[Peter Matteson]

FIRST about the extraneous NC code. Pro has had some less than spectacular post processors for the NC module. When I actually used the NC package I had to verify the g-code and amnually make changes because the post processor wasn't exact for our machine. That was 5 years ago though.

Originally Posted by Greg Needel

pro-e forces you to be solid in your designs, as every sketch or feature must be fully constrained or it doesn't like it, while this is a good thing for manufacturing design using pro for quick prototyping tend to take extra time because you have to think everything through. Basically it won't allow quick and dirty parts. Pro's interface is not very intuitive, I often find myself spending loads of time looking for options in the menus, and i have been using it constantly since January.

While Pro forces you to be solid in design intent I think the Wildfire interface has made it much more accessable than it used to be. It also allows for easier parts creation of basic forms than the old system. Other than some issues I have in very large assemblies I've been happy with the program. I think those of us who have used it for several years don't have trouble modeling parts quickly because of familiarity like any other software.

That said its not the best tool for teaching kids CAD and drafting. Pro/E is designed to be used from the engineer's point of view. The interface, commands, and options are set up around that angle. The drawing package is very difficult to use and has gotten more painful in the last version because the commands are buried or not obvious. I like designing with Pro/E but when the drawing time comes I call on our drafting department so I don't have to deal with the drafting module.

My experience on the other two is limited but our students have picked up Inventor so well that this year I never modeled a part. I gave the kids hand sketches or sat down with them while they drew the parts.

I think the best choice though is to see which company can provide the best educational package of classroom materials to help create an appropriate curriculum for your class.