i am thinking of updating my software so i don't have much time 1 day so someone please answer soon.
i want to update to v16 platinum w/cam plugin i don't understand 2 1/2 d ? so can the cam plug in simulate contour milling or is it just a flat plane 2d mil simulation? what can the cam plugin really do?

It won't do 3d where as three axis move simultaneously,as example a concave pocket.2-1/2 does two simultaneous axis in the x,y and a quill movement up and down for drilling,tapping etc. in the z axis.In the following video link is an example of 3d contour milling.It can do flat typical 2d contour shapes perhaps as example elliptical shape it can only do one tool at a time for simulation and not one after the other for full completion of a part automatically.At the following Turbocad link down at the bottom of the page is a laundry list of capabilities.If don't do CNC machining  than you won't need it.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeGQ91FKTNg&feature=related      can't perform contour demonstration



http://www.turbocad.com/TurboCAD/TurboCADWindows/Plugins/CAMPluginforTurboCADProfessional/KeyFeatures/tabid/1415/Default.aspx

The plugin is really good for what it costs. If you need 3D, there are links in this post (http://forums.turbocad.com/index.php/topic,9687.msg57186.html#msg57186) that can help you out. BTW, what are you trying to build?

At the following link is a sample video to show some basic steps such profile milling and circular pocket milling with TCC and how the simulation process works in TCC Palette


http://youtu.be/S6YAuJ3RdbE

thnks so much for all the help this does answer my question and also helps me to make a wise choice for software for my uses .
thanks again;
to

Your Welcome glad it helps

mostly this is for hobby stuff model boats etc. mostly modeling if i get set up software with cad/cam. when i see a cnc mini mill cheap enough.i will be able to machine my own prototypes and build them to my  designs.but i do need contour capabilities.maybe even up to a fourth axis.

Couple of links that might strike your interest


http://www.rockcliffcnc.com/Pages/default.aspx

thank you so much you are all so helpful here always helping everyone out with our problems!!!