Re: Low Cost 3D CAD

Hello Bob,

This is a good suggestion. I did find one manufacturing shop that
does their estimates over the Internet. You send them an STL file
and they will send you a quote. This is a case where I would have to
have the design completed prior to getting a quote. Without the
design, wouldn't it be tough to get a quote? or can they just go off
of a back of the envelope description with rough dimensions and
material specs?

Thanks,
Dave


--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "cnc_user" <cnc_user@y...>
wrote:

> Hi Dave,
>
> I would take a different approach and work from the finished part
> backwards to design.
>
> I would research who was going to make the part for me at a cost

that

> I thought was reasonable and then match my design to their
> manufacturing requirements. (ie cnc milling, injection moulding or
> casting.
>
> This would give you a better idea about how to proceed with you
> cad/cam package requirements. No sense spending time and money only

to

> find out you have to redo everything.
>
> Just my thoughts,
> Bob Harvey
>
> --- 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