Originally Posted by ripe I am a designer / prototyper looking to use cad software for cnc and / or 3d printing steriolithography, as needed for the part.(instead of doing everything by hand) Some free form parts shapes of containers, toy parts etc and also form and fit parts. Many parts will be called out with dimensions as needed not just to look right. I am trying to decide which software to persue. I have looked at rhino and solidworks. Pros and cons of each ease of use etc for design for cnc or stgeriolithography? Learning curve etc. Other software that might be recomended etc. add ons neded ? Any advice I would be gratful.
Ripe |
Dear CNC member,
I use AutoCad Mechanical Desktop for my 3D requirements. Rhino I have used as a demo version and would not recommend. This being only because I am more of an old school autocad guy.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Commercial CAD packages are very expensive, and if purchasing that CAD package on the lower end (less expensive) you will no doubt pay anyway in frustration and your personal time in making these drawings. Software allows you to save imense amount of time and money in prototyping by allowing you to make software models to be sure of a working design. That being said (and I can see your already aware of these things).
I would like to offer CAD services myself to other hobbists like me for a fraction of the cost. I need to offer these services in order to finance my own hobby CNC machining as everyone knows, this isn't a very cheap hobby. :-)
Feel free to email me any pictures (bitmaps, jpegs or dxfs) of components you need to generate in 3D. I will generate them, fill in the blanks and then can return several drawing and drawing views in acrobat format or DXF or what ever format you require. Cost will be based on the complexity of the parts and components. I can also make the assembly models for those requiring them.
Best Regards,
notworking03@yahoo.com