CAD Software What CAD Program do You Design With

[Rocketjunkie]

Usually pencil and paper I do have a copy of TurboCad which I use when I need precision.

 

[Andrew_ASC]

Formerly Solidworks when as a university student. It spoiled me with ability to do airfoils and math based equations. I’ll have to buy a copy someday literally.

 

[SanRocketMan]

For the designers out there; what CAD software do you use (freeware, company provided software does not matter), to produce your designs?

I am fortunate enough to have access to SolidWorks full-time, but I have been exploring other means for design; maybe post up some useful featured programs available?

AutoCAD 2018.

 

[ghostfather]

AutoCAD for 2D, AutoDesk Fusion for 3D

 

[GrouchoDuke]

For most of my internal rocket parts I use TinkerCAD. It’s betond dead simple & works from a browser on (almost) any computer. When I need something more powerful than that, Fusion 360 (free for hobbyists) or Solidworks ($20 for veterans) work great.

 

[John Beans]

Jolly Logic mechanical components (cases, mounts, Chute Release parts) were designed in Autodesk Inventor.

 

[boatgeek]

Rhino for 3D, AutoCAD LT for 2D. It's good to work for an engineering company.

 

[DRAGON64]

Rhino for 3D, AutoCAD LT for 2D. It's good to work for an engineering company.

True words...

 

[hakudoh]

Inkscape.

 

[Ryan Gillette]

Inkscape.

I have tried inkscape for converting pictures and PDF files to DWG files for laser cutting at work. Never had much luck with it. I seen good reviews with it though. Have you had good luck?

 

[Wallace]

If you join E.A.A. they offer a free version of Solidworks...https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/news-and...07-25-2016-new-member-benefit-from-solidworks

 

[AeroAggie]

If you join E.A.A. they offer a free version of Solidworks...https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/news-and...07-25-2016-new-member-benefit-from-solidworks

Awesome! I've been a member of EAA for years but never knew this existed. Just started my download...

 

[beeblebrox]

Anvil 1000md 2D

 

[slohand]

Fusion 360

Learning curve but comfortable with it now after a couple of months of learning.

 

[JRAJ]

Has anyone here used DesignSpark Mechanical lately, and does it export STL files to a slicing program?

 

[Voyager1]

I use FreeCad and it exports STL files for slicing apps. As the name suggests, it’s free.

 

[OverTheTop]

Our company formerly used SolidWorks, but has just recently switched, worldwide, to Siemens NX. I will probably flick between both, as I have a pirate version of SW on the home PC.

 

[JRAJ]

Our company formerly used SolidWorks, but has just recently switched, worldwide, to Siemens NX. I will probably flick between both, as I have a pirate version of SW on the home PC.

UGH - LUCKY!

 

[OverTheTop]

UGH - LUCKY!

For the NX or the pirated software?

 

[caveduck]

Still liking OnShape for 3D print designs...much like Fusion360 but about 5 times snappier. But for machined items I do use F360 since it includes CAM functionality. OnShape has a lot fewer bugs and problems...AutoDesk is not taking very good care of Fusion360 as a product.

 

[hakudoh]

I have tried inkscape for converting pictures and PDF files to DWG files for laser cutting at work. Never had much luck with it. I seen good reviews with it though. Have you had good luck?

I saved the data as an SVG file and created CNC data with MakerCAM.
https://www.makercam.com/

 

[Rocket86]

Has anyone here used DesignSpark Mechanical lately, and does it export STL files to a slicing program?

Yes. I use it frequently and stl is one of the many formats available.

 

[Nytrunner]

Our company formerly used SolidWorks, but has just recently switched, worldwide, to Siemens NX. I will probably flick between both, as I have a pirate version of SW on the home PC.

I got to know NX while interning at a private launch company a few years ago. It's version control and Config Mgmt is great, but I still prefer SWorks and its user interface for the actual process of solid modeling.