Inventor to AutoCAD

[sanddrag]

I know it isn't provided in the KOP but Solidworks is a quite lovely program that strongly rivals Inventor.

[Tristan Lall]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

I know it isn't provided in the KOP but Solidworks is a quite lovely program that strongly rivals Inventor.

And Pro/E beats them both up and steals their lunch money. Actually, Solidworks is getting better, though Inventor is considered very low-end (but if you don't have to pay for it...).

(But Pro/E has some internal issues...it needs to go see a guidance counsellor.)

[rmmlg]

So is AutoCAD more an architectural software and Inventor more an engineering software? Like, can AutoCAD be used only really for architectural stuff?

[petek]

Originally Posted by rmmlg

So is AutoCAD more an architectural software and Inventor more an engineering software? Like, can AutoCAD be used only really for architectural stuff?

No, AutoCAD can be (and is) used for many different kinds of work, including such things as architectural, mapping, electrical and mechanical design and documentation. What is isn't is a true 3D or solids design application, which Inventor, ProE and Solidworks are. AutoCAD is still well-suited for many 2D applications, however.

[Squirrelrock]

Originally Posted by petek

AutoCAD is still well-suited for many 2D applications, however.

And 3D. I use it over Inventor every time. Yeah, I know, Inventor has parametric modeling. But when you already know the dimensions of the item that you are drawing, then you don't need parametric modeling. I have used AutoCAD 2002 to model the 2004 robot, as well as seen an extremely detailed drawing of the 2003 Robot (both in 3D.)

It's not that hard to use, you just need to get used to the different commands needed to operate in 3D.

Okay, go ahead, tell me where I'm wrong ~:-)>.

[Tristan Lall]

Originally Posted by Squirrelrock

And 3D. I use it over Inventor every time. Yeah, I know, Inventor has parametric modeling. But when you already know the dimensions of the item that you are drawing, then you don't need parametric modeling. I have used AutoCAD 2002 to model the 2004 robot, as well as seen an extremely detailed drawing of the 2003 Robot (both in 3D.)

It's not that hard to use, you just need to get used to the different commands needed to operate in 3D.

Okay, go ahead, tell me where I'm wrong ~:-)>.

If you have to know all of the dimensions already, it can hardly be considered a 3D design tool. If you just want to have a model, and never want to make any substantial changes to it (without extreme effort), AutoCAD is fine, and so is 3D Studio Max; otherwise, use something else.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Guys,
I use Autocad for 3D all the time. It allows me to draw up a room add speakers and aim them, position accoustic materials and view the finished room without having to build it. Granted, I am not designing new parts for production, Mechanical Desktop and Autodesk's other products are more suited for that. ACAD does a nice job of getting your thoughts on paper, documenting as built structures and devices, calculating cable run lengths, conduit needs and plotting all of the above on paper. It is a powerful tool, don't sell it short.
I once used ACAD 3D to model the intersection of our satellite receive path in relation to O'Hare Airport 27 Left runway glide slope. This gave me the proof I needed that approach radars were getting into our satellite signals.

[Stu Bloom]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Guys,
I use Autocad for 3D all the time. It allows me to draw up a room add speakers and aim them, position accoustic materials and view the finished room without having to build it. Granted, I am not designing new parts for production, Mechanical Desktop and Autodesk's other products are more suited for that. ACAD does a nice job of getting your thoughts on paper, documenting as built structures and devices, calculating cable run lengths, conduit needs and plotting all of the above on paper. It is a powerful tool, don't sell it short.
I once used ACAD 3D to model the intersection of our satellite receive path in relation to O'Hare Airport 27 Left runway glide slope. This gave me the proof I needed that approach radars were getting into our satellite signals.

I am very impressed Al. Must be that Bradley education (My daughter is a sophomore there now).

I agree that AutoCad has its uses, however I much prefer the parametric solid modelers (I have used about 5 different ones over the past 10 years, and 8 or 9 different CAD programs total over the past 20 years).

[Tytus Gerrish]

i can'r satnd using inventor because of the lack of the comand line. in mechanical desktop there is a model database of fasteners and everything you may need. layers are great too. and with express tools you cna download new tools for autocad. like a recent one i downloaded was helix with i can draw screws and fan blades and sprinfs snd such with.

I tried inventor and hated it because its such a blasted hastle to click on a button for everyting not to mention its realy hard to model on it.

So I Vote

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