the best value cad program
the best value cad program
(OP)
I am in the market to buy a cad program. I am watching my cost. But, two problems
1. I have a Pentium III.
2. I need surface rendering.
If I do upgrade my computer I would rather get a MAC G5. What is out there for that platform.
Please give advise on each situation keeping cost in mind. thankyou.
1. I have a Pentium III.
2. I need surface rendering.
If I do upgrade my computer I would rather get a MAC G5. What is out there for that platform.
Please give advise on each situation keeping cost in mind. thankyou.






RE: the best value cad program
RE: the best value cad program
RE: the best value cad program
TTFN
RE: the best value cad program
A word of warning - the user forums indicate a number of stability issues with the latest version (v10). Many long-time users have stayed with previous versions (v8 or v9), pending IMSI sorting out the stability issues once and for all. (I am still using v8 Pro.) You can get a free 30-day trial download from IMSI, and check it out for yourself.
If you want real MCAD capabilities (feature-based solid modelling, automatic 2D drawing generation from your 3D solid model, option to integrate finite element analysis etc), you are going to have to shell out a bit more money - US$1,000 and up. You might want to check out Alibre (www.alibre.com), which seems to be excellent value for money, or ProDesktop from www.ptc.com. Both are available for around the $1,000 mark. Otherwise, you need to go even further up-market to something like SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Inventor etc.
I don't know of any good, affordable CAD systems for Mac.
RE: the best value cad program
Although I have to use Windows at my office, I have just bought an iMac G5 for home which is absolutely wonderful and years ahead in both functiuonality and design than my current Windows PC.
I used to be quite a fan of Turbocad but in the last few years it has been hit with some problems such as co-ordinate creep, mis-aligment of dimensions and crashes. It also seems that the developers have decided to take the route of producing a modelling programme with the emphasis on rendering and 3D modelling rather than a good all round cad system.
For the last year or so I have been using Vectorworks and I must say I am impressed. It is reasonably priced, easy to learn and very quick. It is originally a Mac developed system that has been ported across to Windows as well. I currently use the Windows version but will be buying the Mac version for my new iMac G5 at home.
For Windows you could look into Intellicad and for Mac Macdraft or Powercadd. Good luck and let us know what you chose. :)
RE: the best value cad program
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: the best value cad program
RE: the best value cad program
If the latter, you might want to check out Pro/Engineer Wildfire Student Edition / Personal Edition. Available for US$250 for accredited students, or US$300 for personal use. (Or a bit dearer if you buy a bundle with tutorials - highly recommended!) Not licensed for commercial use. Check it out at: www.proestudent.com.
This way, you can play with some serious high-end MCAD software at a real budget price.
RE: the best value cad program
We are currently having to audit a whole bunch of drawings because we received from a supplier a drawing that was either done on a Student Edition or contained something done on a Student Edition. We copied bit to our drawings and have ended up with prints overmarked 'Student Edition'.
A real pain because we don't know how many of our drawings are contaminated!
RE: the best value cad program
* There are also native Windows versions.
What's affordable depends on your intended use and needs. $4k is a little steep to pay for a hobby but not a business. $4k is a good deal in comparison to SolidWorks, especially if you need surfacing, which is one of Ashlar's strengths.
If you plan to provide design services, it would be worth the extra money to buy SolidWorks or one of the other more common packages. Customers typically expect you to use the same system as them.
If it's for internal use, Ashlar might be a good choice. If you didn't need surface rendering, I'd recommend looking at Alibre (www.alibre.com).
Rob Campbell, PE
Finite Monkeys - www.livejournal.com/users/robcampbell
RE: the best value cad program
1. 2D deliverables (drawings etc) are over-stamped with a statement that the drawings were produced using the Student Edition.
2. The Student Edition may not be able to exchange files with the full commercial product.
RE: the best value cad program
RE: the best value cad program
Personal/Student Licenses are for a limited time.
Typically 2 years.
Remember...
"If you don't use your head,
your going to have to use your feet."