Help
Help
(OP)
Can someone help me out please?
My company brought me in because I have an extensive knowledge of 3D cad software and have used many programs. One of my first big issues to resolve is to take all our programs and consolidate them to 1. Currently we have UG, Solidworks, AutoCAD, and AutoCAD light. I get to pick any program I want, which is nice. I just need to make sure it is easy for beginners to learn, and easy for more experienced users to pick up fast.
So my question is this:
Seing as how you all use this program, how would you say it compares to IDEAS, PRO E, or Solidworks? Those are my other top choices so far...
My company brought me in because I have an extensive knowledge of 3D cad software and have used many programs. One of my first big issues to resolve is to take all our programs and consolidate them to 1. Currently we have UG, Solidworks, AutoCAD, and AutoCAD light. I get to pick any program I want, which is nice. I just need to make sure it is easy for beginners to learn, and easy for more experienced users to pick up fast.
So my question is this:
Seing as how you all use this program, how would you say it compares to IDEAS, PRO E, or Solidworks? Those are my other top choices so far...





RE: Help
Many of the early 3D hires went to companies switching from CADKey or Pro/E to SolidWorks. Now it seems the majority are AutoCAD switching to Inventor.
Students can download Autodesk Inventor Professional for free from http://engineersrule.org or http://firstbase.autodesk.com
Others can download Inventor LT for free from http://labs/autodesk.com Inventor LT is limited to single part - no assembly modeling.
I think resellers for both companies offer personal learning editions for free. Not sure about current availability.
Check out the company help forums for valuable help.
ht
http://forum.solidworks.com/
You might also look at certification in the future
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Also check out http://www.daratech.com for information chart on the market capitalization of the mcad companies.
Autodesk sells Inventor
Dassault sells SolidWorks
Parametric Technologies sells Pro/E Wildfire
In my opinion any of the programs are good - your real challenge is getting everyone on board on a single program. Anyone who has to leave their comfort zone is going to try to sabatage your effort.
Autodesk Inventor Certified Expert
Certified SolidWorks Professional
RE: Help
RE: Help
I would choose Inventor if I wanted a program that AutoCAD users would be comfortable using, if I was working with sheet metal or large assemblies, and/or I wanted a program that I could get people up to speed quickly without a steep learning curve. I would choose solidworks if I was doing complex models, Industrial design, and/or my workforce is used to a Dessault style interface and I can afford to send them to get training.
David
RE: Help
As many have said already...depends on what you need. Test both. Consider what your venders use....what add-ins you need.
Jason
UG NX2.02.2 on Win2000 SP3
UG NX4.01.0 on Win2000 SP3
SolidWorks 2007 SP3.1 on WinXP SP2