So I am going to do a little contract work for a company and I need a CAD package. This first time I am just going to use a free 30-day trial of Inventor LT but if they keep asking me to do drawings for them I am going to need a CAD package. The problem is that most CAD packages are expensive. Does anyone know of a cheap one? Inventor LT is the cheapest I have seen at around $1200. Needs to be 3D
I like TurboCad. It's inexpensive and I find it more intuitive to use than other packages. It will also import or export about any format.
Dr. Hess wrote: I like TurboCad. It's inexpensive and I find it more intuitive to use than other packages. It will also import or export about any format.
Sweet the TurboCAD Deluxe looks like it may hit the spot.
Edit: Lied. It doesn't look like it does 3D.
I'm still using a free copy of Intellicad. It'll do some 3D, and it uses AutoCAD commands and file formats.
I use Alibre Design for 3D work at my job. Their cheapest version is $199.
MadScientistMatt wrote: I use Alibre Design for 3D work at my job. Their cheapest version is $199.
Does that version update all views when you edit one? So... the sketch and any other views and the dimensions update when I pull an extrusion or expand a hole? I know the Expert version does this.
The most tedious thing I find with regular cad is that two "views" of the same object are separate and have to be edited that way and I always forget one little detail that fargs me up later.
MadScientistMatt wrote: I use Alibre Design for 3D work at my job. Their cheapest version is $199.
That one might work. I am a bit worried about only being able to export stl files though.
Imo, use turbocad until you need to do 3d, save some of the profits, then pony up for the pro cad program when needed.
Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: Does that version update all views when you edit one? So... the sketch and any other views and the dimensions update when I pull an extrusion or expand a hole? I know the Expert version does this. The most tedious thing I find with regular cad is that two "views" of the same object are separate and have to be edited that way and I always forget one little detail that fargs me up later.
Not sure, I use the Pro version. IIRC, the views are all pulled off the 3D model.
Ian F wrote: Imo, use turbocad until you need to do 3d, save some of the profits, then pony up for the pro cad program when needed.
I need 3D right off the bat.
Since this is contract work, does the company require tat you provide electronic copies of the drawing files at completion of the project? That's not an uncommon request, and it could end up driving what software you use if they have some drawing standard you have to conform to.
stuart in mn wrote: Since this is contract work, does the company require tat you provide electronic copies of the drawing files at completion of the project? That's not an uncommon request, and it could end up driving what software you use if they have some drawing standard you have to conform to.
I am going to find out Monday but basically they just want me to make 3D models to provide to plastic mold places to get quotes and use to create the molds. They don't have a 3D software. Everything has been done in 2D in Microstation.
how serious of a cad package do you need? Google sketch up is free and does 3D. I am pretty sure it can export the finished product into a variety of formats...
Capt Slow wrote: how serious of a cad package do you need? Google sketch up is free and does 3D. I am pretty sure it can export the finished product into a variety of formats... linky
Last time I tried Google sketch up I wanted to throw my computer out the window. I may need to give it another shot though.
Why? SketchUp has about the lowest learning curve of anything I've ever used. Did you try that FreeCAD link I posted?
Duke wrote: Why? SketchUp has about the lowest learning curve of anything I've ever used. Did you try that FreeCAD link I posted?
No I have tried that yet. I will though. I think with Sketchup I am so used to working with SolidEdge and Solidworks that it seemed really backwards.
I love Sketchup for getting something down in 3d ASAP, but if you're used to a solid modeler it will probably drive you nuts. It is meant more for architectural/space planning work, and it's really for representational drawings, not production drawings. Objects that aren't extremely geometrically simple are almost impossible to draw accurately. That said, I have used it professionally (architecture) much more than any other 3d software, because it's the software that requires the fewest of my hours to get from a blank drawing to something that a client can understand and get excited about.
I also recommend sketch up. I just used it this morning to model a set of steel stairs I'm welding up this weekend.
Printed some 8.5x11 sheets with dimensions and took them to the steel shop. I'll be picking it up the parts in about an hour.
93EXCivic wrote: Everything has been done in 2D in Microstation.
Ouch.
(not a Microstation fan...)
MadScientistMatt wrote: I use Alibre Design for 3D work at my job. Their cheapest version is $199.
I have little-to-no CAD background, and thought it would be useful for designing my chassis. I decided it was easier to build the car than to muck around learning to use it. YMMV.
I really like Rhino for layout type work. It is very intuitive and great for sketching designs.
It has become the standard tool for the marine architecture industry.
It is super for input and export in multiple formats, and healing geometry from packages like pro/e.
I'm not so keen on the drafting package, but it is workable.
Free version limits you to 20 saves last I checked.
$1k for full version.
http://www.rhino3d.com/hobby.htm
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