The hardest part for a beginner who wants to learn how to use CAD software is what software to use. It’s because the first objective for most of us it the shortest learning curve and not deal with complicated learning phase. I’m not sure if everybody will agree with me but that’s how I feel in the beginning phase of my learning. CAD software is a drafting tool for creating drawings which mostly applies to engineering or architectural drawings that need exact and accurate dimensions unlike raster images created by most image and photo editors like Adobe Photoshop. The software draws vector lines to draw and create accurate dimensions as small as a micron.
Since I was also an RC model airplane hobbyist on my teen years, I was also interested on how to design airplanes. I wanted to try Design CAD because thats what I see in RC model airplane enthusiast magazines way back then ( Just for the info, if you are also interested in model airplanes, visit my site Model Aeronautics for Dodos ). I have a friend in college who knows how to use AutoCAD and keep asking him if Design CAD is O.K. What he said is AutoCAD is better because the software is widely used and has a wide application unlike the Design CAD that focused only in Model Airplanes. Since my only goal is to learn how to draw, and since I have to order the Design CAD software in the U.S. I contented myself on learning AutoCAD. It was version 11 and the installation disks are those 5-1/2″ floppy disks back then in 1993 with a 386 computer. I’m not aware of internet then (he he he). It’s a blessing in disguise because my knowledge in AutoCAD have became my bread and butter.
So what CAD software to use? today it’s even harder to decide because there are hundreds of CAD software in the internet unlike before. Since AutoCAD is a general purpose CAD software, I think it’s a good start but since it’s very expensive, you might as well purchase a cheaper one and very similar to AutoCAD. It’s the IntelliCAD. Check it out here
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I have been facinated with toy airplanes since I was young. Its just recent that toy models are so affordable that one can customize each model to your liking. had some experience with autocadd, its decent but there are better softwares in the market but expensive too..
http://www.articletrip.com
Hi everyone! I’m from Mexico, and recently entered the DIY bussiness, so it was kind of hard find a software with low cost and high improvement, however I found Alibre Design, which has low prices, and high performance.
The standard license is less than 100usd.
Give it a try! http://www.alibre.com/
Alibre Announces Permanent Price Cuts
$97 gives customers Alibre’s full 3D, 2D design suite, plus Alibre Translate, a full suite of CAD file translators
Richardson, TX – Alibre, Inc. announced price cuts to its line of 3D CAD software. Alibre develops and markets Alibre DesignTM, a powerful parametric 3D/2D design application. The entry level package, Alibre Design Standard, is now $97 (down from $1000) and includes full 3D design and associative 2D drawings, along with Alibre Translate (formerly $499), an import/export suite that supports Solidworks®, Pro/EngineerTM, Autodesk® InventorTM, SolidEdgeTM, Catia®, and Parasolid formats in addition to all neutral CAD formats.
All levels of Alibre Design software and software maintenance have been reduced in price, positioning Alibre products as the extreme value leader in the design and manufacturing industries. The product levels, pricing, and optional software maintenance prices are:
Alibre Design Standard – $97 (software), $97 (1 year support and updates)
Includes parametric 3D design (parts and assemblies), 2D drafting, import/export options for native CAD formats and neutral formats, and 3D PDF creation.
Alibre Design Professional – $497 (software), $147 (1 year support and updates)
Adds sheet metal design module, push/pull editing, standard part libraries, design configurations, photorealistic rendering, and single part FEA analysis.
Alibre Design Expert – $997 (software), $197 (1 year support and updates)
Adds Windows-integrated data/product management solution, integrated physics-based motion analysis, an integrated CAM solution, and Machinist Toolbox, a shop utility offering features such as unit conversion, speeds and feeds, trig calculations, and reference materials.
“We tried the very aggressive pricing last year and found the response to be overwhelming. We also had many industry experts saying it was completely unsustainable. We are delighted to prove them wrong. By stepping out of the premium price niche into the mass market, Alibre more than made up in volume what we lost on price. The new price points allow literally anyone to own professional 3D CAD software. Adding in the file translators to every product we offer further extends anyone’s ability to use their existing files directly in Alibre Design right out of the box,” says Paul Grayson, Alibre Chairman and CEO.
The new price points position Alibre products to enter new markets – primarily the individual and home user – while still providing the professional grade tools higher end users expect. The DIY phenomenon, as covered by many publications such as Wired, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal, presents a huge opportunity for vendors willing to cater to lower price points. People are designing things for themselves, either as products or as side projects, and benefit from professional design tools. It’s been the case in the past that they simply could not afford them.
“What we’ve seen over the last year is a shift in the way consumers drive the technology curve. Their behavior gives vendors two options: deliver more for less, or don’t deliver at all. Some vendors feel it just isn’t worth it – we see it as a massive opportunity,” says Max Freeman, Vice President of Marketing.
If you are interested in learning about Alibre products, please visit http://www.alibre.com.
About Alibre, Inc. Alibre is the leading global provider of cost effective professional grade mechanical CAD, CAM, and PDM solutions. Founded in 1997 and based in Richardson, Texas, Alibre develops Alibre Design™ and Alibre CAM™, the fastest growing parametric CAD/CAM solution on the market. Alibre CAM extends Alibre Design to provide integrated 2 1/2 to 5 axis CNC machining. Used by an immensely diverse user base, Alibre Design and Alibre CAM provide design and manufacturing solutions to Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, consulting firms, machine shops, start-ups, hobbyists, inventors, teachers and students. Alibre products are distributed in 50 countries and in 15 languages.
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Hello!
I ask you a favor if you could put the press release as an article that attach to all your followers might know the incredible tool that is Alibre and cost-benefit it has.
Any doubts I am at your command.
Greetings and thank you!
hi everybody
i am happy with 4m intellicad
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