1 Topic by riddles

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Topic: Best CAD software to learn for getting into 3D Print Industry

Hi, I have an interest in pursuing a career in 3D Modelling within the 3D Print Industry. Can anyone recommend which is the best or most common CAD software used in the industry. I am looking to learn at least one or two different packages but I want to make sure I pick the ones that will give me a good chance of securing work in the future. I have seen a few training organisations around that offer short courses in different CAD programs such as AutoCAD, 3DS Max, Maya etc. I have also used Sketchup just for personal use as well. If anyone can give me some advice as to which CAD programs I should get training in, then I would be greatly appreciative. Thanks.

2 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Best CAD software to learn for getting into 3D Print Industry

SolidWorks

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

3 Reply by Tin Falcon

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Re: Best CAD software to learn for getting into 3D Print Industry

+1 on solidworks

Autocad Is 2d drawing
Autodesk  the creator of Autocad has paremetric programs as well like inventor . And they are developing new products for additive manufacturing design.
tin

Soliddoodle 4 stock w glass bed------Folger Tech Prusa 2020 upgraded to and titan /aero extruder mirror bed
FT5 with titan/ E3D Aero------MP mini select w glass bed
MP Utimate maker pro-W bondtech extruder
Marlin/Repetier Host/ Slic3r and Cura

4 Reply by jagowilson (edited by jagowilson 2015-02-22 23:24:33)

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Re: Best CAD software to learn for getting into 3D Print Industry

If you are interested in getting a job modeling mechanical or otherwise functional parts that require precise dimensions, definitely Solidworks. A good second package is Autodeak Inventor, but if you know Solidworks you pretty much know inventor. Depending on what you want to do, you may want to consider learning a mesh modeler as well--but these are typically for more artistic modeling. I'm not as familiar with that industry so I can't really make a recommendation.

For your own personal use you might consider Sketchup or OpenSCAD. I'm not as familiar with sketchup but OpenSCAD is easier to pick up if you know a little bit of programming. I doubt you'd see these in much use in industry applications, though.

5 Reply by riddles (edited by riddles 2015-02-22 23:24:44)

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Re: Best CAD software to learn for getting into 3D Print Industry

Thanks for your replies wardjr and Tin Falcon and jagowilson. I've used 3D AutoCAD over 10 years ago (I've since forgotten how to use most of it's functions). I also mentioned that I dabble in a bit of Sketchup for personal use. I don't know much about SolidWorks. How similar is it to AutoCAD and Sketchup?

6 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Best CAD software to learn for getting into 3D Print Industry

Not real similar to Sketchup as far as workflow goes.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

7 Reply by DePartedPrinter

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Re: Best CAD software to learn for getting into 3D Print Industry

Most of these programs are relatively similar. If you know the tools in one program they usually translate pretty well to another. They all have their pros and cons.

I can tell you first hand that the 3D Print Industry looks for more than just people that can model things in 3D.

SD2 with E3D, SD Press, Form 1+
Filastruder
NYLON (taulman): http://www.soliforum.com/topic/466/nylon/

8 Reply by riddles

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Re: Best CAD software to learn for getting into 3D Print Industry

Thanks for the replies guys. This gives me an idea on what I need to learn.

9 Reply by anikadanei

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Re: Best CAD software to learn for getting into 3D Print Industry

First you need to start from 2D then you can go to start 3D modelling. There are many 2d and 3d software in market try one and start ................

10 Reply by walkerdm

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Re: Best CAD software to learn for getting into 3D Print Industry

What software you need to train in probably is more dependant on the industry you'd want to end up in.

When I started in Design and development, drawings were still produced on draughting boards and concept models produced from card glue and tape. (Right old foggie I know)

Mechanical 3D design, in this part of the world has tended to be taken Solidworks with the AutoDesk products of Inventor and Maya trotting in behind. Don't think you'll go too far wrong learning Solidworks (This from someone who has used Inventor since 2004 wink )

The difference between using a 2D package that will produce 3D patterns and a dedicated 3D modelling package is quite large. The thought process on laying out the model is very different. (Took me some time to twist my mind to think in a 3D modeling space after using AutoCAD since the mid 1980's) So would suggest directly traing with the 3D modeling software if you can.

Below is a link to a free 2D drawing package that is old style AutoCAD feel and has the basic AutoCAD 3D commands buried in it if you want to have a play

http://www.3ds.com/products-services/dr … -download/

Hope my ramblings help

11 Reply by robertf

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Re: Best CAD software to learn for getting into 3D Print Industry

I would not bother learning autocad 2d.  it is a totally different mindset using paramaters vs 2d cad.

learn whatever parametric 3d modeler you have access to.  Autodesk has a deal with many schools that lets you download student versions of their products.  IMO inventor is the best of the ones Ive used (solidworks, inventor, pro-e, catia, and alibre) but its expensive.  For my personal use I bought geomagic design (formerly alibre) and I much prefer it over solidworks, but its all personal preference and how long youve used them.

12 Reply by SnakeEyes

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Re: Best CAD software to learn for getting into 3D Print Industry

Definately solidworks.   I got a basic understanding from youtube videos and lynda.com has A LOT of good training videos to get you started also.

Overkill is underrated!!!

13 Reply by vanrameyen

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Re: Best CAD software to learn for getting into 3D Print Industry

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