Does anyone use CAD software to plan out their big projects, like whole customs cases? If you guys do use any CAD software, which is it? Is there a free or trial version of this software I can get somewhere?
i use 3d studio max when i was designing my Cube case i *purchased* it if u know what i mean www.discreet.com and download gmax its free apart from that most good CAD and 3D program gunna be looking at alot of $$$ or warez *insert evil music*
i've used loads of cad stuff for projects. the good high powered tools that are easy to use are pricy tho. i used pro/desktop (as used by the starchaser team who are going for the x-prize) to design my custom case AQUA. other products are autoCAD (mechanical edition is the best for this sort of thing.) and unigraphics/solid edge 9. I'm currently using unigraphics as part of my university engineering degree and have a home copy from them. try asking around to see if someone has something you can use. 3d studio max is ok but never will be as accrurate as a dedicated CAD program. i think that ptc do a free trial of pro/desktop. try out their webpage at www.ptc.com/products/desktop to have a look. another page to look at is www.prodesktop.net
I use AutoCAD (did use TurboCAD - but for some reason i was more comfortable with AutoCAD). BUT the most I use is paper and pen Indeed, bow down to the paper and pen as its the best thing for designing cases...Well, Im an artist so i am good at drawing
hahahaha! Sorry, I will contain myself. 3dsm and CAD have some pretty steep learning curves (personally I like Maya, which is what I use). But you can't just "buy" it. You do realize that 3dsm r4 is $4,000 USD right? CAD is somewhere in the 8,000 range if I'm not correct. gMAX is perfect if you just want to design a case. And don't talk of warez, it be evil. It degrades the products I buy. The more warez, the less improved Photoshop and Illustrator will become with time. So stop downloading, get a 56k =). AstrumPreliator " "
i would suggest if u wanna be all *lar dee dar* that you get AutoCAD or something. I've never used it but i think if u just wanna build a case in 3d its good. 3DSMax is more for like other stuff then just designing mechanical things or products so the interface may be a little overwhleming.
does anyone know if there are templates of components that you can use with autocad? ie serial ports etc that i can cut and paste so i dont have to dram my own? cheers
