3-d modeling software viewable using AutoCAD 2

[boltonza]

Hi,
I am currently looking into converting all our 2-d CAD drawings of our products to 3-d to help customers view the product. We are basically looking for a simple, easy-to-use software package that will be able to be used to show products in 3-d and also separate into 2-d dimensional drawings as well. Is there a software bundle that can do this effectively? Also will the files I create with these new models be viewable by a customer that has nothing more than AutoCAD on their PC? I have heard good things about SolidWorks, but also know that it can be pretty pricy. Are their cheaper options for what our company is looking for?
Thanks for your help.
Signed,
Zack

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Is there a software bundle that can do this effectively?

Yes, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, IronCad, Inventor, Wildfire, etc, etc.

Also will the files I create with these new models be viewable by a customer that has nothing more than AutoCAD on their PC?

No ... but SolidWorks & Soild Edge do have viewers which your customers can download for free. The viewers can also be encapsulated within HTML files for web viewing so that no viewer is needed.

Are their cheaper options for what our company is looking for?

Yes, IronCad among others is cheaper, but remember, you get what you pay for.

from (the City of) Barrie, Ontario.

If you choke a smurf, what color does it turn?

 

[SBaugh]

Edrawings 2004 can view DWG and DXF files now.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Forgot to include Alibre & Rhino as cheap alternatives if you just want these models for marketing rather than for manufacturing ... don't know if they have viewers though.

from (the City of) Barrie, Ontario.

If you choke a smurf, what color does it turn?