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Here are the answers
to the most Frequently Asked Questions when buying CAD software.
If you can't find the answer here just ask the experts....our
advice is free.
email or call as we are more than happy to
help you
Australia (02) 9973 4499
USA 1-800 699 0942
International +612 9973 4499 |
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Question |
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Answer |
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Which "CAD" do I need? |
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There are many CAD programs.
Get the right advice to select the correct CAD software
for your needs and budget. Don't just get the only CAD software
you have ever heard of. Today we have programs designed specifically
for different needs.
To find the ideal CAD software,
use the suitability
matrix or contact us. |
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I have an Apple Mac. What software should
I use? |
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Only a few CAD programs run on
the Mac O/S. More than 90% of CAD users are PC based but if you
have or are thinking about buying a Mac you can install software
called “Parallels” or "Boot Camp" that allows
you to run Windows on your Mac. You can successfully run RealCAD Draft, RealCAD
LT, RealCAD Pro,
and LANDWorksCAD
in this environment.
You can learn more about 'Parallels'
by visiting http://www.parallels.com |
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2D or 3D? |
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2D software lets you produce plans,
elevations, details and sections in much the same way as drawing
manually on a drawing board, only much faster. 3D CAD lets you
produce plans, elevations, sections, details, isometrics, axonometrics,
parallel and perspective views, as well as renderings and even
animations all from the one 3D computer model. A Good 3D system
has the advantage that it will automatically produce the
elevations, plans, sections and perspectives directly from the
3D model. Changes made to the 3D model will typically update
all the related 2D drawings automatically too.
If you only create schematics, diagrams, layouts, patterns etc
then 2D is all you'll need. |
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I have heard there are several ways to
build 3D models in CAD. What are the differences? |
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Wire-frame/Surface: This is oldest and most common method
of creating 3D models and allows for the most unrestricted designs.
The disadvantage is that modelling is a little slower to produce
and to make major modifications to.
Boolean Solids: This method uses the concept of adding
or subtracting 3D solid masses from each other to form 3D objects.
Parametric Feature Based Solids: This method is the most sophisticated
and is ideal for mechanical applications where the design is
quite structured and many parameters of the design may need to
be changed at various stages in the design process. Each part
of the design such as a hole or protrusion or fillet is regarded
as a feature and this is linked to a set of parameters. Change
the parameter and the feature is automatically modified.
Sketch: this is a sort of free form surface modelling
in which the surfaces are merely a mesh of triangles, no matter
what the shape of the object. This is good for the early stages
of design where dimensional accuracy is less important than speed.
3D models produced in this environment are often then sent to
a more accurate modeller to produce dimensionally accurate drawings. |
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I need to be able to share files with others.
What do I need to know? |
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Contrary to popular belief, there
is no 'industry standard' for sharing CAD data. However
the DXF format (Drawing eXchange Format)
is the most common method of sharing 2D drawing information from
one program to another. Nearly all CAD software programs support
the DXF format and for this reason it is the most reliable. RealCAD
uses .CAD format and can also exchange drawings via DWG
and DXF as well as several others.
WMF is the Windows standard for copying drawings into
Windows applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
STEP, IGES, STL, Parasolid, etc are all sophisticated file formats
for exchanging 3D data. Others also include VDA, SAT, X_T, SLC,
GHS, MTS, 3DS, LWO, OBJ, VRML, RIB, POV, CAD and AI.
DWG is an AutoCAD format used
between AutoCAD programs and is also included in some other programs.
It can be problematic even from one version of AutoCAD to another
and should be used with an understanding that it is not perfect
nor is it the industry standard.
PDF is not a CAD file format for exchanging drawings
but rather a format for being able to safely view and print drawings
without being able to edit them. |
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What is the difference between Raster and
Vector files? |
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CAD file formats are generally based
on the location of positions in 2D or 3D space with definitions
attached to those locations and the space between them (commonly
called 'Vectors')
Image files are based on a collection of dots that are generally
small enough and close enough together that the human eye can
not perceive them as such. These are known as Raster formats
and are generated by scanning pictures or paper drawings, digital
photographs and by image manipulation software and basic 'drawing'
programs. NOT CAD.
Vector based formats can be scaled accurately, be measured and
be manipulated on a line by line, entity by entity basis, whilst
raster formats can only be edited by virtue of changing the dots
that make up the picture. |
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How easy is CAD to use? |
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This will depend greatly on three
things; which product you use, your attitude to learning new
things and how much support you have available.
Some programs are MUCH easier
to use than others, but all professional CAD programs require
a reasonable amount of time to become proficient.
When you learn any CAD software
relax, treat the experience as a game and let go of the urgency
and desperate NEED to be an expert overnight!
Enjoy your CAD software and think
of it as a fun tool to expand your creative mind or express your
ideas. Don't be afraid to make mistakes...there is always the
Undo Key! :)
Many CAD programs have excellent
tutorials and good support from the vendor. This is essential...absolutely
essential. |
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