealead.

https://ealead-e.ucoz.com/index/products/0-8

https://pcbsynergy.com

This ends the breaking of QC by bypassing human processing in what should be a straight conversion from CAD.

Ealead interfaces to a large number of modern SMT machines with speed optimisation, and any line up of any of the machines in its repertoire. And only $1000US, it is the secret that keeps Chinese manufacturing cheap.

regards sarason

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 20 September, 2022

We are at the mercy of our Customers. Some give us ODB+ files, some just gerbers, and some we still get 'D' Gerbers from.

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 20 September, 2022

For gerbers there is Visualplace which interfaces to PCBSynergy. Ask them for a CAD PCB file with tracks removed if they are worried about their IP going missing.

sarason

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 21 September, 2022

Yes, the import data type is a common issue with electronics contract manufacturers and some OEM's. Unisoft ( http://www.unisoft-cim.com ) has been doing this for over 35 years. The software focuses on contract manufacturers issues and the software imports most any type of data, such as gerber, cad, xy center rotation, bom, etc. https://www.unisoft-cim.com/importers.php?taguni=from-tooltips#CAD_&_GERBER_FILE_LISTINGS . Sometimes you may only get gerber files and a BOM and the software can turn those files into real reference designators, theta rotation, part numbers, and X/Y component pin geometries. So you may want to look into this software, ProntoPLACE ( https://www.unisoft-cim.com/pcbplace.php ). It's reasonably priced.

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 8 December, 2022

Hi there Siemens Valor Proceed Preparation is a alternative that I would say ticks your boxes as is more focused on PCBA NPI process , from Cad-Cam Data clean up SMT programming, Stencil Design, Assembly Panel Design, Test Engineering, DFA analysis , Documentation, all the domain of Production Engineering for PCBA. Is more like a PCBA Product Life Manager in effect

In nutshell is more comprehensive tool than CircuitCam and most of the other low cost tools on face value can not offer the scope and logical out comes of this tool.

I am a rep for the tool as a disclosure in Australia/NZ but you should reach out and get local rep to see what makes sense.

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 4 January, 2023

seems too expensive

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 4 January, 2023

Seems too vast. I am not looking to reinvent the whole ecosystem. If I was, I'd migrate to Factory Logix.

I don't need a system that imports gerbers while doing my taxes and trying to calculate the jump to warp travel.

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 5 January, 2023

Yes it's crazy how complex these systems can get. Most of the time your just looking to complete your process quickly in pcb production and the software ties in all these other processes that need to be done too. I'm Rich Larue one of the founders here at Unisoft and I guarantee you won't find that in our software. For example to create your pick-and-place programs it's input xy data, merge bom and export machine file, 5 minutes, simple as that. We have been doing this for over 35 years so of course there are 100's of features in the software but they're there if you need them not to be in your way of completing your project quickly. Here's how you can contact me https://www.unisoft-cim.com/contact.htm and we can run one of your projects with you sight unseen and you click the stop watch start to finish to see how long it takes. Here's some additional information. >>> The Unisoft ProntoPLACE software ( https://www.unisoft-cim.com/pcbplace.php ) creates programs from CAD or Gerber or XY rotation and BOM files for setup of SMT Pick & Place, thru-hole, manusert & dispensing machines, and includes the basic features of ProntoVIEW-MARKUP ( https://www.unisoft-cim.com/pcbview.php ). Most machines are supported such as Assembleon / Philips, Mydata / Mycronic, Juki, ASM / Siemens, Universal, Fuji, Contact Systems, Samsung, Quad, Europlacer, Sanyo, Sony, Panasonic, Mirae, Essemtec, Yamaha, Hitachi, MultiTroniks, Amistar, Manncorp, Robotas, Autoronik-SMT, Dima, Dynapert, KME, Zevatech, Mamiya, Novastar, Ragen, TDK, Tenyru, Tescon, TWS Automation, etc. Also the software will create assembly process sheets, kitting labels, do first article inspection, assembly/part cost reports, solder joint count (DPMO) report, aid assembly, rework, repair, troubleshooting, etc.

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 5 January, 2023

also our prices are great

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 3 May, 2023

Hey everyone,

It's interesting to see the discussion on alternatives to CircuitCam. It's understandable why some users may feel hesitant to upgrade to a system with extra features that they won't need. It's good to see that some users have suggested alternative solutions such as ProntoPLACE and Kwiktic or Andersen, which may fit better with specific needs.

Also, it's worth mentioning that Aegis has FactoryLogix, which is a potential upgrade option that could be tailored to just CAD/Gerber/BOM import, machine programming, and visual aids. It's great to see Robgd3's disclosure of working for Aegis and his experience with customers upgrading from CircuitCam to FactoryLogix.

Best of luck in finding the right solution!

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 26 May, 2023

> I rep a company that may have a solution for you
> to consider; Kwiktic. check it out here;
> https://www.kwiktic.com

> I rep a company that may have a solution for you <BR> > to consider; Kwiktic. check it out here; <BR> > https://www.kwiktic.com <BR> <BR> I rep better one - https://embrox.com/

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 26 May, 2023

https://embrox.com/

Alternatives to CircuitCam | 2 June, 2023

Unisoft's ProntoPLACE software (https://www.unisoft-cim.com/pcbplace.php) you would be crazy not to try :-), it simplifies the creation of pick-and-place programs. At Unisoft, we offer online sessions where we guide you through the process using your PCB. Moreover, we provide a full license for you to test out the software - you've got nothing to lose, as testified by our thousands of clients. I'm Rich Larue, a co-founder at Unisoft, assuring you of a straightforward process. Generating your pick-and-place programs can be as simple as inputting xy data, merging BOM, and exporting the machine file - a task you can complete in just 5 minutes.

With over 35 years of experience, Unisoft offers trusted expertise in the field. To get in touch with me, visit https://www.unisoft-cim.com/contact.htm. We offer the unique opportunity to run one of your projects with us, and you can time the process from start to finish.

For more information, note that the Unisoft ProntoPLACE software creates programs from CAD, Gerber, or XY rotation and BOM files for setting up SMT Pick & Place, through-hole, manusert & dispensing machines. It comes with the basic features of ProntoVIEW-MARKUP (https://www.unisoft-cim.com/pcbview.php). It supports most machines including, but not limited to, Assembleon/Philips, Mydata/Mycronic, Juki, ASM/Siemens, Universal, Fuji, Contact Systems, Samsung, Quad, Europlacer, and more. The software also generates assembly process sheets, kitting labels, assists with first article inspection, produces assembly/part cost reports, solder joint count (DPMO) reports, and aids in assembly, rework, repair, and troubleshooting tasks.

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