DT Cad software

[chekmate1984]

Hi all

 

We are looking to replace our DT laptops but we have also been assigned to get a CAD software.

 

At present we have none.

 

Options are solid works and Autocad so far - any others reccomended let me know

 

Do these require server install or just client? ideally i am avoiding any server installs as we look to migrate to cloud

 

Also what spec laptops would you reccoemnd for these?

 

Thanks

[robyholmes]

Fusion 360 is free for schools. Cloud licensing and storage. Bit of a pain to install and update, but workable.

 

Fusion wants a decent amount of RAM and a fast CPU. It's not very good at using multiple cores so look for higher clock over more cores.

 

GPU is really only used for some rendering, any modern built in graphics would be fine.

[ICTDirect_Dave]

I think the biggest issue you're going to find with laptops is that you'll need a dedicated graphics card, certainly for Solidworks. This will push the price up even with a refurbished laptop.

It's certainly doable, but you'd get a longer life out of desktops if you had the space.

[Rob_D]

We've got Solidworks and Autocad running fine on machines with integrated graphics, although they are desktops.

 

Our Solidworks setup uses an on-site server for licensing, but I'd be surprised if there weren't newer cloud-compatible ways to do this. Autocad doesn't have a server component (at least none we're using), but did take some bullying through the firewall, and some local permissions faffing.

 

From our point of view, Solidworks has generally been less of a faff to install than Autocad, but did require more ground work.

 

If it were me, I'd be lead by the teachers on this one (they're the ones that have to teach it after all).

[mavhc]

Exactly, ask the teachers, find out what the curriculum requires, then realise it's all entry level stuff and any free cad program can easily do it all

[TechMonkey]

OnShape has been popping up a lot, and our DT department are evaluating it. Free to education and completely online.

[User3204]

Solidworks uses a license server, and give 60 concurrent users on site. Plus also unlimited student use on their devices. I think it cost ~£600 per year.

Autodesk uses a license server, and gives a 3000 concurrent users on site, for all the stuff they produce, the initial server config is an arse, but will just keep going if you're not adding new software. Free.

Sketchup is web based, and will SSO with Google (and probably M365 if you have this). Free.

 

Solidworks and Autodesk will fill up your local hard drives.

 

 

Fusion 360 doesn't like me.

[PotNoodleTech]

I would try to use online software as historically physical cad software has been nothing but problematic and things are going more and more online now.

 

We use Onshape and Fusion360 here and the DT dept seem very happy with both. (onshape seems better/easier)

[Julian]

Autodesk Fusion (not to be confused with Fushion 360) is a browser based version of fushion 360 (https://fusion.online.autodesk.com/). It works with no install, and can be used by your pupils at home. It is free for schools, but you do have to setup an Autodesk account for each user.