Mechanical Drawing / Design Software?

[Thomas James]

I am digging around looking for a portal into the design world. Been checking out CAD and SolidWorks. I have downloaded and am playing around with some free stuff. Does anyone have experience or suggestions on a good starting point to train myself. I want to design parts, tools, jigs guitars, etc... Thanks for your input. Tom

[J R Emmett]

SolidWorks and PTC Creo (Pro Engineer) are the industry standards for Solid Model (3D CAD) but are expensive.  I looked into Solid Works last year and the cost was ~$5,000 for the basic package.  The PTC product typically costs more and is what I have used professionally.  Both are very good products - stable and have excellent data exchange options (more on that in a minute).

I've used AutoCAD and Autosketch and they are OK for some things but definitely not the best tools for Solid Modeling.  I've used AutoCAD for Factory Layouts, Schematics and Mechanical Design.  It's an excellent tool for 2D design but is not in the same league as SolidWorks  and PTC for 3D work.

Right now, I am using Alibre PE (aka Geomagic), which I purchased for under $200.  A few quirks but it's a good value for an entry level 3D modeling package.  Quite frankly, for wiring schematics (guitars are pretty simple), I'm using Microsoft Power Point.  If you look at my post about "Meet B.O.B." it's a good example of what one can do with these tools.

Now, for the downside.  Alibre has limited file input and output formats unless you upgrade to the more expensive version (at which price point - I would go with SolidWorks).  You can only read Alibre native file format for 3D models, which means that you will have to create a lot of parts from scratch, instead of downloading them from the manufacturer or public domain libraries (ex: GrabCAD) where other people have modeled - for example - guitar bodies (not a trivial task).  Output is limited to file formats for 3D printers (Models) and Adobe PDF's for drawings (which is fine for most uses).

If you are looking for a low cost entry point to dive into 3D design - Alibre is a pretty good solution.  If you are hoping to turn a lot of work that leverages existing models, you need a package that will read IGES and STEP files.

Hope this helps.  I'll be happy to answer any questions that you have, either in this thread or via PM.

JRE

[J R Emmett]

Here is the link to the "B.O.B." post for quick reference:

http://fretsnet.ning.com/forum/topics/meet-my-new-friend-b-o-b

[Thomas James]

JR. Thanks for the detailed info! I am going to digest what you've kindly provided. The 3D printing trend has me interested in getting into this field.

That B.O.B. is certainly a very nice project. I may have more questions as I progress. Thanks again! Tom

[J R Emmett]

Thanks you! 

Been considering 3D printing acquisition as well.   I recently quoted some parts for a microphone repair via Quickparts and it looks like one of the smaller printers might back pretty quickly.  Ultimately, I found factory parts online for much less.

I've used a lot of 3D printer parts over the past few years.  The one thing to remember is that the parts will not have the same strength as molded or machined parts.  Also, Thermal printer parts are not 100% dense and this is the technology most of the lower cost printers are based upon.  That being said - nothing beats the ability to prototype parts quickly.  Have also used them to make short run specialized tooling.

There are a few new entrants on the market that produce SLA type parts with better resolution.  Cost of operation is a bit higher. Kind of sitting on the fence waiting for the market technology to sort out.  I think this year will be pivotal in that regard.