Re: Low Cost 3D CAD

Hi Dave,

I downloaded a demo version of Intellicad with ACIS solid capability
a short time ago. Didn't quite fancy it because I have to spend time
searching for menu, command, figuring out which icon is for what,
etc. But if you are not imprisoned by Autodesk, that is now a very
good alternative. It is a 30days demo.

Another alternative for 3D modelling is Rhino, also very reasonably
priced and very nice for 3D, like if you need a complicated shape on
a curved surface, you can draw that shape on a 2D plane and project
it on the curved surface. I did something like that recently with
AutoCAD but with Rhino, it would have taken far fewer steps. The demo
is good for 30 saves (I think) after which you can still use it to
practice and play around but if you need to save files you will have
to get back to Rhino. Enough time for you to figure out if it is
worth it for your use.

In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "dave_at_cpr" <dnowery@y...>
wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I just joined the group and thought someone here could help me.
>
> I have an idea for a product that I believe I could sell in a

decent

> quantity (100-200/month) made out of aluminum or hard plastic
> depending on costs, etc.
>
> I have the design in my head and want to prepare a 3D design using

a

> rather inexpensise CAD program.
>
> I have a couple of questions:
> 1)What software should I use to generate a file that can later be
> read by a small manufacturer to produce these parts? (The design is
> fairly simple but not trivial. I have a background in engineering
> and have used a high-end package (Ideas) in a previous job about 10
> years ago so I'm sure I could learn the software fairly easily)
>
> 2)Would it be better to outsource the design services as well? (If
> this is a one-time development effort then I wouldn't want to

invest

> a lot of money in a CAD package that would collect dust.)
>
> I have heard of some manufacturing outfits that do rapid

prototyping

> that like to use STL files, but I also know that the AutoCAD DXF
> format is still very popular.
>
> Thanks for your help.
> Dave