3D CAD Software

afoveht on 12/08/2020 - 15:59

Hi all.

I'm hoping for real life tales of how you've fared with various 3D CAD software. Preferably free or cheap versions, and must be parametric. Windows or Linux only. Lots of reviews can be found on the 'net but I'm seeing no clear consensus.

I need to make various little bits and pieces - not necessarily full assemblies with simulated motion but that would be handy if possible and does not require too much effort.

(I have been using Rhino over the years but am fed up with the simple surface modelling paradigm.)

TIA.

Computing Software

Comments

  • Archi on 12/08/2020 - 16:07

    revit…

    • Gnostikos on 12/08/2020 - 16:16

      I would assume they aren't experienced with Revit if he's been using Rhino exclusively; it suggests the OP most likely comes from a 3D visualisation background and not an architectural, engineering or design background.

      Revit's learning curve is really not worth embarking on if your primary goal is just 3D modelling/visualisation as it's really an architectural design tool first and foremost and requires a good understanding of BIM to get the most out of it.

      It's also really not suited to modelling anything other than architecture; certain not "full assemblies" if we're talking mechanical systems and their constituent parts. That would be more the domain of Solidworks and more engineering-oriented CAD software.

      • afoveht on 12/08/2020 - 16:24

        No, I am actually in engineering. I just picked Rhino many moons ago because it was cheaper than the alternatives and 3D modelling is something I don't normally do so couldn't justify the $Ks per year. It seems that in the last few years a large bunch of new / updated software is available so I'm wanting to jump ship from Rhino.

        • Gnostikos on 12/08/2020 - 16:28

          Be that as it may, Revit isn't really applicable for your use case. It also certainly isn't cheap, especially for individual use.

          Autodesk Inventor and Solidworks (mechanical simulation and visualisation) are more what you'd be looking for, but again they're probably not cheap.

  • foolsgold on 12/08/2020 - 16:10

    Rhino is probably the most complete cheap 3D Cad software going around, and with grasshopper can do some of things you want.
    What is your industry, or what are you trying to make from it?

    • afoveht on 12/08/2020 - 16:19

      I would like to make various parts for some machines. Being able to incorporate other models (step or similar) of nuts and bolts, etc. would be necessary.

      I do not require any complex rendering facilities - even wire diagrams would suit, but the most simple shading would be great.

      I have many times used Altium's (electronic CAD / PCB) basic 3D abilities (mainly simple extrusions) over Rhino because Rhino sucks at giving me fine and deterministic outcomes, as well as not offering any good rules / constraints, or ability for parametric mods.

      • foolsgold on 12/08/2020 - 21:48

        I like to think of Rhino as literally 3D Autocad, except its a lot better, and cheaper it can be turned parametric through Grasshopper and other programming tools, but I think its not at all what your looking for. I'm not an industrial designer maybe someone else can vouch for this, but Solidworks and Inventor lets you do what you need, except for the cheap and simple part.

  • Gnostikos on 12/08/2020 - 16:12

    3D visualization/modelling software and CAD software are not mutually inclusive.

    There are examples of CAD software out there that can also render the 2D/3D designs/schematics/plans into fully textured/mapped/lit/physics-enabled scenes (either with built-in functionality or rendering plug-ins like Enscape) but the majority are oriented towards either visualization or design and not both.

    Are you just looking for a rendering engine like 3ds Max, Maya, Unreal, Unity which you want to use for the entire workflow or do you need to first model a CAD design in something like AutoCAD/Revit/SketchUp/ArchiCAD/Solidworks and then import it into a 3D engine?

    Also it would help to know what industry you're in or what exactly you're designing and modelling here, as different software is targeted towards different demographics of users and use cases.

    Preferably free or cheap versions

    No such thing I'm afraid. If there was a free 3D/CAD "killer app", everyone and their grandma would be on it by now and finally thankful to be out of the clutches of the Autodesk Mafia.

  • pegaxs on 12/08/2020 - 16:20

    I use TurboCAD at work. It's pretty good and easy enough to learn and use. Does 2D and 3D modelling. I also use Autodesk Inventor for 3D modelling and virtual assembly work.

    Unfortunately, none are cheap. Any CAD that is worth its weight is expensive… BUT! Autodesk has a free 30 day trial avalialble, and if you have a .edu school email address, you can get their software for free for 12 months (they may or may not check your details to see if you are enrolled in a design course.) And AutoCAD is probably one of the most sought after skills and app combinations employers would be looking for, so it's a good base to start learning if you wanted to learn any of them.

    • afoveht on 12/08/2020 - 16:29

      Side topic: What's the deal with Inventor vs Solidworks? Which one is more popular in Australia amongst design professionals?

      • Gnostikos on 12/08/2020 - 16:31

        Inventor because of the Autodesk's Mafia's monopoly on the AEC industries (Architectural/Engineering/Construction), not only in Australia but globally.

        Solidworks is by the French Dassault Systemes and they've never had much of a foothold in Australia. In Europe, Solidworks is probably more popular than Autodesk Inventor and other competitors.

        • afoveht on 12/08/2020 - 16:35
          +1

          OK. My own experience with designers is that they've all used Solidworks. These be product / industrial designers - I am not sure that fits in with AEC. (But I do "hear" about Inventor a lot).

      • pegaxs on 12/08/2020 - 16:36

        Pretty much what Amar says… Autodesk products are pretty much the industry standard here in Australia. I have spoken to some CAD guys before and mentioned TurboCAD and they had never heard of it.

        I can’t speak for anything else, just what I have used. I’ve never used Solidwork, so I don’t know.

        • afoveht on 12/08/2020 - 16:39

          Ta to both of you.

          I am trialing FreeCAD right now. I wonder if I will end up in tears by day's end.

      • djsweet on 12/08/2020 - 17:02

        Unis seem to teach with Inventor, and they have (or at least used to have) free or very cheap student licenses. Hooks you in young. Personally I prefer Solidworks, but I probably have more experience with Inventor. ProE (now Creo) was what I first started on, and I hated it.

      • sareth on 13/08/2020 - 09:23

        Inventor historically, increasingly Fusion 360. Which incidentally, is free if you're a hobbyist and contains >$10k of capability.

  • rakkie on 12/08/2020 - 18:05
    +2

    Solidworks has a community version now:
    https://www.solidworks.com/support/community-download

    Fusion 360 has a free personal license option if you don't need more advanced stuff:
    https://www.autodesk.com.au/products/fusion-360/personal

    • afoveht on 12/08/2020 - 18:51

      Both have stifling license agreements - no commercial use, or $1000 max. annual revenue.

      • foolsgold on 12/08/2020 - 21:49

        to be fair if your generating thousands of dollars of revenue from it, spending 10% on software is a small overhead to pay. I think of the thousands of dollars that are getting wasted now on unused licences because of Covid I pay for.

  • MatteCar on 12/08/2020 - 18:20

    OnShape?

    • afoveht on 12/08/2020 - 18:54

      $1500 / year - not cheap!

      • MatteCar on 12/08/2020 - 19:46

        You can pretend to be a student and get it for free

  • lyonesse9 on 12/08/2020 - 19:07

    Try nanocad, you can trial it for 30 days.
    It has similar interface with Auto Cad
    https://nanocad.com/

    The pro version is $300 USD per year.

  • Zachary on 13/08/2020 - 13:24

    Blender is free.

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