Computer-Aided Design

So, I am a detailer for a small fabrication company and we are looking to move from 2d in AutoCAD LT to a parametric modeller of some sort. For our scale and budget kinda narrowed it down to either SolidWorks, Inventor, or Fusion, but haven't yet picked which one to go with (the wants of engineering vs the restrictions of management/IT) I was wondering if anyone had thoughts or concerns about any of those programs as well as any general advice about migration, the kind of pitfalls to avoid and best practices to implement. I am pretty much starting from the ground up as far as my resources go, and existing infrastructure.

I found I had to use scaling with 4k monitors and my eyes didn't really like that. I switched back to a 32" 1440P screen and it's okay but I'm curious about this 40" Monoprice unit.

Hi, I am looking to create a "lobed knob" (not sure if this is the correct designation) like the one on this mitre gauge.

I am using OnShape, but a general pointer on how to do it would also be helpful.

So far I have tried modelling the contour when looked at from above (sections of straight lines with concave arcs in between them, in a radial pattern) and then sweeping a semicircle along it, however this has lead to a bunch of errors in OnShape.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi everyone,

I need help with converting a surface model to solid. The model was created in AD PowerShape but we need to convert it into solid to make changes in the model. With surfaces I am unable to make any changes. There are no open holes or model errors but is there any way it can be converted into a full fleged solid model? Thanks.

Really struggling and looking for any help. I have a drawing with no dimensions. I know a doorway is 36 ichnes. How do I set up the drawing units if I know a given dimension??

For instance, a door is 36 inches wide. I want to set (units, scale,something) to measure an adjacent wall length?

I am trying to set the dimensions after it is drawn. Any help would be appreciated. Lets assume Autocad, but the terms or commands won't vary too much. I will figure that part out.

I'm about to go back to work full time after some health static, and I have a fair amount of experience with Inventor. However, it's mostly with authoring frame generator profiles. Other than basic modeling and assemblies, what other featuresets are industry relevant? For example, I haven't done too much work with iParts or iPropertiers.

What about Solidworks?

Thanks so much

Joe

Im trying to optimize a design for a bow. Specifically what would be the best angles for the reflexed tips, that would give it the most FPS. Its a composite bow, it'll have 3 different materials that I know I'll have to get the tensile strength of. But I'd like to be able(if possible) to run simulations to determine which angle would be best. Ive started learning the basics of fusion 360, and need a lot of practice. Is this a CAD system that I'd be able to use to find a solution, or would I need to focus on a different platform?

I'm not a daily CAD person, as I mostly do electronics, but I do need MCAD and 2D CAD (i.e. DWG/DXF) in my work.

I use Alibre Expert (my cheaper alternative to Solidworks) for 3D MCAD work.

I use TurboCAD Platinum for some "free form" 3D CAD work and primarily for 2D CAD and format conversion work.

I would not want to work with solely one or the other.

I assume that having more than one tool is a reality for many? But I wanted to see what others think about this. What sole program, or multiple programs do you use and why?

Okay, I come from a field of sheet metalt and pipe work.
By day I use Inventor and 3D Plant.

For the last 5 years I've been switching software too much outside of work.

I've done the Fusion 360, Onshape, Freecad trip - Onshape being my favorite after Autodesk ruined Fusion.

For the last year or so, I've been interested in Rhino. Outside of work I do anything from construction to models for 3D printing. I would like to settle on a piece of software and be done swtiching.

Perpetual license is a must, so right now my choice is between Rhino or Alibre. Two very different programs.

I also must be able to make 2D work drawings from my 3D models.

I just imagine Rhino as something powerful and different from my Autodesk suit at work.

Would it make sense to make the investment and learn the new work flow?

What is the best or go to 3d scanner, I want to scan some cars so I can design body kits. But I only have experience with onshape, and no experience in 3d scanning and mapping. Price is not really I a factor I am taking into account here, so if it cost 1 or 10,000 does not matter.

Hello, I'm having an issue activating my Nanocad account, I've registred my account and i have an account activation email, but when i click on it, and insert my credentials it keeps giving me the error "Incorrect login or password".
The password is correct, I've changed it a couple of times to make sure i was typing the right password but it keeps giving me the same issues, how do I log in my account?

Hey guys, my school uses 3DExperience but I want to do a cheap online course but all I find is v5 stuff. So would it be possible to follow a entry-mid level CATIA v5 course using 3DExperience? Thanks.

I know this article is about 3D printing, but the part that really stands out to me are the claims about implicit, equation based modeling being the future of CAD. I see a lot of potential value here as someone that has been working with CAD and finite element modeling every day for about 15 years.

Does anyone know about the subject and can comment? How would this impact FEA? Seems like a lot of heritage codes like nastran would have to be completely rebuilt if we step away from meshes.

https://all3dp.com/1/the-biggest-hurdle-in-complex-metal-3d-printing-isnt-the-metal-or-the-3d-printers/

Hi, Im doing research for our engineering team. We are considering multiple CAD tools, at the moment it looks like it’s going to be Solidworks. But I want to have some second opinions.

