Question: CAD Software
- Thread starter SgtKilroy
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It's definitely not free or inexpensive but I believe the best 3D CAD software right now is SolidWorks...I used it for a couple of my design/engineering classes and its a pretty amazing program.
I've always liked Auto CAD... They allow a free demo which includes mostly everything that the real program has. Not forsure how long the demo lasts though? 90 day, or a year?? Check it out http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?id=13779270&siteID=123112
EDIT: just looked, it's a 30 trial
EDIT: just looked, it's a 30 trial
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I'm using a trial version of Alibre right now. My brother owns an industrial design company and they use Solidworks exclusively. He played around with the Alibre demo and was very impressed. It runs $398. His Solidworks annual maintenance fee is like $3000.
Yeah we have a university license so I can have it on my laptop for free as long as I'm a student...There are plenty of 3D design software choices out there, its just a matter of what you are looking to do with it. Most all will probably be good for 3D modeling its just a matter of if you want to take it farther than that or not. Do a search in google and you can find a lot of reviews and comparisons on some of the top CAD software...
No, these are not cheap:
If you want transportability with your files, use Solid Works or KeyCreator (CADKEY). I use KeyCreator.
If you want transportability with your files, use Solid Works or KeyCreator (CADKEY). I use KeyCreator.
I've used SolidWorks for years at work. I've used Pro-E as well. SolidWorks is a good program. For every liscence that a company purchases, SolidWorks allows them an "at home" liscence. If you ask around, you may be able to find someone with the disks that will let you load the program for free.
What is your goal? I use auto cad 2009 with practacam running with it that controls a cutting table.
not sure what you need it for but take a look at google sketch up. It has a free and a pay version. works pretty well
Go to Auto Cads web site and sign up for the free on line class for the unemployed. You get a 1yr AutoCad 2010 down load, to take the class with.
I'm basically looking to design things for my truck, then send the designs to a friend with a CNC for production.
i didnt see it mentioned but i used Autodesk Inventor which is simmilar to Solid works and i liked it alot.
Autocad was good for arhcitechure stuff but for 3D rendering parts and misc items it wasnt good because of the editing abilities like solid works or autodesk inventor had. Though the last version i used was in 2006 they might have made it better
Autocad was good for arhcitechure stuff but for 3D rendering parts and misc items it wasnt good because of the editing abilities like solid works or autodesk inventor had. Though the last version i used was in 2006 they might have made it better
If you are doing CNC work, Check with your friend to see what he is using to do his CNC programming. You may be able to get a copy from him. I think both are using hardware keys, but check around, they make "sharing" programs for network use.
There are programs like Mastercam and Alphacam that allow design and such, and also write the G-code for CNC machines. If your friend is using one of these, then it is a no brainer for transporting the 3D model to him. It also makes it easier for him to change the Z-height and such if you set it in the wrong place. I have been running autocad for about 10 years, and integration to CNC software takes practice to get it right.
There are programs like Mastercam and Alphacam that allow design and such, and also write the G-code for CNC machines. If your friend is using one of these, then it is a no brainer for transporting the 3D model to him. It also makes it easier for him to change the Z-height and such if you set it in the wrong place. I have been running autocad for about 10 years, and integration to CNC software takes practice to get it right.
X 2 above. Many of the Post Processors (that is Software that takes .dwg .dfx type files), and changes them to "g" code which is the software language that CNC's use will in fact have design abilities although i do not know of any that provide 3D, those that I am familiar with typically only provide std 2D imaging. that includes SigmaNest, Columbus, MasterCam.
All of these programs do in fact require "dongles" which not only are the physical keys that open up the software, they also limit the # of users allowed on a certain software suite. Having sold more than one ESAB Cutting Machine in the past 10 years, this aspect is one that I make sure I inform prospective cutting machine customers who would normally figure: "hey I bought the software, why do i have to pay for another liscence just so that both of my draftsman can use it.??" I got caught that way once..now I let em know up front.!
If you do in fact find someone with a home liscence for Solid Works...PM me. PLEASE..!! I have a very interesting Solid works file that may interest you..!
Thanks,
stk
All of these programs do in fact require "dongles" which not only are the physical keys that open up the software, they also limit the # of users allowed on a certain software suite. Having sold more than one ESAB Cutting Machine in the past 10 years, this aspect is one that I make sure I inform prospective cutting machine customers who would normally figure: "hey I bought the software, why do i have to pay for another liscence just so that both of my draftsman can use it.??" I got caught that way once..now I let em know up front.!
If you do in fact find someone with a home liscence for Solid Works...PM me. PLEASE..!! I have a very interesting Solid works file that may interest you..!
Thanks,
stk
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Actually you can buy Mastercam Design LT, that does not use a dongle. It's around $300 last I checked..probably more than you want to spend still. While it will do "3d" wireframe and surfaces. It will not do solid modeling like the full product Mastercam solids add-on does. And it won't create any toolpaths or generate code. It will read most standard file formats (SAT, STEP, IGS, X_T, etc.), as well as native Solidworks files (.sldprt, .slddrw).
http://www.mastercam.com/LT/DesignLT.pdf
Even the full product, while it will do solids, is not a parametric modeling system like a purpose built CAD system. It will do anything you want with solids, just gets really cumbersome sometimes if you try to get too fancy with it.
http://www.mastercam.com/LT/DesignLT.pdf
Even the full product, while it will do solids, is not a parametric modeling system like a purpose built CAD system. It will do anything you want with solids, just gets really cumbersome sometimes if you try to get too fancy with it.
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Surfcam allows 3D design. Solid Works is the best CAD software right now, not counting the high end stuff like Catia and such.
All CAM software can read dwg. and all CAD software can save in the format, so whatever you choose won't have much problem posting a program.
FWIW you really need a CMM to make (reverse engineer) parts for these trucks.
All CAM software can read dwg. and all CAD software can save in the format, so whatever you choose won't have much problem posting a program.
FWIW you really need a CMM to make (reverse engineer) parts for these trucks.
I should add, CAM software is a PAIN in the ass in general. Most of the generated tool paths are loaded with excess moves and a bunch of just shit in general.
Rant over.
You should be able to find Solid Edge v20 for free on the net somewhere. It is also decent CAD software. You will need a crack for it though.
Rant over.
You should be able to find Solid Edge v20 for free on the net somewhere. It is also decent CAD software. You will need a crack for it though.
I was about to ask about this software. I just started working with this some at school this semester. Is it any good? How similar is it to SolidWorks? Sounds like SolidWorks is a much more common modeling software. Is there much of a learning curve to go from one to the other?