- Joined
- Feb 1, 2015
- Messages
- 9,570
I started drafting with pencil, paper, and eraser in 1958. For thirty years, all my drafting was done in this manner. I have used a half dozen different 2D systems, including AutoCad, and Draftsight. I have been using SolidWorks for the past twelve years.
The dimension based CAD is the reason why SolidWorks is my tool of choice. When I work up a new design, it invariably needs to be tweaked to get to its final form. With AutoCad, I have to move the lines to change the dimensions and then redimension the drawing. With SolidWorks, I sketch a form. Changing the form simply requires redimensioning. IMO, to efficiently draft in 2D requires thorough planning beforehand to the extent of knowing fairly exactly what the final form will be. This is not too difficult on a simple stand-alone part but a for complicated part which must interface with numerous other parts, this can be a challenge.
Another reason why I prefer a parametric CAD package like SolidWorks is the ability to visualize a complex part. Before retiring, I worked with a molding company that was designing and producing the multi-cavity molds for a new product. He used AutoCad for his design work and interpreting the drawings was a nightmare. In order to fully understand a 2D drawing of a complex part often requires multiple auxiliary drawings.
Finally, as mentioned by others, the ability to put parts into an assembly and check for fit and overall operation is invaluable. I have worked with many projects from micro to architectural and would find it difficult to thoroughly grasp the final work without something like SolidWorks. That is why I sprung for the $4+K for my own seat of SolidWorks.
Learning a new CAD system can be difficult. I struggled when I went from AutoSketch to AutoCad and from AutoCad to SolidWorks. I am currently struggling with the transition to Fusion 360. (I am perfectly happy with SolidWorks but it doesn't have a full featured integrated CAM package.) One aid that I would suggest is picking up some good reference books. I used the AutoCad Users Guide for AutoCad and the SolidWorks Bible for SolidWorks. They do a great job of describing the theory and practice of the systems. IMO, third party authors bring a fresh view to the problems that are often not found in the CAD system users guides. I haven't seen one for Fusion yet but when it comes out, I will get it.
In picking a guide, I would suggest borrowing or otherwise getting a preview of the candidate book before purchasing as some are better than others.
The dimension based CAD is the reason why SolidWorks is my tool of choice. When I work up a new design, it invariably needs to be tweaked to get to its final form. With AutoCad, I have to move the lines to change the dimensions and then redimension the drawing. With SolidWorks, I sketch a form. Changing the form simply requires redimensioning. IMO, to efficiently draft in 2D requires thorough planning beforehand to the extent of knowing fairly exactly what the final form will be. This is not too difficult on a simple stand-alone part but a for complicated part which must interface with numerous other parts, this can be a challenge.
Another reason why I prefer a parametric CAD package like SolidWorks is the ability to visualize a complex part. Before retiring, I worked with a molding company that was designing and producing the multi-cavity molds for a new product. He used AutoCad for his design work and interpreting the drawings was a nightmare. In order to fully understand a 2D drawing of a complex part often requires multiple auxiliary drawings.
Finally, as mentioned by others, the ability to put parts into an assembly and check for fit and overall operation is invaluable. I have worked with many projects from micro to architectural and would find it difficult to thoroughly grasp the final work without something like SolidWorks. That is why I sprung for the $4+K for my own seat of SolidWorks.
Learning a new CAD system can be difficult. I struggled when I went from AutoSketch to AutoCad and from AutoCad to SolidWorks. I am currently struggling with the transition to Fusion 360. (I am perfectly happy with SolidWorks but it doesn't have a full featured integrated CAM package.) One aid that I would suggest is picking up some good reference books. I used the AutoCad Users Guide for AutoCad and the SolidWorks Bible for SolidWorks. They do a great job of describing the theory and practice of the systems. IMO, third party authors bring a fresh view to the problems that are often not found in the CAD system users guides. I haven't seen one for Fusion yet but when it comes out, I will get it.
In picking a guide, I would suggest borrowing or otherwise getting a preview of the candidate book before purchasing as some are better than others.