auto cad

[welderburn2000]

any one ever use this program for job design? i got a chance to use it at work very confusing with the 3d mode.

[Sicko]

This is just my opinion.... But regular Auto Cad is weak in the 3-d portion. But Auto-desk does make a pakage that is called autodesk Inventor that is a powerful 3-d modeling program.

[imagineer]

any one ever use this program for job design? i got a chance to use it at work very confusing with the 3d mode.

All day, every day for the past 12 years. I''ve also had to use Solid Edge, Pro E and Arris (Unix based ). I agree with Sicko that base AutoCAD is limited when it comes to 3D projects, but for 2D drafting, Release 2004 is easy and quick. If you can get your hands on Inventor, it's worth the hassle to learn it. I got a copy of Release 11 about 6 months ago and can't imagine every attempting 3D work on AutoCAD again. Once I figure how to post pictures, I post a few *.jpegs of some Inventor stuff I've done.

Not only is Inventor a powerful 3d tool, but it's great at returning critical infomation and helping to solve design problems. You can also create complete mechanical assemblies and have moving parts that are constrained to each other. Fun Stuff!

I will say that after being an AutoCAD person for so long, the learning curve to go over to Inventor was tough. The logic that Inventor uses is almost backwards from what AutoCAD users are accustomed to. I'd venture to say a person new to CAD with little or no history with AutoCAD would learn Inventor just as easy because they won't have to "unlearn" all their AutoCAD habits.

AutoCAD or Inventor, they're both great programs to know how to use. Good Luck!

[Bigger Valves]

I design a little on inventor at work.. I've also had a little time playing with solidworks. AutoCad I never used much, but Inventor is fun stuff though not the cream of the crop.

[Sicko]

Heck another good 3-d modeling program is Micrstation Modeler by Bently products. But that is more of a cumbersom program to learn for a novice, and its basicly used in industrial enviorments.

[johnny_waz]

UniGraphics NX 3 is what we use here at work, and its great. I also like Catia 5. Besides Alias, the previous 2 are top notch 3d programs. I've used/tried them all on my home computer with no problems.

[MXtras]

ACAD might not be the best, but it is very powerful. I have been using it for over 15 years - since version 9. As mentioned, the learning curve is very steep at first but after a bit it is not too bad to learn. If a class is available to you, take it - it will lessen the frustration.

Scott

[flukecej]

I have Autodesk Inventor 6 that also includes AutoCAD 2004 and Autodesk Mechanical Desktop. Mech Desktop is hard to use, its AutoCAD on Steroids and confusing. I use AutoCAD for schematics and things that require or need 2D work. For designing things, I use Inventor so I can develop out what I am working on.

I have AutoCAD from R14 to 2004 and Inventor from Release 4 through 7. Can't run Inventor 7, computer doesn't have enough horsepower. One thing that goes great with Inventor is the SpaceBall 3D controller. They normally sell for $800.00+ but can be found on Ebay for $100 or less.

As others have said, learning curve is steep in the beginning, especially on the older versions. AutoCAD 2004 was more intuitive and you literally draw like you would draft by hand. Having some drawing or drafting background helps. Inventor has always had the intuitive approach to drawing. The biggest hangup was get the parts and fasteners libraries to load. Getting a good book or two, or taking a class is a big help. Books are cheaper and allow you to learn at your own pace. Getting the software and taking classes from an Autodesk retailer or Authorized seller can be very pricey. A local community college might offer a course, but it might be on an older platform, if they have anything on Autodesk products at all.

[imagineer]

Getting the software and taking classes from an Autodesk retailer or Authorized seller can be very pricey. A local community college might offer a course, but it might be on an older platform, if they have anything on Autodesk products at all.

I don't usually advocate piracy, but if price is an issue, look for a copy of the software disks.
Seek a copy from someone you know. If you agree to, at some future point, provide some freelance CAD work for the company that owns the software, that skirts a license agreement violation.

