Software (CAD?) for chasis design?

[homer09]

Im about to start my first chasis, and things are getting slightly complicated. I wanted to plan the whole design out on software before making a crass mistake and spoiling my materials.

What software are most of you using for you designs? Right now i have the standard version of AutoCAD 2005 which i used in an introductory course to technical design. Is this a good software to use?

Also, should i design in 3D or is it not worth it? Oh and ofcourse, is the whole thing worth it all?

What im talking about: http://www.vikash.info/audio/gainclone02/chassis.asp

[balance]

Hey,

I've used an application called SketchUp! that is quite good (and easy to use.) You can find it at http://www.sketchup.com They have a demo version that works for a limited amount of time, but IIRC it is not that expensive if you wish to purchase it.

Cheers,

Brian

[Mr Evil]

I like to use UEd (Unreal Editor) for all my CAD needs. It comes with any Unreal engine game.

It may sound a bit odd, but it is actually very good for all sorts of stuff, even being used by professionals in many fields. It's a bit quirky, but there are certain advantages, like being able to walk (or jump, swim, whatever) around the object.

[homer09]

Originally posted by Mr Evil
I like to use UEd (Unreal Editor) for all my CAD needs. It comes with any Unreal engine game.

It may sound a bit odd, but it is actually very good for all sorts of stuff, even being used by professionals in many fields. It's a bit quirky, but there are certain advantages, like being able to walk (or jump, swim, whatever) around the object.

Do you also get to blow the **** out of your amp with infinite loads of amo? Cuz thats exactly what i was asking for in my first post.

[merlinx76]

Originally posted by Mr Evil
I like to use UEd (Unreal Editor) for all my CAD needs. It comes with any Unreal engine game.

It may sound a bit odd, but it is actually very good for all sorts of stuff, even being used by professionals in many fields. It's a bit quirky, but there are certain advantages, like being able to walk (or jump, swim, whatever) around the object.

I've thought about doing this before since UEd is the only CAD software that I am already familiar with.

I was thinking battle inside the amp....

"John... I see you on the rectifier bridge... I'm over by the traffo... Enemy spotted at C3... I can't get a clear shot without risking a hit on the capacitor. Take cover behind Q2...I'll follow him in."

But seriously,

I tried AutoCAD for awhile but I eventually gave up and just drew it out on paper since the design wasn't really all that complicated anyway. When I figured in how long it would take to learn how to use the software, I decided I couldn't wait that long.

But I would like to know of any decent software that would be a little easier to use.

[Mr Evil]

Originally posted by homer09
Do you also get to blow the **** out of your amp with infinite loads of amo? Cuz thats exactly what i was asking for in my first post.

You don't think I'm serious, but I am. It's a very powerful tool with a nice interface, and highly customizable too, if you can do a little programming. Beats AutoCAD hands down, in my opinion.

[tobias_svensk]

I vote for Inventor 9 or Pro/E, its like night and day with a real 3D program if you compare to AutoCAD.

Pic1
Pic2
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Pic4

[homer09]

Originally posted by tobias_svensk
I vote for Inventor 9 or Pro/E, its like night and day with a real 3D program if you compare to AutoCAD.

If you drew all that from scratch (including connectors) im seriously impressed! nice drawings!

I see Inventor is also an AutoDesk program. If i know my way around autocad in 2D, and have a basic idea of how to do 3D, how much of a learning curve shall i expect to use inventor? i mean, if its radically different from autocad and i need to learn it all, im going to stick with autocad and its limitations.

Oh and sorry Mr.Evil about not taking you seriously, it was just hard to picture UT as a cad tool....

[baggystevo82]

Solidworks all the way

[baggystevo82]

sorry forgot...
Steve