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Computer aided design or CAD as it is commonly known started life as
nothing more than a two-dimensional electronic drafting program that
enabled users to draw two dimensional drawings using a computer. In the
earliest versions written and sold through Computervision, CAD was run on
specialty computers called CAD terminals. Though computer aided design has
been around for over 30 years now, CAD has really just in the last ten
years became something that a designer or engineer just cannot live
without.
Through the next thirty years, CAD
progressed from two dimensional to three dimensional modeling, and solids
modeling to what we have today . . . . . parametrics modeling. Parametrics
modeling differs from anything previously available since parametrics
based CAD data is based off of a sketch. The user sketches a rough looking
drawing and attaches parameters to that sketch. Parameters are usually in
the form of dimensional data though other parameters can also be attached.
Once the sketch has all of the associated parameters attached to it, then
the sketch is given a Z depth or extruded along the Z axis.
The coming new CAD
software promises to do anything and everything from parametrics to having
the capability to do structural, thermal, and aerodynamic testing on the
database just as if you were holding the finished part in your hand.
It's that time of
year again when the latest versions of CAD software will be made available
by manufacturers. Here are the new releases:
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Autodesk AutoCAD - Probably
the most well known software available. Easy to learn and use. AutoCAD
has the capability to produce 2D, 3D, and solids models. Though it has
some limitations such as the inability to successfully create a full
range of surfaces, it is still hands down, America's most popular CAD
software. Unfortunately, Autodesk has yet to release their software at
a reduced price to engineers who wish to stay current on new releases.
Due out this later month is AutoCAD 2004. An upcoming article will be
written following delivery and testing of the new version. The current
version, AutoCAD 2002 carries a retail price of $3395.00 and can be
ordered through AutoDesk's
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Michael's Design Software Rating - AutoCAD |
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Ease Of Use |
Excellent |
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User Interface |
Very Good |
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Modeling/Sketching Capability |
Very Good |
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Pricing |
Excellent |
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Autodesk Inventor -
Though Autodesk was extremely late in putting together a parametrics based
CAD software package, a few years ago they finally released Inventor.
Inventor is a fully featured parametrics based software package. When I
tested Autodesk Inventor over a year ago, I was up and running, producing
great parametrics models in less than a day. Now, that's an easy to learn
interface. Unfortunately, like AutoCAD, Autodesk has yet to make Inventor
CAD software available at a reduced price to engineers who wish to
stay current with new releases. Inventor is also not available on
AutoDesk's website instead, Inventor 6 must be purchased through one of
AutoDesk's dealers. Sounds kind of like what Compaq was doing a few years
ago when they refused to sell computer systems on the web. Autodesk?,
Compaq can be reached via Hewlett Packard if you need a web sales model.
Parametric Technologies
Pro Engineer - The very first parametric based CAD software and today
the most powerful parametric based CAD software available. Pro Engineer's
latest version is called Wildfire and is being hailed as the "World's
First No Compromise System For Product Design And Development." As soon as
we receive it, we will be doing an upcoming feature on this new software.
Available now, Pro Engineer Wildfire comes in the Advantage Package and
includes Pro E version 2001 and Pro E version Wildfire. The suggested
retail price is a very affordable $4995.00. PTC does make continuing
education versions available to Engineers and Students at a substantially
reduced price. PTC Pro Engineer 2001 student version is still available to
engineers and students at a substantially reduced rate from PTC. PTC's Pro
Engineer Wildfire student edition will be available mid year according to
PTC. Visit their
website
today to purchase!
SolidWorks -
Although I have not had the chance to evaluate SolidWorks, I have heard
positive comments from other engineers. Currently SolidWorks CAD software
is not available to engineers and students at a substantially reduced
price. This policy seems to be contradictory to expanding its user base or
any increase in sales of their software. SolidWorks also does not support
Windows 98 or Windows NT, which is still today, the most popular operating
systems in use. SolidWorks recommends that it's software be used only with
Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional and Windows 2000 (Service Pack 2 or
higher). Seems odd that they would only support "Professional" operating
systems. I am sure that both Autodesk and PTC will be capitalizing on
SolidWork's marketing choices.
Despite numerous attempts
to obtain this software from SolidWorks, as yet SolidWorks has not been
willing to provide us with a fully functioning licensed copy for
evaluation.
Attention
Software Providers
If you would like to have your CAD software package evaluated and featured
here, email us. Software submitted for evaluation must be fully functional
versions licensed for one user and must include all documentation.
Software will NOT be returned. Michael's design reserves all
ownership rights to any software submitted to us and may at our discretion
give away via random drawing any software submitted for evaluation.
Random
Software Drawings
If you would like to be included in our random drawings for previously
evaluated software packages, please email us. Your email must include full
contact information. Incomplete entries will be declined. Only one
submission will be allowed per drawing.
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