[chrisS]

I am a Computer Aided Drafting teacher and have been using AutoCAD since version 2.62, 20 plus years. Cripes I'm old! I was a Civil Engineering Design Technician prior to becoming a teacher (momentary insanity). My specialty was was doing earthworks via digital terrain models of landfills and roadways. The full version of AutoCAD has extremely powerful 3D capabilities. One of the main problems is that people don't know how to access the commands or customize menus. Autocad has immense power but it takes a dedicated effort to learn. Flat drawings are relatively easy. I can get my students up to speed on 2D drawings in 4 weeks (20 hours) +\-. 3D design can be a mind warping experience.

If you haven't tried it yet there is a 3D modeling program called Rhinoceros. I just recently installed this in my lab at school. Students are going to town and love it. Commands very similar if not the same as AutoCAD commands.

Also available is DesignCAD 3D for a whole lot less and not a bad program.

Contact your local high school drafting teacher. we are always looking for community tie in. That way you don't have to go up that steep learning curve. You might be amazed at what kids can & will do for you. If anyone needs help w/ AutoCAD feel free to PM me or email to cscheide@frontiernet.net.

[Conrad_Turbo]

I’ve used Autocad for the past 10 years (and I’m only 23!) and it’s a FANTASTIC 2D program, but the last time I used it for 3D it was lacking (as compared to say Solidworks or Inventor). As for the learning curve, I have no idea what it would be like for the latest versions as I learned everything with a tablet and by memorizing commands. The newer versions are more “windows” based, where there are nice little icons to click on in case you forget a command. That will definitely speed up learning time, but knowing the commands in the end is ultimately much faster.

3D…I could make 3D models with no problem, but after a bit of time with other CAD packages, Solidworks, Inventor and even ProE…it put AutoCAD to shame in the 3D department. AutoCAD is GREAT for layout drawings for example, I have a CAD model of my entire house, so whenever I want to buy new furniture or anything else I can measure it and then mock it up on the computer before actually buying it. Right now I am doing a layout for tile flooring throughout my living room/kitchen and I am trying different patterns and grout spacing to get a good layout. AutoCAD is a very powerful tool…but it’s major strength is in the 2D CAD.

[chrisS]

I don't disagree with Conrad that ACAD is very powerful for 2D drawings and the 3D does suffer from lack of an easy to use intuitive interface. I suppose that is why AutoDesk came out w/ inventor.

I started using AutoCAD back in the days before pull-down menus or screen icons. The fastest way to operate it is keystrokes. I was reluctant to jump on the Rhino 3D boat because I really like AutoCAD for creating the actual geometry and I could brute force the 3D. But now after using Rhino for just a week i am sold. I still prefer AutoCAD for creating the geometry (old dog, new tricks blah blah blah), but just import it into Rhino for the actual model.

I am currently working on a full scale 3d model of an ar-15 in Rhino. I will let you know how it progresses.

[vicegrip]

I am a Computer Aided Drafting teacher and have been using AutoCAD since version 2.62, 20 plus years. If you haven't tried it yet there is a 3D modeling program called Rhinoceros.

http://www.rhino3d.com/

I just recently installed this in my lab at school. Students are going to town and love it. Commands very similar if not the same as AutoCAD commands.

If anyone needs help w/ AutoCAD feel free to PM me or email to cscheide@frontiernet.net.

I just found it !!!
Excited as all heck !!

I want to do the Linear Impact Hammer , on sump'n like this !!!

[vicegrip]

http://www.rhino3d.com/3/whatisnew.htm#prices

Thanks for the tip Chris !!

[BKD]

Is there any CAD software out there that a total CAD noob can either download(preferably for free), or buy for under $100 that is learnable without signing up for a class? Something that has some printed instruction is available like "xxxCAD for Dummies"?

Can anyone recommend anything?



I've played around with TurboCadLE a little bit a couple of years ago, but lost it when my HD crashed the last time.

I wonder if it's still available? Time to do a google search!