Which Software do you prefer for 3D mechanical modeling?
I am working with Solidworks, CATIA and AutoCAD for 3D mechanical modeling and mechanism.
Which Software do you prefer for 3D mechanical modeling? and why?
Accepted answer
Dear @Mohsen Rezaei
The comparison between those three software is not valid. For example: SolidWorks and Catia belong to Dassault Systemes, both are parametric but in different ranges. SolidWorks in the mid-range and Catia in the high-end. The differences between ranges are very large in quality, cost and portability. It is a mistake to compare "by price" a certain version of CATIA (such as Mechanical Design2) that is compared with some version of SolidWorks (such as professional) because the former is of very high quality but with few modules and features (hence the price resembles the Solid) on the other hand, the second, is of lower quality but "has everything".
On the other hand, AutoCAD (from AutoDesk) is a non-parametric software and therefore it is unfair to compare it with SoliWorks or Catia. In the Autodesk line, they should be compared with Inventor (which is parametric and mid-range).
Finally, the choice will depend (assuming parametric software for its usefulness for mechanical design) on the number of parts you want to manipulate in a large assembly (since the mid-range supports only a few thousand or tens of thousands, while the high-end supports at least 10 times more) and in what is called "the universe of the CAD system" that has to do with its dimensional scope.
If you use Solid and Catia you can check it: make a sketch in both with a simple line and see how big you can make it in both cases!!! That will give you an idea of the "universe" your CADD system reaches in drawing units (it doesn't matter if they are mm, cm or m).
Best regards
2 Other answers
FreeCAD (V20)
I have used Solidworks, Siemens NX, Catia V5, Ford Fides, Bentely, Solid Edge all in a professional capacity in my career for a variety of projects for a few years. I always tell people the answer varies depending on what you want to do.
My background is in process development for automated robotic production systems, to optimizing using analytic software's (FEM etc), modelling, CNC manufacturing etc. Currently I work in R&D for a large EU Auto OEM which focuses more on component level development & optimization for pre-series.
Software ratings based on my experience focusing on modelling only - Though I am sure others will have different opinions on :)
Solidworks
Ease Of Use: Very easy to learn,
Project type: Small, Medium
Interface: Simple and easy
Modelling: Simple and easy
Features: Good in general, but lacks powerful surfacing features etc.
Method: Supports most design methodologies,
Cost: Medium
Resource Usage: High
Catia V5
Ease Of Use: Medium to learn, course recommended
Project type: Small, Medium, large
Interface: Old but it works
Modelling: Generally simple, advanced modelling takes time in the first shot,
Features: Extremely powerful, especially with customization & scripting
Method: Supports all most design methodologies,
Cost: High
Resource Usage: Medium, model dependent
Siemens NX
Ease Of Use: More flexible than Catia, recommend a course
Project type: Small, Medium, Large, MASSIVE
Interface: Pain in the backside for me
Modelling: Flexible but can be a pain
Features: Extremely powerful, especially with customization & scripting, but lacks some of the nice to have features from Catia like assembly navigation & snapping etc. This will probably replace Catia in a few years IMO.
Method: Supports all design methodologies,
Cost: High
Resource Usage: Medium, model dependent
In my line of work, OEM's prefer powerful software like NX & Catia due to their customizability. In my case, our systems need to interface with external networked data & change management systems internationally. For small projects Solidworks is more than sufficient to get things done quick since I don't care about data management etc.
