What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? Hello, guys. I'm gonna buy a new software for 3D modeling, but I don't have any ideas what is the best software. Catia is so expinsve to me, I got quotations about Creo(Pro-engineering) and Solidworks. Both of them are quite expensive, but I heard that those are good for 3D modeling. I don't know what to do. So could you give me some advices about what is better or the best? Or you can recommend to me another software! Thanks https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544439#msg-544439 Wed, 09 Sep 2026 09:16:03 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,547502#msg-547502 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,547502#msg-547502 NarimaanV General Wed, 19 Aug 2015 13:08:54 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,547019#msg-547019 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,547019#msg-547019
Parametric is the preferred option for mechanical designs, makes use of a design tree and constraints. This allows you to go back in a design' construction and change parameters that are then automatically updated throughout the model/part your designing.

NURBs is more a free form surface modeller that doesnt use a history tree or constraints. It is aimed at more organic freeform modelling/structures

However.....you can create organics in a parametric package, and mechanical designs in a NURBs modeller. It depends on skill level with a particular package.

Personally I use Rhino3D for mechanicals and organics. Im sure most will be using their package for both types aswell during the course of their work.

Take your time picking a package, look at and work through tutorials, try and look at the underlying logic in whichever package you try, and just see what works best for you. All the recomendations in this thread are valid. It will ultimately depend on your budget and what works best for you. In terms of value, purchase cost and integrity (ie no small print due to free use of software, design rights, internet dependanccy etc) for me, Rhino3D wins everytime.]]> Mutley3D General Tue, 18 Aug 2015 11:16:12 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,546984#msg-546984 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,546984#msg-546984
If you want to make engineering designs go with Pro-E or Creo or Solidworks]]> yoUmake-3d General Tue, 18 Aug 2015 08:55:38 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,546982#msg-546982 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,546982#msg-546982 yoUmake-3d General Tue, 18 Aug 2015 08:53:38 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,546153#msg-546153 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,546153#msg-546153
Now if they can get the 3D mouse working for OnShape in Linux, it will be goodbye Windows forever!]]> the_digital_dentist General Sun, 16 Aug 2015 00:09:42 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,546149#msg-546149 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,546149#msg-546149
A friend of mine is a fan of SolidEdge.

Pro E makes me want to drop kick kittens.

Autodesk... anything I'm not a fan of though I have been trained in it.]]> Epop General Sat, 15 Aug 2015 23:06:10 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,545514#msg-545514 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,545514#msg-545514 Evil Monkey General Fri, 14 Aug 2015 00:19:19 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,545297#msg-545297 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,545297#msg-545297 www.maxon.net]]]> Srek General Thu, 13 Aug 2015 10:04:25 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,545265#msg-545265 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,545265#msg-545265
OpenScad has a certain appeal from the opensource pov and the possibility to have an universal parametric ecosystem where anybody could use it for their own case by changing a few parameters. For now there is no "standardized" way of scripting in such a way that a GUI could pick up the modifyable values and present them in a noob-friendly way and, unless you extensively use github to clone repositories of already made modules, there is no easy way to just import a class of objects from internet and use it (maybe i'm wrong here I am just starting to get into OpenScad - I was looking at something like: include [repo_file]; wormgear(parameters). DSM has a 3D objects repository from different vendors.

Onshape looks very compelling but ultimately, for a distribuable code, something like OpenScad or OpenJScad should be considered.
On the commercial packages front, I think Rhino rocks.

My 2c :)]]> realthor General Thu, 13 Aug 2015 08:22:48 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544755#msg-544755 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544755#msg-544755
Quote
the_digital_dentist
I'm starting to play with OnShape, a cloud based CAD by the people who developed Solidworks (so naturally, it works a lot like solidworks). The huge advantage is that you can do CAD using any web browser, anywhere you have internet access (assuming the OnShape servers are working).

+1 for Onshape. I used it for a couple of designs and works great so far. It is free and works in your browser.]]> demetris General Tue, 11 Aug 2015 18:21:10 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544746#msg-544746 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544746#msg-544746 elwood127 General Tue, 11 Aug 2015 17:36:46 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544728#msg-544728 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544728#msg-544728
I've switched to Fusion 360. Price is $0 unless you're a business making more than $100000. It has some support for 3d printing and will probably gain more soon. The main attraction for me is the integrated CAM.

Example:

]]> etfrench General Tue, 11 Aug 2015 17:02:51 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544726#msg-544726 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544726#msg-544726
Some time back Alibre was all purchased by 3DSystems and they now have a few entry-level 3D design products that are still very powerful, and output STL's too. The basic drawing interface / dimensioning / constraining system is the same.

These are called Cubify Design

Their "Invent" product is about $49 and would be used for more basic objects, since you cannot make assemblies of objects.

Their "Design" product is about what I started with when it was called Alibre Design - I only paid $100 for it back then. They had a lot of videos that got me started.

Their pro CAD software is called Geomagic Design, and can only be purchased through dealers (not a great way to market software...). The main advantage of that is support for other CAD formats.

Being able to create assemblies is powerful. Here I created an assembly of components for a ULPA filter for 3D printers, and then an exploded view:


]]> Paul Wanamaker General Tue, 11 Aug 2015 17:01:27 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544719#msg-544719 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544719#msg-544719 Easy to use and very powerful designing software.]]> Floyd General Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:42:16 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544709#msg-544709 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544709#msg-544709 Kurzaa General Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:22:26 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544536#msg-544536 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544536#msg-544536 Andreas15 General Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:29:58 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544516#msg-544516 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544516#msg-544516
Here is my printer's X axis modeled in DSM:



And the extruder carriage:


I'm starting to play with OnShape, a cloud based CAD by the people who developed Solidworks (so naturally, it works a lot like solidworks). The huge advantage is that you can do CAD using any web browser, anywhere you have internet access (assuming the OnShape servers are working). I'm not a fan of cloud-based anything, and it doesn't support 3D mice yet, but the opportunity to ditch Windows forever is just too compelling to ignore. With OnShape you can even do 3D CAD work on your phone and tablet regardless of OS. I don't think it's for sale yet- they are in beta testing.
]]> the_digital_dentist General Tue, 11 Aug 2015 07:38:07 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544495#msg-544495 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544495#msg-544495
Quote
thejollygrimreaper
whats wrong with the large number of opensource/freeware packages out therE?

... the 'usability' depends on the learning curve and/or previous experience and the capabilities of the software - could be the actual Blender with tutorials is easier to get into, but some years ago none of the free softwares was comparable to the cheaper (below USD500) comercial packages :S]]> VDX General Tue, 11 Aug 2015 06:27:04 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544483#msg-544483 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544483#msg-544483 thejollygrimreaper General Tue, 11 Aug 2015 04:46:43 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544476#msg-544476 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544476#msg-544476 VDX General Tue, 11 Aug 2015 04:18:03 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544445#msg-544445 Re: What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544445#msg-544445 There are freeware which out perform some of the paid applications.]]> 3DS-QUAD General Tue, 11 Aug 2015 02:10:25 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544439#msg-544439 What do you use the software for modeling (Not Freeware)? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,544439,544439#msg-544439
I'm gonna buy a new software for 3D modeling, but I don't have any ideas what is the best software.
Catia is so expinsve to me, I got quotations about Creo(Pro-engineering) and Solidworks.
Both of them are quite expensive, but I heard that those are good for 3D modeling.


I don't know what to do.
So could you give me some advices about what is better or the best?


Or you can recommend to me another software!


Thanks]]> baekjn General Tue, 11 Aug 2015 01:12:40 -0400