Help

[sbozy25]

Can someone help me out please?

My company brought me in because I have an extensive knowledge of 3D cad software and have used many programs. One of my first big issues to resolve is to take all our programs and consolidate them to 1. Currently we have UG, Solidworks, AutoCAD, and AutoCAD light. I get to pick any program I want, which is nice. I just need to make sure it is easy for beginners to learn, and easy for more experienced users to pick up fast.

So my question is this:

Seing as how you all use this program, how would you say it compares to IDEAS, PRO E, or Solidworks? Those are my other top choices so far...

 

[matherjd]

I have found Inventor and SolidWorks to be essentially identical programs. One thing that seems to be important to industry is that Inventor includes AutoCAD for free. This helps during the transition phase when you just need to get a job out the door in a hurry and AutoCAD is what you know. And now Inventor 2008 will read/write dwg files directly. Many businesses are just starting to move into 3D. Out of our graduates about 50% get jobs doing 2D AutoCAD and about 50% doing 3D split about evenly between Inventor and SolidWorks with a few working in 3D AutoCAD, Pro/E and others.
Many of the early 3D hires went to companies switching from CADKey or Pro/E to SolidWorks. Now it seems the majority are AutoCAD switching to Inventor.
Students can download Autodesk Inventor Professional for free from

http://engineersrule.org

or

http://firstbase.autodesk.com

Others can download Inventor LT for free from

http://labs/autodesk.com

Inventor LT is limited to single part - no assembly modeling.

I think resellers for both companies offer personal learning editions for free. Not sure about current availability.

Check out the company help forums for valuable help.

http://discussion.autodesk.com/forum.jspa?forumID=78

http://forum.solidworks.com/

You might also look at certification in the future

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet...linkID=9242016

http://www.solidworks.biz/pages/serv...ning/CSWA.html

http://www.solidworks.com/pages/serv...ning/CSWP.html

Also check out

http://www.daratech.com

for information chart on the market capitalization of the mcad companies.
Autodesk sells Inventor
Dassault sells SolidWorks
Parametric Technologies sells Pro/E Wildfire

In my opinion any of the programs are good - your real challenge is getting everyone on board on a single program. Anyone who has to leave their comfort zone is going to try to sabatage your effort.

Autodesk Inventor Certified Expert
Certified SolidWorks Professional

 

[ewh]

Much depends on what you want the tool (the CAD software) to do. There is little sense in spending BIG $$ for a high-end system such as NX (Unigraphics' new name) if you don't need the modeling power.

 

[aardvarkdw]

Inventor's interface is easy to learn especially if you are used to the "feel" of Autodesk products. I personally prefer it between Inventor and Solidworks. That being said Solidworks is probably a better choice if your people are used to using programs like UG, Solidworks or CATIA. Solidworks' interface can be confusing at times but once people are up to speed it is a very powerful tool especially if you are doing surfaces and complex parts. Inventor works well for large assemblies and it's sheet metal tools are pretty good. Inventor's surfacing tools have gotten better with release 2008 but I still don't think they are up to solidworks' level.

I would choose Inventor if I wanted a program that AutoCAD users would be comfortable using, if I was working with sheet metal or large assemblies, and/or I wanted a program that I could get people up to speed quickly without a steep learning curve. I would choose solidworks if I was doing complex models, Industrial design, and/or my workforce is used to a Dessault style interface and I can afford to send them to get training.

David

 

[J-C]

David...Solidworks does not have a Dassault style interface...it has a Solidworks style interface. Its as different from Catia as Inventor is.

As many have said already...depends on what you need. Test both. Consider what your venders use....what add-ins you need.

Jason

UG NX2.02.2 on Win2000 SP3
UG NX4.01.0 on Win2000 SP3
SolidWorks 2007 SP3.1 on WinXP SP2