[archiver]

Posted by Ken Leung at 03/22/2001 2:22 AM EST


Student on team #192, Gunn Robotics Team, from Henry M. Gunn Senior High School.


In Reply to: TO All The CAD DESIGNERS
Posted by Gabe on 03/21/2001 10:29 PM EST:



From year to year we have been thinking about upgrading our design software, and every year we came to the same conclusion: we don't need any better ones.

We've been using AutoCAD all the time we've been in FIRST, and it have served us well. During our usual design process, all we needed doing in CAD is a master blueprint of the robot that help us manufacture components and integration of every parts.

All the students needed is a clear drawing of each parts with correct dimension to work on the machine...

However, some of the students feel the need to use some better 3D design software to help them visualize the components, and so they use some of the more popular ones.

3D Studio Max is one of our top choice, as well as Rhino. Also, I know other teams use software like Inventor and Solid work. I personally used Pro Engineer, and felt that it's a much better 3D designing software than others, but it takes too long for our students to learn to adapt to that environment...

It is a lot of fun learning to use the more advance software, as well as a great educational experience. But, I must say, those software are great, not necessary.

I recommend the more experienced students in a team learn to use them, while some of the less experienced members spend more time in AutoCAD to get a more solid foundation of designing before jumping ahead...