How to decide on CAD software?

#1 (**permalink**) June 19th, 2006, 09:28 PM

Hi I'm in engineering school third year mechanical department and we use Autocad mostly with 2d drawings but i want to learn a 3d cad software. I searched for info about it and all i found was a lot of softwares, and i tried solidworks and solid edge but still i can't seem to make up my mind.
I guess my question is this, how can i decide on the software i should use?
Same goes for CAM softwares. I'd really appreciate some help.
Thank you

#2 (**permalink**) June 20th, 2006, 02:12 PM

Hello Aly_hendawy,

It all depends on what you want to do. AutoCAD is very widely accepted but does not do well for complex 3D design such as Pro/E or SolidWorks does. AutoCAD is aso cheaper than those apps.

We have many tips in our MCAD TechBits section that will help you decide. Start here and explore.

Selecting A Solid Modeling System
Tips > MCAD > TechBits
Tips > MCAD > TechBits > Solid Modeling

Good Luck!
3DCADTips Help Desk

#3 (**permalink**) June 21st, 2006, 01:29 AM

Thank you that was very helpful.

#4 (**permalink**) January 18th, 2007, 03:54 AM

SolidWorks seems very user friendly.
Same to Autodesk Inventor.

Diogenes · #5 (**permalink**) March 9th, 2007, 10:05 AM

MadCAM? with Rhinoceros for CAD? i have found nothing more powerful or easy.

#6 (**permalink**) March 15th, 2007, 01:51 AM

I have used autCAD R14 2002 and 2005 and have managed to create 3d work and some slides to show my work moving, though its been a few years since i did. me i am happy with AutoCad does what i need and some it just depends on what you want to show. Have also had a intro in 3d studiomax nice found it a bit heavy going took a while to get used to the all the extras. if you have Autcad try looking in help file. or if you want some help and you have Autocad just ask

Dave

#7 (**permalink**) August 17th, 2007, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aly_hendawy

Hi I'm in engineering school third year mechanical department and we use Autocad mostly with 2d drawings but i want to learn a 3d cad software. I searched for info about it and all i found was a lot of softwares, and i tried solidworks and solid edge but still i can't seem to make up my mind.
I guess my question is this, how can i decide on the software i should use?
Same goes for CAM softwares. I'd really appreciate some help.
Thank you

IF I was in your shoes..... look at what industry or company you might want to work in and see what they use. SolidWorks is easier to learn, "windows friendly" and becoming the leader in 3D midrange software.

Ruse · #8 (**permalink**) November 23rd, 2007, 07:50 AM

Hi!
Try to use KOMPAS-3D LT V9. it's simple 3D cad with good help and ABC book in distributive. With ABC you can made you model step by step.

spider007 · #9 (**permalink**) November 27th, 2007, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ridein

IF I was in your shoes..... look at what industry or company you might want to work in and see what they use.

agree....

#10 (**permalink**) November 30th, 2007, 12:55 AM

I can recommend you one the best free 3D CAD software - this is OneSpace Modeling.

Take your free version from

CoCreate | Products: CoCreate OneSpace Modeling Personal Edition » Overview

There is a free version for 3D and 2D for universities and educational institutions