Simple Mechanical Design Program? (free?)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a simple and inexpensive software program for designing mechanical products that involve basic springs and gears. Participants explore alternatives to full CAD software, considering the simplicity of their designs and the potential for prototyping.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for software to test simple mechanical designs but later decides to draw the design by hand, indicating that prototyping is sufficient for their needs.
  • Another participant shares their experience with mechanical drafting from high school, emphasizing the value of hand-drawing for quick and simple designs.
  • A suggestion is made to check out Solid Edge as a free 2D CAD program for potential use in the design process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the need for software, as some prefer hand-drawing while others suggest software options. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for simple mechanical design.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of preferences for design methods, from hand-drawing to software use, without establishing a clear best practice. The simplicity of the designs influences the participants' choices.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in mechanical design, particularly those working on simple projects or prototypes, may find this discussion relevant.

JnWaco
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Hi,

I'm designing a product using very very simple springs and gears and was wondering if there was a good software that can help test designs, preferably an inexpensive program.

The design itself is very simple, and I don't need full blown CAD or anything that stout just yet.
 
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Nevermind - I just drew it by hand - design is simple enough to test with prototypes.
 
JnWaco said:
Nevermind - I just drew it by hand - design is simple enough to test with prototypes.

Years and years ago (about a decade), I took mechanical drafting in high school (complete with old-skool(TM) drafting machines, exhortations to rotate the lead to maintain constant line thickness, and erasing shields).

To this day, I draw (admittedly simple) one-off mechanical / prototype drawings with H or 2H lead and dimensioning, and then just photocopy the drawing to give to the machine shop (which conveniently eliminates the gridding, increases the contrast, and prevents smudging / destruction of original).

Nice skill to have when you need something quick and dirty, and good way to work on the mental imaging / visualization abilities.
 
MATLABdude said:
Years and years ago (about a decade), I took mechanical drafting in high school (complete with old-skool(TM) drafting machines, exhortations to rotate the lead to maintain constant line thickness, and erasing shields).

To this day, I draw (admittedly simple) one-off mechanical / prototype drawings with H or 2H lead and dimensioning, and then just photocopy the drawing to give to the machine shop (which conveniently eliminates the gridding, increases the contrast, and prevents smudging / destruction of original).

Nice skill to have when you need something quick and dirty, and good way to work on the mental imaging / visualization abilities.


Yeah, I like to draw, and the concept I'm working on is super simple. I need to go read up on motor sizes, battery capacity, etc., now!
 
You might want to check Solid Edge for a Free 2D CAD program.
 

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