I currently use NX(UNIGRAPHICS) for my CAD/CAM needs. Solidworks on occasion and Catia even less. We also have SolutionWare but that is mainly used for Mazatrol progamming transfer and conversion to EIA or Mazak controller types. Its nice being able to come up with an idea, design it, program it and walk down stairs and machine it. The company i work for is really cool about it. All aluminum drops can be had at scrap prices. For the most part steel is free if you ask. Also they dont mind if you use there machines for your own work if its on your own time. You used to be able to get any coatings done for free thru our vendors. Laser, hard chrome, anodize and everything else just by putting it on the skid with the rest of the parts that were going out. Most vendors have since priced things by part number instead of by the lot. Now if you want it done its full price.