Hey Guys what do you recommend for a cad type program ,basic, not uber complicated to use, I need to make drawings for laser/water jet cutting 2 dimensional parts, knife blades etc, the easier to use the better, where to purchase,thanks
auto cad or solidworks
- Thread starter aklavik
- Start date
Corel Draw. Download and use for free for a month. Around $125 for a non-commercial license IIRC. There are a couple free graphics programs out there that can do a lot o the same image work in 2D, and export n the formats that you need.
You need any drawing program that will output the file types that the water jet cutter will import. Start from there and work backwards to the programs you need.
You really don't need the cost or capabilities (or the learning curve) that go with either AutoCad or Solidworks.
Cheers
Trev
You need any drawing program that will output the file types that the water jet cutter will import. Start from there and work backwards to the programs you need.
You really don't need the cost or capabilities (or the learning curve) that go with either AutoCad or Solidworks.
Cheers
Trev
I really like using parametric drawings with inventor, so when I draw for the waterjet I use inventor, then export to autocad, then out to the waterjet guy.
If you have to draw an assembly that consists of multiple flat pieces welded together, or however they are attached, being able to view the design in 3D helps eliminate some of the simple errors that can occur if you don't visualize before cutting and fabrication.
I would consider 3D in case you feel the need to look at designing working benches specific to your work, assembly jigs, etc.
If you have to draw an assembly that consists of multiple flat pieces welded together, or however they are attached, being able to view the design in 3D helps eliminate some of the simple errors that can occur if you don't visualize before cutting and fabrication.
I would consider 3D in case you feel the need to look at designing working benches specific to your work, assembly jigs, etc.
Blastattack
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I find Solidworks to be the easiest to model stuff in. Everything just seems a little more intuitive than Autocad Inventor. Cannot speak for any other programs however.
I found the opposite, although I learned autocad first and that translated well into Inventor. When I tried solid works I didn't find it intuitive and I gave up on it rather quickly. Two of the factories I visited in Germany use Solidworks, so it must be excellent software.
I use all three (AutoCAD, Inventor, and Solidworks). Being an old(ish) fart, I started out with a Tee Square, a protractor, sharp pencil and a chisel point pencil! I think for that reason I still do new conceptual layouts in 2D with AutoCAD. I love using the 3D parametric software when I get into the meat and potatotes of a job. Of the two I prefer Solidworks - much nicer to use and more intuitive.
If your work is all going to be waterjet and therefore 2D I would go for AutoCAD LT and/or Solidworks. They are both cheaper than the full AutoCAD or Inventor I believe.
If your work is all going to be waterjet and therefore 2D I would go for AutoCAD LT and/or Solidworks. They are both cheaper than the full AutoCAD or Inventor I believe.
I have used a free for individuals CAD program i found online called Draftsight. It resembles aitocad for a lot of things, but obviously doesn't have all of the bells and whistles, but it might be worth checking out. http://www.3ds.com/products-services/draftsight/overview/
