Hey folks, I am looking for advice on which CAD program to get. I took a couple of semesters of Solidworks about ten years ago. I have tried several other 3d programs like Sketchup and FreeCAD, but was not impressed with either. Sketchup wasn't a proper parametric modeling program for engineering, and FreeCAD has a very un-intuitive interface. Despite slogging through many tutorials I simply could not get past basic 2d drawings. Should I look into getting Solidworks again, or are there other programs I should try?
Fusion 360 by Autodesk. Went from being disgusted with SketchUp to actually making models of complex things in a matter of days.
Definitely Fusion360. It might be a bit frustrating if you remember enough of Solidworks, but its far far better than skup and freecad, and has the bonus of being free for your use *unless you make 100k/yr off it
Another vote for Fusion 360, It's basically fully functional parametric CAD, I may even like it over NX or Pro/E, plus it has a ton of other handy goodies...ie CAM
I'm using Fusion 360 to fabricate both decks and superstructure. I'm fairly new to CAD programs, but I've been watching Youtube videos from Lars Christensen. He's very easy to follow and I've made the complete superstructure and rear deck in a few weeks. It sounds like if you have a solidworks background you should be able to pick it up fairly quickly. The program is free if your a student (say your a student) or work at an educational institution.
I drew this on my lunch hour over a week in Fusion 360 and it was probably my 6th item I made in the program. I really like how much detail you can add with 3D printers.
Right now, I would go with fusion 360 if I absolutely had to go free or Solidworks Non Commercial license you get with an EAA membership for ~40 bucks a year.
you get Solidworks, which is a superior modeling program, but largely excessive to the needs of most here.
Has any of you ever heard of Alias? It is a modelling software by Autodesk which I use to make almost anything, although it's not easy to model ship hulls. Having never used Fusion360 I'd like to hear your opinion if you have ever happened to see or use Alias.
