New CAD secrets section, and list of CAD programs...

[Munchbard]

I’ve been personally impressed by Autodesks new offering called Fusion 360. It’s a full 3d based CAD system that has features that I’m amazed to see on a free* piece of software. The tutorials are excellent and I plan on picking up the details of this program over time. (I’m an Inventor guy myself).

There is a 30 day free trial, where if you register an account as a student/start-up/enthusiast, you can use the program indefinitely. Works on PC and Mac.


http://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/ ... n-360.html
http://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion ... _id=662996

 

[kgresham]

Draftsight 2017 is out there at www.draftsight.com It's pretty much a lookalike/workalike for Autocad 2013. If you're already familiar with Autocad there's no learning curve. There are good tutorials on that site also.

A simple 3D parametric modeler is Solvespace (www.solvespace.com) It's a single executable file that doesn't require installation. It looks like something out of the '90s but works. Good tutorials there also, and the author hangs around the forum.

 

[Motrukdriver]

I use Nanocad. Been using Autocad since 2.5 and Microstation 2.0. This Nanocad is very similar to Autocad so the learning curve is very shallow. There are a few differences and getting the hot keys to work the way you are accustomed is tricky but all in all it is a pretty cool program. Did I mention that there is a free version. That's the one I use. I downloaded the free trial some time back and just registered it. Still working several months later.

https://nanocad.com/

 

[craig in SD]

For those familiar with 3D CAD and parametric modeling, OnShape is an excellent offering with great online tutorials. I designed my whole build in OnShape, and used it to generate drawings for parts I outsourced for CNC routing and trailer fabrication.

It is a cloud-based program that runs in your browser. So software to install at all.

It is FREE for hobbyists, the only caveat is that all your files remain publicly available. Want to make them private, you gotta sign up for a paid subscription.

Founded by some of the early Solidworks developers and better than Solidworks, in my opinion.

If you don't already know parametric 3D modelling, it might be a bit much for you unless you are interested in learning it. It is very powerful, though, if you want to learn or already use Solidworks or Fusion360.

 

[SavageX89]

I second the option of OnShape.com.

As a mechanical design engineer, I use solidworks by day at the office. But when I'm at home working on my own designs, I use Onshape. Its really nice having everything web based. I can access my projects from anywhere and with any computer, even my smartphone.