INTRO CAD PROGRAM TO DESIGN JET PART'S?
 

Anyone know of a program that would suit my need's?
Just need to learn the basic's for simple part's.
Thanks

RE: INTRO CAD PROGRAM TO DESIGN JET PART'S?
 

Hey Mr. Good life! LOL
You are talking solid modeling to do that kind of part, as most of it is done on 3D CNC machines. Soild Works, Solid Edge and AutoCAD Inventor are a few, the entry level is in the several thousands of dollars though. There are many 2D drafting programs if you just need the 6-view to define the part, but the file your local machine shop CNC guy would want comes only from 3D files.
A better like is one of satisfaction!

RE: INTRO CAD PROGRAM TO DESIGN JET PART'S?
 

Solidworks is best for those parts. Rhino is very good as well, but more complicated to learn in my opinion. I do most my cad in solidworks and then export to bobcad to do the cutting on the cnc machine.

At least for the 3d stuff. For 2d, stick with bobcad.

RE: INTRO CAD PROGRAM TO DESIGN JET PART'S?
 

Solidworks

Paul

RE: INTRO CAD PROGRAM TO DESIGN JET PART'S?
 

All mentioned are great - but expensive. Check TurboCad - I haven't used it, but it looks good for the money and has been around for a while. Check this one - $129.00. It's usually at your local large computer stores. It won't export easily to CNC, but you didn't say that was needed.

[link]http://www.turbocad.com/TurboCAD/TurboCAD15/TurboCADDeluxe15/tabid/702/Default.aspx[/link]

might try this for fun - again just found it today, haven't tried it.
[link]http://sketchup.google.com/[/link]

Solidworks and A/D Inventor are basically the same, but Rhino is aimed at more complex items, like cars, telephones, things that are completely rounded in my experience.

If you are a CAD student, you can also get a good student price on the big names mentioned.

Stay with the 3D progs - don't get Autosketch or AutoCad or programs that just draw a line drawing - you can generate those drawings from the 3d program quickly.

Dennis

RE: INTRO CAD PROGRAM TO DESIGN JET PART'S?
 

Another vote for Solidworks! I also use Solidcam for machining