I use Vectorworks for most drafting (theater and live event design) as it allows modeling as well equipment (lightng, audio, video) integration from pre-built manufacturer libraries. For 3D SketchUp is actually a bit more user-friendly and definitely has a student/ trial version.

Good luck.

GB

You might like to consider SketchUp for the simple fact there are huge libraries full of standard sized extrusions, hinges etc. that you can quickly import into your file. However, like all CAD software, sometimes the time taken to learn a new program (if you've never used SketchUp before) may be more trouble than it's worth. Solidworks also has libraries of standard parts you could build into an assembly to speed up the process. Rhino of course could be perfect, but keep in mind it requires a bit of a different mindset and workflow compared to Solidworks, so keep in mind how much time you want to spend learning and googling for help as you go. My last recommendation would be Fusion 360 - totally free and quickly becoming a popular CAD program that is quite easy to pick up. Maybe check it out if you don't want to be time restricted on a trial license of another program. Good luck!

A research lab has been using SolidWorks for more than 10 years. Besides being easy to use to learn it has the capability of handling large projects with many parts and sub-assemblies. it's also used by so many other companies and organizations that it's easy to share information as needed. Another good feature is you can find SolidWorks renderings of many components that you might find such as McMaster catalog parts.

I used Solidworks for very complex designs like 3D tire and track mold designing. This is a very simple task for solid work users. Than other products I recommended to use SW. Contact me if you need further support. [email protected]

It depends on the phase of the design. Your description suggests a program or brief, plus a preferred list of materials / components.

Your choice of software must cover the next stages of, concept design (creative), then detailed design - from an element hierarchy (foundation, structure, roof, etc. and their parts) to the designed elements (solutions for these parts - the materials and components and construction processes to build them and assemble your construction). In the end, possibly the transfer of parts of your model as machine instructions (e.g., to a router for cutting boards and creating holes) and lists of products for bidding prices (e.g. bolts, washers and nuts).

If a software is selected because it is the most appropriate for a phase, one must also consider its ability to input the model generated by another software from an earlier phase and/or output the model so that it can be useful to the next phase.

SketchUp may be a good modeler for the conceptual phase, but if it can't deliver a precise model for detailed design it might not be the best solution.

Perhaps Rhino can be used for the whole process, including CAM - depending on the materials and processes used in fabrication. The same can be said about Solidworks+CAM or Inventor+CAM.

Hi

for CAD,CAM,CAE

I used CATIA for design and drafting(in solidworks drawing). it is easy and sweet to learn. You can use CATIA for doing yourwork.

for advance analysis

I used ABAQUS. it is easy and sweet to learn similar CATIA, and it very good link to CATIA.

Contact me if you need further support:[email protected]

GOOD LUCK

I agree with using SolidWorks, especially if you already know the program from prior projects. I have used Unigraphics and CREO/ProEngineer extensively at NASA and other places, but SolidWorks is very intuitive to learn by comparison. I use SolidWorks for all my side project work.

I would give Rhino a try. There is a 90 day free trial version, for both, Win and Mac OS. In Rhino "solids" are hollow (closed NURBS surfaces). This software is a standard tool for architects and designers in AEC. Do you need BIM features for your design? If yes, you could try BIM programs like Revit, ArchiCAD etc.