What is the best 3d CAD software?

jhae2.718

We use SolidWorks for parametric modeling at my university.

saurya08

Parametric softwares are easy to use, but the most important thing is that you should know the basics of drafting.If you do not have a good base in drafting you and your company will be in a lot of pain.

madmax29

2D=

CADAM/CCD

http://www.cadam.com/

3D=

CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, SKETCHUP

http://www.solidworks.com/

nitti109

I understand this thread is fairly old, but I am currently in charge of determiningg the best 3D CAD software to use at my company. We will be manufacturing high power transformers. Has anyone in this thread worked in the power industry? More specifically with 3D transformer design and modeling? If so, any information on CAD software you used would be greatly appreciated.

spanky489

im pretty sure all 3d programs mentioned in this thread are enough to model the actual transformer but you should definitely keep an eye out for the 3d programs that are compatible with the CAM and CAE programs for your field.

firavia

Solidworks is the best software that enables you to interact with your 3D mechanical drawing or design, it gives you the opportunity to study some material engineering aspects as buckling, stresses using some finite elements capabilities and at the same time you can have some CFD simulations as well. As for Autocad it is not very handy concerning 3D drawing but it is a perfect tool for drafting specially in the field of building services such as , hvac design, plumbing etc... for some nice plumbing, hvac and drainage networks designs in autocad visit: http://www.engineershouse.com/shop/c...?id_category=9

JPvis

Enigma yes I support you answer, important is to understand that your company dictates what rout to go. If you’re not in a position to make the decision please do the following. Work with the application and do your best to learn everything you can about how the software should work. Nobody can take away what you learn and therefore add all of this as additional CV material. I am currently working with Bentley applications (PowerCivil, ProStructures, Openplant and ProjectWise for Document Control. I have worked on Unigraphics, Autodesk and locally produced applications. Personally I do not think there is any more a question like what software is the best, it is rather how fast can I!!! produce an result to my client and am I willing to learn. Never tell your boss you are to old to learn new things.

Vadar2012

Autodeesk Inventor is the best handsdown in my opinion. I don't agree with firavia's comment on not being hand for 3D drawings. It does the same as Solidworks, but has more functionality in other areas. I learnt how to use Inventor all by myself by reading the manual and watching youbtube videos. There are alot of tutorials for it.

Travis_King

I think Firavia was talking about Autodesk AutoCAD, in which case I'd have to agree (although admitedly I like it well enough; it just isn't up to the same level in 3D as Inventor or Solidworks or ProE)

Space_Penguin

I've always used Interiors Pro by Microspot
http://www.microspot.com/products/in...sPro/index.htm

jehake12

What is the best 3d CAD software?

That is a very subjective question.

Here are my subjective ratings for CAD packages that I've used in design of automated conveyor lines; hematology analyzers; medical optics equipment; chemical vapor deposition equipment for semiconductors; seismic restraints for MEP & Equipment in Structures; linear accelerators for oncology:

SolidWorks (9/10)
Pro/E (7/10)
Inventor (3/10)
AutoCAD (1/10)* with regards to 3D. The 2D is useful for schematics, cables and the like.

Things I look for in CAD software are:
1. Ease of use/intuitive design
2. Features that make my life easier (ie sheetmetal, cable routing, weldments, standard shapes, hardwarem and hole callouts, etc.)
3. Robust models
4. Can I share my models/drawings with machinists, consultants, other engineers?

Usually, it doesn't matter which software you find to be the best. Your software will be chosen by your employer.