CAD Software

[NOI53Y]

Hello,

I'm looking at getting some CAD software but I am unsure of what to get. I see a lot of people use Solidworks but I have no idea on how much it costs. I've looked at their website and it has some great features but i'd imagine it would come at a great cost.

I like it's ability to stress test things and also run up prototypes and the like. Does any other software package offer these features.

I don't want to have to offer up an arm and a leg to buy some software ;D

Cheers,

Glenn

 

[zeeprogrammer]

Take a look at this thread. Several members have gotten Alibre.

http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/index.php?topic=4382.0

Hope this helps.

[EDIT: I don't know if the $99 deal (regular $999) is still going on.]

 

[joeby]

Looks as though it's still available at $99. I also purchased it because of the pricing.
Having had about five years with SolidWorks, I found it very easy to catch on to it.

I haven't gotten too far into the details of it yet, but there is a FEA add-in that you can get for Alibre. I don't know if you can buy it for use with the standard version, or if you will need to upgrade.

Kevin

 

[NOI53Y]

Thanks for letting me know about Alibre. I've just jumped in and bought a copy ;D

I'll have to wait until i'm home this afternoon and download it and start playing.

For $99 it can't be to bad and seems from what i've read on here heaps of people like it. Hopefully i'll be designing stuff soon :big: