IIT Student Asks: What CAD Software Should I Use?

[nradam]

I am a sophomore student in Indian Institute Of Technology, doing mechanical engineering (Just introducing myself as this is my first post in this super-mesmerizing website)

Well, we haven't yet started any CAD courses in college, and i will have to bunk a few classes tomorrow to attend a workshop on ANSYS. A week later, there is a workshop on solidworks. And for a long while I've only heard of this software called autocad.

So i was wondering, what are all these softwares about? Which one should i concentrate on so that i can start designing some mechanical stuff? I can already do some pretty good coding for embedded systems, so let's say if i want to design an RC plane (mounted with a camera would be cool) which is the best software i can use for that purpose?

 

[john.phillip]

SolidWorks will give you a lot of fun.

 

[nradam]

Oh, thanks for the reply.
I would like to get some more feedbacks tho.

 

[mgb_phys]

CATIA = biggest player. Somewhat expensive ie. unlikely to be using it unless it says Boeing or Airbus on your ID badge,

ProEngineer/Solidworks = majority of the market. People argue endlessly about which is best which implies they are identical.

Autocad Inventor = probably cheapest (still a few $1000), 3D parametric version of the traditional favorite PC cad app.

The important concepts, sketching/constraints are pretty much identical, the user interface is vastly different between each.

 

[blue_raver22]

I would suggest that it is important to first understand the differences between these CAD software programs and their capabilities. Each software has its own unique features and strengths, and it is important to choose the one that best fits your specific needs and goals.

Autocad, for example, is a widely-used software for 2D and 3D drafting and design. It is commonly used in architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Solidworks, on the other hand, is a popular choice for mechanical design and product development. It has advanced features for creating 3D models and simulations.

ANSYS is a simulation software that is commonly used for analyzing and testing the performance of designs in various industries, including mechanical, aerospace, and automotive. It is often used in conjunction with other CAD software programs to optimize designs and identify potential issues before production.

In terms of designing an RC plane with a camera, I would recommend using Solidworks as it has specific tools and features for modeling and simulating mechanical systems. However, it would also be beneficial to have some knowledge and experience with Autocad and ANSYS to fully utilize the capabilities of Solidworks.

Ultimately, the best CAD software for you will depend on your specific design needs and goals. I would suggest exploring each software and attending the workshops to gain a better understanding of their capabilities and how they can be applied to your projects. It is also important to continuously learn and stay updated on new features and advancements in CAD software to further enhance your skills and designs.