preffered CAD software for trailer design

[ADucci]

Hi, i am looking for CAD software where i can easily design trailers, where i can have a 3d perspective and build the trailer up from a list of components (chassis, sheet panels, axle, bent tubing) etc.
please can you advise me on the best software for this domain.

Thanks

[Usineux]

solidWorks is very nice

[andyhugh]

Check out http://www.rhino3d.com/

Not sure of your price range but Rhino will do all your after.

Andy

[bobparks]

I like BobCAD-CAM. I am just a retiree who writes a few programs for a few old friends.

Bob Parks

[afmcorp]

i use BOBCAD-CAM software currently V21.

alot of what you're asking is dependant on how deep ur pockets are. u can buy master cam, autocad or any number of high dollar products. they surely can give u what u want. but i would think that on a start up operation you are going to want a software that strikes a happy medium. i think bobcad would fit in there. you might also consider the use of the .dxf files that can be transferred between platforms ie autocad and bobcad. that way u can import from pre-made libraries of componets such as lights, couplings etc.

i'm sure that there are as many opinions as there are people reading this forum. just do ur research on features and costs before jumping in.

good luck
craig

[donl517]

You can't go wrong with Rhino. I picked up the design portion of the software very quickly. The Newsgroup forum is one of the most helpful communities out there. Download the demo and give it a try.

HTH,
Don

[ossito]

I use Pro/E, I agree with the other post about how it depends on how much you are willing to spend. You might try some student versions of Pro/E or even trial versions of solidworks. I have no experience with BOBCAD but it seems like a nice low level cad program not forcing you to pay for stuff you will never use.

Also something else to consider will be the learning curve you are willing to deal with. Pro/E, Catia, & Rhino 3d are the most difficult in my opinion. Solidworks is nice and there are lots of tutorials available on internet.

[ADucci]

thanks for the response, i guess i have my work cut out for me.

now that i think about it, i would be using the software, mostly to put my ideas into 3D, the designs i will actually cut from dxf would only be plasma cut 2d shapes, I have looked at the tool MOI (moment of inspiration), this tool, although simple, helps me to quickly get an idea in my head, out only the canvas...

i figure for now, i will use that tool to get the design on paper and then make 2d shapes for all the panels.

i will download some of the trials and test them out.

thanks again.

[air1dpt]

If you want to get something designed quickly, take a look at Google Sketch Up. It is a free application that is very intuitive and easy to learn. It is tailored toward architectural work but does quite well in other domains.
Dan

[deanrfrey]

Originally Posted by ADucci thanks for the response, i guess i have my work cut out for me. now that i think about it, i would be using the software, mostly to put my ideas into 3D, the designs i will actually cut from dxf would only be plasma cut 2d shapes, I have looked at the tool MOI (moment of inspiration), this tool, although simple, helps me to quickly get an idea in my head, out only the canvas... i figure for now, i will use that tool to get the design on paper and then make 2d shapes for all the panels. i will download some of the trials and test them out. thanks again.

I know solid edge 2d was free not sure if it still is.....

[DareBee]

When using SolidWorks you make a print of the modelled part for the shop floor. These prints can be saved as dxf/dwg for your plasma. I love SolidWorks but it is expensive and has a yearly maintenance fee.

If money is an issue, you should look at Alibre.

Rhino is a great design program but it is not very well setup for making shop drawings, as we all know you can't do manufacturing without shop drawings.

[gamal_saad32]

solidWorks is very nice