What Cad software do you use?

[dapaulio]

We have various modules of autodesk installed on some of our more beefier models however not many of our pc have the processing power to run auto desk so looking for suggestions for good cad/cam software that I can deploy as an alternative to run on the weaker pcs

 

Easy deployment preferable eg msi for gp deployment

Edited July 11, 2017 by dapaulio

[edmokeski]

How about OnShape? Cloud-based, so bandwidth matters more than processing power. Runs on basically anything with a browser. We're piloting next year as our DT computer suite just had to give way to sewing machines. Neighbouring school has been using it for a year or two and love it.

 

Edit: One caveat -- our lawyer wasn't keen on having our students sign up for individual edu accounts with US-based OnShape, and as-yet their centralised account management is Enterprise-only (mega money). We'll be trying with generic accounts, but there will be some real drawbacks. Our neighbouring school's lawyer is a bit less concerned, so they've gone ahead and had the kids all create accounts.

Edited July 12, 2017 by edmokeski

[Jawloms]

How about OnShape? Cloud-based, so bandwidth matters more than processing power. Runs on basically anything with a browser. We're piloting next year as our DT computer suite just had to give way to sewing machines. Neighbouring school has been using it for a year or two and love it.

 

Edit: One caveat -- our lawyer wasn't keen on having our students sign up for individual edu accounts with US-based OnShape, and as-yet their centralised account management is Enterprise-only (mega money). We'll be trying with generic accounts, but there will be some real drawbacks. Our neighbouring school's lawyer is a bit less concerned, so they've gone ahead and had the kids all create accounts.

 

How did you get on with OnShape? We've just started looking at it. Any pointers, costs? How's the account management now?

 

Thank you

 

Stuart

[Oaktech]

Sketchup, Fusion360, TinkerCad...

[edmokeski]

OnShape was free, and the guys there seemed generally keen to be supportive of our pilot. I think in the end, though, it was just too big and 'pro' for what our DT were looking for, so it never really caught on.