3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
(OP)
I know we have various softwear forums, but I thought I would start here, as it is a basic question. I also didn't do a search, since I wasn't really sure what my search terms would be. Here goes--is there 3D softwear available, at a reasonable price, for small engine building shops to allow one to see how stuff, such as engine accessories, will fit? I am guessing most places do this on a trial and error basis--try a pulley or accessory and if it doesn't fit, rework and try again.





RE: 3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
There are tons of 3d cad programs that will do what you want.
Alibre ($995 for the basic package which allows assemblies) is pretty cheap. There free version is nice but it just allows parts and not creation of assemblies.
Personally I use Autodesk Inventor and it will easily do what you need.
Pro-E (most common for now in my opinion/industry)
Solidworks
Catia
Turbocad
Unigraphics,etc..
RE: 3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
The expensive part is buying the software.
The difficult part can be finding accurate solid models of the equipment in question. At least in the automotive world, manufacturers keep this stuff between themselves and their suppliers (with non-disclosure agreements so third parties don't get their hands on it).
The time-consuming part can be learning how to use the software to make it do what you want it to do.
Possible ... certainly. It's only time, effort, and money.
RE: 3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
RE: 3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: 3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
It is a great help to have the model when constructing engine frames, pipes for intercooler etc.
RE: 3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
RE: 3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
RE: 3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
The OEMs have the benefit of already having all the CAD data on-hand. I agree with Greg -- it wouldn't make any sense to detail model parts from scratch only to assemble them to see how they fit. Even for the best modelers it would take an inordinate amount of time and effort. Some CAD software do quick and dirty buck assemblies the same way as in real life: simply create geometric primitives of the part envelop dimensions (cubes, spheres, cylinders, etc.) and assemble them together.
RE: 3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: 3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
This of course comes at a high initial cost for the software and equipment, and high overhead cost for all of the trained personal.
A sketch/drawing created from measured features using common measuring tools should be sufficient for a small shop (Prototype or very low production runs). Just remember, measure twice, cut once.
RE: 3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
If you are looking to get serious, I am a Solidworks man.
RE: 3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up
RE: 3D Softwear for Engine Fit-Up