I would love to know what CAD tool you guys are using, and what are the pro’s and con’s versus Solidworks as far as you know.

Thank you for your time!

Hi,

I've made a part in Soliworks that I need to have in 3D DWG format.

I'm struggling with figuring out how I should go about to do this in Solidworks and I only manages to export it as a 2D drawing.

Is there actually a way to export 3D DWG from Solidworks?

Is there any other, free, software I can use to convert some of the Solidworks formats to 3D DWG?

Messing around on civil 3D for a while now and was curious if there is a way to link the Sheet Title to read the Sheet Number? I know there is a sheetset renumber commend which would help me a lot if there was a way to link the autogenerated number to the sheet title in sheet set manager.

Thank you in advance!

I went to college for drafting but have been out of the loop on free software. He is doing some large wood working hobby projects and is looking for free CAD software. He tried SketchUp but did not like it.

I am wondering if there is any solution out there where you can use your camera to "scan" an object and make the CAD object from it?

What CAD program has the best scripting capabilities which will intake key dimension of plastic elbow fittings (including multi piece elbows with a zoomed in view for other key dimensions) and automatically create drawings with dimensions annotations and tables for other dimensions. It doesn't have to have capabilities to intake dimensions within the program - I am ok using python script to create a script for the CAD software. I have tried using autolisp and that is a dumpster fire.

So my school is using Siemens Nx for its cad software and they want me to make a drawing using the drafting application that’s in Siemens. The only problem is that I can’t find the drafting application anywhere even when I search for it nothing comes up even my Lab instructor was lost. Please help me I don’t know what to do.

Hello, I have a project I need made into a STL file. Is there anywhere or anyone who can help with design of a Pelton Wheel Bucket. I have some pictures and one bucket, I don't know if i should find someone with a laser modeling device or if it needs to be built from the ground up.

Hi all,

I’m an amateur drafter who has found himself beyond his abilities during a project. I’m curious about outsourcing draft work for certain parts and where I would look and expect cost wise.

The project is 3D modeling a one-off engine from a long defunct company and I’m finding trouble with the single piece cylinder/head and crankcase. It would be working off of blueprints and not designing something from scratch.

If this is the wrong sub or too in depth of a project, then please direct me to the correct resources. Might just have to increase my skill level!

Problem Statement

1. Design a Mechanical CAD design of a Single Axis Linear Drive that can carry a 5kg of load. You can take the design reference from any of the drive available in the market.
2. The Drive would make use of Lead screw/timing belt or any other mechanism.
3. The motor has to be selected by the candidate so that the carriage provides an axial force as per required torque output.
4. The entire drive unit has to be enclosed inside a volume of 125mm x 45mm x 270mm(axis).
5. The Carriage needs to have a motion of at least 220 mm inside the given volume in the desired axis.

Judging Criteria

1. The entire design has to be built by the candidate. You can use generic CAD available only for stock components.
2. The design should be a complete manufacturable CAD model with all components viz. Motors, Mountings, Fasteners, Shafts, etc.
3. CAD can be modelled in any software of your choice. It has to be exported to IGES/STEP format.
4. External support structure should be designed so that it can take both static and dynamic loading conditions which the assembly may experience during its lifecycle.
5. Also prepare a bill of materials for the assembly including estimated price.
6. The design would be judged on simplicity of design, reliability, manufacturability and robustness of the assembly.

Files to Submit:

1. CAD design files a. Original CAD assembly files (with all components) b. Entire Assembly in IGES/STEP Format (with all components) c. Drafting for all custom made parts (Sheet metal, Plastics, Metal, etc.)
2. 3 Images from different angles (Screenshots)
3. Bill of Materials prepared as mentioned in the previous section

Our company had a demo of Catia v6 a few years ago and it was horrible .

But it’s almost 2025, has it gotten better ?

I've never had to do this before but for work there's a current need to use 3d models and create a video of the full assembly processes for training purposes.

Do any of you have experience in this? I'm looking software suggestions. We're currently using ptc creo for our modeling. And I am aware of the animation offered in creo but I'm looking for something a bit more dynamic.

Hey guys, my work has been having me learn AutoCAD through linkedin, I completed the introduction and essential learning courses, and I've even learned alot through replicating a PE's drawings. I'm just unsure where I should go from here. Should I do more linkedin courses which I find so boring, or should I get like a CAD certificate through my local community college? Any advice would be great!

Looking for guidance. Preparing for a backup plan if my Accounting degree doesn’t work out. I have been interested in civil drafting like becoming a highway drafter since Graduating community college. It’s only an associates degree but it provides us with a rigid education with a course in piping, structural detailing and electromechanical drafting and 3d modeling and etc

What is the normal education route for these jobs because my community college states we can make $18/per hour - $39/hr for architectural, mechanical and civil drafting careers

does anyone know how to make CAD model of Worm and Worm wheel gearbox?

I’m a high schooler with very little budget to spend on a CAD program and was wanting to know what the best low-budget CAD program is for Mac. I have Solidworks experience but can’t run it on my laptop

Lets say for example i want this figure here that I created on a sculpting program to be machined on a cnc. How would i process this model?