JCook Posted June 17, 2012 Posted June 17, 2012 I'm looking for suggestions for a CAD program to create panels and components for my A10C pit. I don't have any CAD experience and I don't think I need anything too elaborate. I need to be able to export the drawings to the autocad format (which I think most CAD programs can do) to set up the panel dimensions for the CNC work. Is there a good freeware or low cost CAD program (say under $100) that anyone can recommend? Thanks John
BHawthorne Posted June 17, 2012 Posted June 17, 2012 (edited) Panels are 2.5 axis projects and really only need DXF or DWG. All you need is the free version of Dassault DraftSight. The person who is setting up the CAM tool paths just opens the DXF/DWG and uses that. http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/overview/ Edited June 17, 2012 by BHawthorne 1
Gadroc Posted June 17, 2012 Posted June 17, 2012 Depends on how far you want to go. I did my first several panels all in Corel draw, but I'm moving them all into full 3D cad for future design. I've bitten myself a few times by not actually modeling the switches and accounting for enough space behind the panel as well. I've started using Alibre Personal Edition ($200) which is a parametric cad system for all my panel and cockpit work now. I've been very happy. Sketch up is not a great option in my opinion. It's inability to export true arcs can cause problems with CNC machines.
BHawthorne Posted June 17, 2012 Posted June 17, 2012 (edited) Depends on how far you want to go. I did my first several panels all in Corel draw, but I'm moving them all into full 3D cad for future design. I've bitten myself a few times by not actually modeling the switches and accounting for enough space behind the panel as well. I've started using Alibre Personal Edition ($200) which is a parametric cad system for all my panel and cockpit work now. I've been very happy. Sketch up is not a great option in my opinion. It's inability to export true arcs can cause problems with CNC machines. Yep, or translating back and forth between some formats can be problematic too. It's why he should best do his layouts in native DXF/DWG and not hop back and forth between something like Corel Draw or SketchUp. While Corel Draw is vector, it's not DXF/DWG native. He doesn't need full 3d modeling capability for solids for panels though with something like Alibre. It's an unneeded expense for what he's doing. The only redeeming value SketchUp has is it's free. It's horrid for CAD/CAM though. Until he decides to do the tub or anything 3 axis, he's golden with something that saves 2D and DXF/DWG. Edited June 17, 2012 by BHawthorne
JCook Posted June 19, 2012 Author Posted June 19, 2012 Thanks guys for the input. I started learning the Dassault DraftSight tonight.
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