CAD software?

[gfphoto]

Tony,

These were done in full version Alibre. I'm pretty sure they could also have been done in the free version.





(These were for planning my EDM to mill conversion)

And a telescope:



I'm not a machinist or engineer and I can draw something useably decent as long as it's not too complicated - but it can take time. For me the big advantage of the 3D view is seeing interference and clearance in assemblies.

Gary

[Michael Hall]

When you compare price and ease of use I don't believe there is a better package out there, IMO.

http://punchcad.com/products/viacad2d.htm $49

http://punchcad.com/products/viacad2d3dV6.htm $99


Michael

[lazlo]

I have but never used, Alibre so I cannot speak for it's ease of use, but it is suitable for 2D and 3D.

I used the freeware version of Alibre for awhile, and I hate the klunky interface and design flow.
I tried SolidWorks, and it's lightyears better in terms of GUI and the design flow is a lot like you're machining the model from the solid.

Alibre is also built on a kludgey Java engine (seriously), so it's a memory pig, and has had a lingering issue with memory leaks.
Alibre has been promising that they're going to remove the Java engine for awhile, but the last time I checked (about 6 months ago) they were still using it...

If I had to choose, unless I really needed the 3D modeling, I'd go with SolidEdge...

[lazlo]

This comes up every 3 months and there is no answer as it depends on what you want to do

George: we really need a sticky.

[gellfex]

What are some affordable CAD packages suitable for what we do?

Boy, there should be a CAD sticky, no?

It's the "we do" that's the rub. Some guys here produce production drawing for parts to be mass produced, some are designing for CAM production, and some of us just need a drawing of what we want to make to walk into the shop with.

If you're in the last camp with me, try Google Sketchup. It's free, and incredibly powerful considering that price. It's learning curve is much easier than any of the "pro" systems, (I've tried many of them) but you can create highly accurate dimensioned drawings of just about anything you could make in a machine shop.

Here's a recent project of mine, with part of the housing hidden. I could have drawn the teeth on the gears, but since this was just for me, I didn't bother. There's some part libraries out there, but they're so bulkily drawn they slow down the render too much.

[loose nut]

SolidWorks, ask the kid next door where to find it.

Take the hint!!!

[Circlip]

Ever heard Of Crap-O-Cad Tony, extreeeeemly intuitive, 0.1 release uses single colour (color) but includes 3D capability, and release 0.1.0075 has 4colour (color) but costs 30pence (40c) more and there is a slight variation in reproductive qualities.

Regards Ian.

[Bruce Griffing]

If you are taking a class, you can qualify for an academic discount. It is really large. For example, Solidworks is $139 for a 2 year license.

[spkrman15]

Tony,

I am at the same point as you. I am taking a course on Autocad at a local college. I have almost 30 hours on my own learning the program. I am getting there but it is HUGE! As for 3D that would be great but i am a long way before i get there.

Now what everyone is forgetting to tell you is some pricing. This is all in CND dollars and these prices are of last week.

ProgeCAD 500.00
Intellicad 1500.00
Autocad LT 1500.00
Autocad 3495.00 (US) + 500.00 a year maintenance (optional)
Solidworks 7000-8000 plus a 800.00 to 1000.00 liscencing fee. (to be honest i tuned out after i heard the program price)

All these suppliers offer maintenance packages.

These prices are not exact, but are in the ball park. I am going from memory here.

Hope that helps

Rob

Youcan find these around?? LOL I think its one of the best availablenext to catia and also vericut to check tool 3d paths.

I have no freaking clue how to use that program

[madman]

Mastercam

Youcan find these around?? LOL I think its one of the best availablenext to catia and also vericut to check tool 3d paths.

SolidWorks, ask the kid next door where to find it.

[Allan Waterfall]

I had no experience of CAD,either 2D or 3D and installed the SolidEdge 2D package.
For what I use it for it's ideal and fairly intuitive to use,it's also updated fairly often and the updates are also free.It also has a support newsgroup which is handy.

I quite like it anyway.

Allan

Cad

Peter,
It was I(eye), tite fisted oick that I am.

Now it is like a dog chasing a car. What does it do with it when it is caught?

Surprisingly, I couldn't get it loaded on my old 'puter' with Vista but the new one -on Vista, went in, in few minutes.

Norman

[ptjw7uk]

Thought I would look at the Solid Edge 2D as its free but oh boy is their server slow slow slow 2hrs on braodband its as slow as dial up.
Unless everyone is going to try it!

Peter