[bgriggs]

What is your favorite 3D CAD software and why.

[AiR_GuNNeR]

You need to add SpaceClaim to the list. Great software and very easy to use.

[bgriggs]

You need to add SpaceClaim to the list. Great software and very easy to use.

Thanks for the info. The survey only allows six entries. Maybe I should ask what folk recommend in addition to the other cads.

Bill

[ger21]

AutoCAD.

Because I'm faster with it than anything else.

[LeeWay]

AutoCAD.

Because I'm faster with it than anything else.

Turbocad for the same reason. It will also do sheet metal bends and unbends for you as well as some photo realistic rendering.
The more features you learn, the more powerful the software, but that goes for any of it I guess.

[Spinnetti]

The question is not that simple. From a professional standpoint, you need to look at the total art-to-part cost and efficiency. On the CAD side, Inventor was awesome to learn on, but not very stable, so after some years I moved to Solidworks which I really like, but getting my 3d model to a cuttable part is a total PITA. May as well just do in autocad and dump to master cam or just use master cam end-to-end... That said, I still do my full design in solid works, then spend way too much time re-doing and editing g-code in master cam, finally tweaking in NC (Mach3)

I'd like to find an affordable integrated cam solution that works out of the box with solid works that doesn't totally suck - Most are either way more than I need, or missing basic functionality. If I could find a good solution, then I'd be a happy camper.

[wheelieking71]

The question is not that simple. From a professional standpoint, you need to look at the total art-to-part cost and efficiency. On the CAD side, Inventor was awesome to learn on, but not very stable, so after some years I moved to Solidworks which I really like, but getting my 3d model to a cuttable part is a total PITA. May as well just do in autocad and dump to master cam or just use master cam end-to-end... That said, I still do my full design in solid works, then spend way too much time re-doing and editing g-code in master cam, finally tweaking in NC (Mach3)

I'd like to find an affordable integrated cam solution that works out of the box with solid works that doesn't totally suck - Most are either way more than I need, or missing basic functionality. If I could find a good solution, then I'd be a happy camper.

have you ever played with FeatureCAM? i import solidworks models into FeatureCAM every day, and it is extremely seamless and simple. rediculously fast. almost to the point of boring LOL.

[fatal-exception]

The question is not that simple. From a professional standpoint, you need to look at the total art-to-part cost and efficiency. On the CAD side, Inventor was awesome to learn on, but not very stable, so after some years I moved to Solidworks which I really like, but getting my 3d model to a cuttable part is a total PITA. May as well just do in autocad and dump to master cam or just use master cam end-to-end... That said, I still do my full design in solid works, then spend way too much time re-doing and editing g-code in master cam, finally tweaking in NC (Mach3)

I'd like to find an affordable integrated cam solution that works out of the box with solid works that doesn't totally suck - Most are either way more than I need, or missing basic functionality. If I could find a good solution, then I'd be a happy camper.

Try HSMWorks...

[LaughingJaguar]

In 1982 I was appointed the Director and Chief instructor of an Authorized AutoCAD training center. In 1993 I jumped from 2D design to 3D solids when I started using PRO Engineer. It was powerful but between the horrible user interface and the need to learn Unix, it was less than the best solution for the masses but as an Applications Engineer for a Pro E VAR, I got Pro E and a Silicone Graphics workstation for free. So I didn't complain.

In 1995 Solidworks approached us and asked us to be the first dealer in the USA. We did and it cost us the Pro E franchise but we didn't care. nor did I. I got and sold one of the very first seats of Swks. Was excited beyind meaure and I still am. I've used every release of Swks ever since.

Frankly, Swks was best when the Engineers influenced the development and the enhancements. However, at some point the Sales people started exerting a greater influence. The changes made came at the expense of needless complexity which has made the interface less than intuitive. I have every release of SolidWorks ever invented. I also have the latest release of Catia as well as a few seats of Pro E.

With all that capability, I choose an eleven year old version of SolidWorks for all my personal work and for contract work for clients. The fundamental power is there. There is hardly a thing I can't do with it that users of the 2012 versions can do. Granted I can't open a model designed with more recent versions but so what? If it's that important they'll IGS it to me but more often than not it's a none issue.

The most valuable attribute of anything that allows self expression is that it be intuitive, like driving a car or playing a musical instrument after 25 years. You don't think of it. . . . it's transparent and you simply create.

As for difficulty exporting to Master-Cam. . . .that came as a surprise. We sold Mastercam too and the interface was as easy as pushing a button.

! have been out of the CAD-CAM vendor business for about 10 years and do not miss it one bit. I'm a "hired gun" now, a contract designer with a very strong manufacturing history which clients value. I'm a problem solver who develops solutions using SolidWorks and when its done, I leave.

At the request of others, I've tested and used Alibre. I used to recommend it when it was still free. It's OK. Just OK but IMO it's not ready for prime time. If you are running a simple 2D router table and do not need 3D capability, I would suggest AutoCAD light. DXF Export files should be more than adequate for generating even the most complex router tool paths.

Clear Skies!

L.J.

[foam27]

For me, parametrics or not, Rhinoceros is the fastest.

[lavrgs]

Pro Engineer not on the list...?

[109jb]

Catia?

[bgriggs]

The survey only accepts 6 fields. If you favorite cad is not included just make a post and it will be counted at the end of the poll. If enough people mention a brand it will get compared as well.

[bgrimm]

Keycreator/CadKey

[Rocketspool]

SolidWorks

[scott0718]

I was an AutoCad guy for 6 years and i like the ease of generating a 3D model in Solidworks. I personally think it is more powerful.

[noimportantone]

Microsoft Word

[tmakea]

Cabinetvision is good enough for me!

[BitHead]

It is like having a personal drill sergeant assisting me to exercise my brain.

[fhsplitt]

FreeCAD !
FreeCAD | Free Graphics software downloads at SourceForge.net