turkeykiller365

I was just thinking, I know a lot of people on here are into fabrication and such obviously, so theres gotta be some drafting techs and engineers on here. Even if you don't work in the industry, I'm sure some people on here use CAD programs for fab work and such.

So my question is, what is your favorite CAD program when doing fab work?

I like SolidWorks because its so easy to use, but lately I've become more familiar with PTC creo because of how easy it is to make sheetmetal drawings from solid parts. I made a bumper in creo and made a drawing that could be put to a CNC plasma or water jet machine in like 10 minutes. Its awesome.

But i know most people don't have access to these programs because of their expense. I am in school for engineering so I play with Creo at school, and I work at a company that uses SolidWorks. AUtocad has some neat (albeit very limited) free programs on line, and a lot of people use AutoCAD. WHats your favorite?

RBX

I use AutoCAD, but Inventor is really better for any type of solid modelling, but I don't have it. AutoDesk gives users a free 30day trial of their software. I'd love to get schooled in SolidWorks, as I understand it is better then Inventor at modeling.
For free folks can use SketchUp. I have used it lots, but never tried to generate g-code from a SketchUp drawing. Most of my fab stuff is from plate steel anyhow.
Fabbing is a hobby for me, so I won't be purchasing any software to make fabbing easier.
can't say I have a favorite but I really like the AutoCAD interface, and the ability to use the keyboard for shortcuts...I'm a bit oldschool.

Bandit Runner

I use Pro/Engineer (Creo) because that's what we use at work. I've designed and built bumpers, skidplates, snorkel, roof rack, and more.

As seen here:

Jpatrick1988-22re-pu

I prefer the AutoCAD 2d drawings then move them to solid edge witch is a very user friendly program. Then move those DWG to parts wizard for a CNC table or what have you. W you that set up in school to make signs and all sorts of stuff

Yotard

I use creo. I get a free home license through my work.

Outsane

solid works.. here...

I guess I am just used to it

88xtra4x4

I personally like Autodesk Inventor because the user interface is relatively simple and has a great interface for converting 3D models into 2D elements that can be shared with others.

turkeykiller365

I like creo (pro/E) for sheetmetal stuff. It has a functionality where you can make a solid part, shell it, tell it where to bend and rip, and it will generate a drawing you can send to a CNC plasma or some such thing.

I am starting an internship in a month at a company that has a huge CNC plasma cutter. Im gonna try and kiss up to the bossman till he lets me use it after hours. haha

turkeykiller365

Bandit, I love your bumper. Thats similar to what I want to do. I have a silverado now so its not really for going offroad much, but I live near the great lakes, so I want something to protect my ride from winter driving damage. The last bumper I built was made using cardboard and guesses.

turkeykiller365

I started training on SOlidWorks back in 2011. Switched to Creo in 2013. Theyre both good programs. I used to like solidworks better, but im learning to do more with creo.

88sasturbotoy

I use bend tech pro x7. building chassis bumpers anything really and the cool thing is you can build it put a whole chassis together itll tell you how long you need the tubing to be for a tube that takes multiple bends I mean you can basically do anything. it was 350 bucks but I like it alot

vexzer

Can anyone recommend a freeware program? Thanks in advance.

RBX

Google sketchup

vexzer

Thanks for the suggestion.