Buttin' In

[tinsmith]

JMD, you weren't buttin' in on the Rhino thread. I would however like to hear your view. Dan seems to be a Rhino type of guy. I guess I'm looking to find out what people feel is BEST as far as 3D CAD applications. I guess right now, 'cause I don't know any better, I'm all the way with Inventor. I think I can actually say it's been easy so far. Then again I'm just learning at YCTC. I love it the software. I don't think I've come out there and just asked that question. Maybe I should.

[Bromy]

i will butt in lol this must be on another forum you are talking about?

i didnt know you were a cad user

[Joseph]

Hi tinsmith.

Ok. I’m not an expert by any means but I can pass on to you what I have learned about cad software.

I have used about 10 different cad programs and one Cam program and it really comes down to personal preference.

Inventor is one sweet cad software, Autodesk finally did their homework for a change. But in many ways they copied Solid Edge V10. For me Solid Edge is probably the best mid level cad software out there. Solid Edge is so easy to use. What takes you 4-mouse click in Inventor and 8 mouse clicks in Mechanical Desktop, I can do in 3 using Solid Edge.

If I were you I would stick with (Inventor) I believe it will be replacing Mech Desktop and will be one of the most popular cad software’s out there.

Anyway about Rhino(I’m sure brom will be able to add to this) isn’t a 3d Cad solid modeler. I believe its primary function is to create a photo realistic representation of your 3d solid that you did using Inventor or any other cad software you are using.

It’s something like 3d Studio viz. It’s not an actual Solids program. It doesn’t use the same kernel that 3d solid modelers use.

If you go(and I’m sure you have) you will see all those pretty pictures done using Rhino. You will never get that look using a cad software, not even Catia (at 100,000 dollars a seat) you have to import them into a program like Rhino or 3d viz or lightscape among others.


Please don’t take this as gospel because I’m really not that knowledgeable on the subject.

If you have any questions just ask.

PS. You should get some of the demos that the cad companies offer and try different ones.

[tinsmith]

Ya Joe I will get some of the other trial software when I get a chance. I have to stick with Inventor 'cause it's required for my certificate program. I'd never live long enough to get a degree so I thought the certificate was within my reach. I only take one class per semester. I'm only about 1/2 way there. I'll be a little closer if I can test out of the geometry course. Getting back to Inventor, after I learn my way around it, I should be up for the task of trying out other programs.

Yes Bromy I'm into CAD and Inventor. I'm trying to forsee the future and make it so perhaps I can change trades. Maybe perhaps I could enhance what I have now.

[Joseph]

Your going in the right direction Tinsmith

Way to go.

Yes 3d is where its at. If you learn to master that program your on your way.

I’m taking Inventor in my final year of school. I self taught myself some of it last year, but haven't touched it in a long time.

I will use Catia V9 along with Inventor when I head back, should be interesting. I have worked with Catia quit a bit and wow what a program. You can design an aircraft with it so you know your dealing with one hell of software.

Best of luck to you.