CAD Software Options

Hello,
Are there any good CAD guys on here. If so what software are you using?

 

Architectural or engineering?

 

Revit for architecture .

 

SolidWorks...

Afaik, AutoCad has a free Student version...

 

Solidworks is great. Fusion 360 is good and free in most cases. What are you wanting to use it for?

 

Designing motorcycle and ATV and SXS parts really simple stuff nothing complicated

 

If you want solid works...join the EAA (experimental aviation assoc.) You can get free solidworks program as a member.

 

Fusion 360 is a really good option. Solidworks is awesome, but total overkill unless you can get it free like mentioned above. I think f360 also has free 2.5d cam integrated into it. SW also can, depending on your licenses. If you get a free version, though, I'm sure their cam package won't be included.

 

Any recommendations for architecture CAD programs? I have Apple..

 

Revit is THE architectural software. For manufacturing, gotta be Inventor or if you must, Solidworks.

On the cheap...sketchup.


If you’re doing it serious, get something you can put intelligence into then load into CAM software for the CNC and check tool paths.

 

We are making things like bumpers and roll cages and crash cages and some tools. Then we are going to CNC from there there. So we are not making anything really difficult. We are not large volume enough to worry about supply chain and fastener stuff

 

Onshape is a good option, and $20k less than solidworks...

 

A regular SW license can be had for 5k

 

If you need to learn a software than use the free 20 to 30 days and see if you can use it or not. If you already know how to draw on the computer then what you are willing to pay for is what you will get.
The more tools you want the more you will spend and the quicker you can get your drawings done if time is a factor.

 

Using Fusion 360 for CAD/CAM, you can get a free version for hobbyist use
Currently doing toolpaths on this part

 

Freecad is actually free and really powerful. It isn’t perfect but neither are the paid packages. I’ve done some moderately complicated design work in there and have been happy with it. I’ve worked as a design engineer with a few full cad programs, and because of that I can’t wrap my head around sketchup. It seems to be more tailored to someone wanting to draw than design.

 

Fusion 360.

 

No viable for home use, but I am a Creo fan. We have several different softwares at work, but whenever I have a chance to pick which to use, Creo is my go to.

 

My dad (a Purdue grad) did some of the most beautiful drawings you could imagine. I had to go into GE's drawing archives when I was a contractor for them and I found some of his drafting that he produced in the 60's...magnificent. CAD may be all the shit, but it will never match the beauty of hand drafting.

image hosting services

 

Lost art for sure, until your client requests a change.
I vowed AutoCad would be all I'd ever need and I'd retire without buying another program. However, I'm typing this in a classroom where in 5 minutes, I'm going to be learning Revit.

K