Free full-featured 3D CAD...

[Nick]

Folk here may be interested in a completely free, full-featured, 3D CAD package from RS under their "DesignSpark" brand...

Its a big download (440Mb) but very interesting indeed - lots of tutorials on the download page.

http://www.designspark.com/eng/page/mechanical

[Retired]

Hi,

Many thanks Nick for adding this interesting download which I've just bookmarked.

For 14 years I struggled with CAD to the point of not being able to draw a straight line until I came across "Emachineshop" CAD which I quickly grasped and have used for a while so at least I now understand the basics of CAD which will help once I get the time to download this RS version. I'm always interested in free CAD downloads.

Kind regards, Col.

[ed731pdh]

CAD - Can't Anybody Draw?

[Retired]

Hi,

I've just got around to downloading this free CAD Nick. The file is a big one but downloading didn't take long at all. I expected it to install automatically but had to click on "Installer"; not a problem and then it installed. Usually if I wait these programs then open on the monitor but I accessed mine from the shortcut.

Before I can use the program I'm asked to register? What's ahead please Nick; if I register using my email address am I likely to end up with unwanted tool-bars etc or be asked to pay? I've been caught out so many times previously that I'd rather ask up front before simply accepting?

Time I got cracking; I'm hoping to install a two way garage consumer unit and sort out the power sockets and certainly improve the lighting adding another three strip lights because the two already installed are fighting a losing battle and I'm forever working in a black hole.

Kind regards, Col.

[Nick]

Before I can use the program I'm asked to register? What's ahead please Nick; if I register using my email address am I likely to end up with unwanted tool-bars etc or be asked to pay? I've been caught out so many times previously that I'd rather ask up front before simply accepting?

No problem with registering - you get asked if you want to receive emails and/or 3rd party communications as part of the registration process - just decline and you'll receive no junk - you are only actually registering as a member of the "DesignSpark" community, which is RS's engineering forum - completely free and has about 200,000 members - I've been a member of that for a couple of years without any issues...

FWIW, RS wouldn't risk alienating its forum members, most of whom are their customers, by issuing unwarranted email spam

CAD - Can't Anybody Draw?

I was taught to do all my engineering drawings using Rotring pens and stencils - years, I spent, doing sectional and isometric drawings of generators etc.

Now, what used to take me a week, I can do in an hour or so - it's just soooooo nice and flexible being able to paramaterise drawings, spin & rotate them at will, send the DXF output straight to a laser or profile cutter, CNC mill or 3D printer.

Many technologies are spurious; CAD is one the of good guys!

[Retired]

Hi,

Many thanks Nick; I'm trying to be careful after allowing the last virus in TWICE. I'll register and then play around when I get a bit of time. CAD beats the heck out of pencil and paper even with my limited knowledge.

Kind regards, Col.