Which 3D CAD Program?

[lcurrie39]

I am looking for a 3D CAD program to design some simple mechanical parts. Most of my 3D "experience" has been in the GFX side, with Blender and Anim8tor. The only true 3D CAD program I have used has been Pro/E Wildfire edition. I enjoyed the simple way to sketch a part, then use dimensions to "refine" and correct the shape of the part to actual values.

Of the varions 3d programs out there, what one would you recommend for a hobbist use? Cost would be a large factor, I woudn't want to spend over a couple hundred U$D on the package at most I would also want simple parts creation such as the Pro/E feature mentioned above. My output files would then be sent to a machining house who would be responsible for creating actual parts from the model. (IE I wouldn't be doing molding/casting work, etc.)

[phamil1]

Check out CoCreate's free version of their 3D CAD. It's not history-based so it might be a bit easier to use. There are some good tutorials that you can get for it too. You can do a lot with the free version. It doesn't expire or anything - but I am sure they will call you and try to sell it to you the full version. CoCreate 3rd-Generation PLM and History-Free CAD Software. Some of the other CAD companies offer free too, but it usually expires or is stripped.

Paul

[otrotabi]

hi, I would like to suggest Alibre (Alibre Design - the best choice for 3D CAD software. Powerful. Easy. Affordable.). It is within your budget, and it has everything you need for a hobbyst (and professional I would say) use. It has the free Alibre Express so that you can figure out how the program works before deciding to buy it. There are some tutorials included there to get you started. Good luck.

[lcurrie39]

Sounds like I'm on the right track. I've got the demo version of both installed right now, I will play with them until I like one better. I'd also looked atteh 30-day demo of Designcad 3D from Turbocad, but it feels lightyears behind these other two packages. Plus, it doesn't "shell" objects or have fillet support it seems.

[Ruse]

Originally Posted by lcurrie39

Sounds like I'm on the right track. I've got the demo version of both installed right now, I will play with them until I like one better. I'd also looked atteh 30-day demo of Designcad 3D from Turbocad, but it feels lightyears behind these other two packages. Plus, it doesn't "shell" objects or have fillet support it seems.

Also you can use KOMPAS. It's simple and powerful 3D CAD. You can download free KOMPAS-3D LT version without time limit. This is the best way for education, because ABC manual include in distributive. And You can study step by step with ABC.
If You have any questions, you can receive help from support absolutely free.

[jamesdtuttle]

You might want to try Alibre. They are low cost in comparison to others, and the last time I checked they had a free version that was quite capable. It was intended as a demo, but it worked with up to 50 part assemblies.

Regards,

jamesdutttle

[CADEL]

I started using CadKey when I was in my second year at Northeastern and continue to use KeyCreator today. I love the interface and the no history contraints of their free design products. I'd recommend checking them out: Kubotek USA, Inc.

Good luck,

EL

I think you will be suprised whats available in Solid Edge. A very complete package with intuitive interface, great surface capabilities and job tracking functions. For me; I am still considering it in the top 3. I used surfacing extensively so I may need a bit more than what is available in Solid Edge. Get a demo disk from Siemans. UGS in the past have been hard to deal with but I think that may change with Siemans. Good Luck
Jerry Dale

As an automotive designer with 20 years Siemens I-Deas, Catia V5 and Wildfire experience.....Alibre Design has all the functionality that a hobbyist or small business requires. The free download allows small assemblys. The drawings update when the associated models are revised. Translators are included (at least in the purchased version) STEP, IGES, ACIS, stl, DXF, DWG. It is very intuitive.....if you are familiar with wildfire you will be up and running in no time......Also the greatest user support forum and with purchased. If you require free-form surfaces....it works great with Rhino as well.
HTH!
Denis Kansier

[rbm163]

like autodesk's autocad is the industry standard for drafting, which program is considered the industry standard for 3d solid modeling?