What software do you use?

[andrewMParticipant]

I have been using FreeCAD and Autodesk Inventor Fusion 2013. Given my limited CAD/drafting skills they meet my needs, although I find them frustrating to use at times. I am wondering what packages other people use and their thoughts on them?

[Paul KellyParticipant]

We use the free Solid Edge 2D for just about everything (most of our work is 2 or 2.5D) it’s basically a 2D version of a $5K CAD package, so it’s pretty good.
We use SheetCam for 2D toolpath generation (fantastic tool)
We use MeshCam for 3D toolpath generation
We use V-Carve Pro for decorative CNC work..
PK

[Andrew MolnarParticipant]

I use Sketchup 8, free and easy to use, also has many useful plugins.
The other AndrewM

[Brad WebsterMember]

I use Solidworks and Rhino. Solidworks is pretty good but too expensive for the average user. Works well with multiple parts in an assembly and parts can exert physics on other parts such as gears. The build history also allows you to go back to any stage in the design and edit features. Rhino is good value for money but has a fairly steep learning curve. It also lacks build history so if you make a major mistake you are limited to the undo button or have to start over. Both programs are good for modelling organic 3d forms and 3d rendering. Ultimately the software you need to use depends on the complexity and shape of the objects you want to design.
Brad

[Trevor HarringtonParticipant]

Gday guys,
Can you go from Sketchup to CNC ( Vectric Aspire )?
I have Rhino but cannot drive it YET.

cheers

Trevor

[DwayneParticipant]

So whats the consensus on starter software? The plan will be to run with it and do a few group “how to” sessions!

[pkoMember]

Trevor Harrington, post: 484, member: 302 wrote: Gday guys,
Can you go from Sketchup to CNC ( Vectric Aspire )?
I have Rhino but cannot drive it YET.

cheers

Trevor

I have no knowledge on both Sketchup and CNC, but did come across this link on how to get from Sketchup to CNC. Hope it is useful to you.

http://www.instructables.com/id/From-SketchUp-to-CNC-Fabrication/

[Andrew-MOAMindParticipant]

Brad Webster, post: 462, member: 276 wrote: I use Solidworks and Rhino. Solidworks is pretty good but too expensive for the average user. Works well with multiple parts in an assembly and parts can exert physics on other parts such as gears. The build history also allows you to go back to any stage in the design and edit features. Rhino is good value for money but has a fairly steep learning curve. It also lacks build history so if you make a major mistake you are limited to the undo button or have to start over. Both programs are good for modelling organic 3d forms and 3d rendering. Ultimately the software you need to use depends on the complexity and shape of the objects you want to design.
Brad

I also use SolidWorks. It is expensive to purchase outright although there are 30 day trial versions around if you just want to “give it a go”.
Personally I find it great for building up complete assemblies, checking all of my part fits and generating 3D renders to show clients. Like anything it does have a learning curve however it comes included with some great tutorials that will have you making complex shapes and assemblies very quickly.

[DerrynMember]

Andrew-MOAMind, post: 579, member: 29 wrote: I also use SolidWorks. It is expensive to purchase outright although there are 30 day trial versions around if you just want to “give it a go”.
Personally I find it great for building up complete assemblies, checking all of my part fits and generating 3D renders to show clients. Like anything it does have a learning curve however it comes included with some great tutorials that will have you making complex shapes and assemblies very quickly.

One of the things I serious like about the higher end tools (from an electronics person perspective), is when working in a team the easy backward and forward migration of models between the mechanical EDA tools and PCB tools. With tools like Altium and Solidworks, ensuring the PCB design and the mechanical design all fits together when separate people are designing the two parts of the system and there’s multiple design changes along the way is awesome.

[Kieran MesquitaMember]

I used to use Autodesk Inventor, though I’ve moved to 123D Design and 123D Make. I found Inventor to be not very well suited to designing 3D printable models, I’d probably use it for creating visualisations etc.

[Paul KellyParticipant]

I did the plug design for a vac formed part in 123D. It’s quite easy to use..
PK

[parkviewParticipant]

I started with FreeCAD, but had issues with stability, which other people didn’t have, so maybe it was clashing with something on my PC.

Then switched to the free Design Spark Mechanical.  Have been using it for 2-3 years and loving it.  Having written that, since Fusion360 is now free for hobbiests, I thought I would have a go with it, as one day I might pick up a CNC machine and it can do CAM work as well.

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