Looking for some architecture/3D modelling tools to help visualise a home/internal renovation. [more inside]
posted by a non e mouse on Oct 14, 2009 - 8 answers

good research materials on the subject of electric cars, 3d modeling and/or entrepreneurship? [more inside]
posted by groovinkim on Jul 20, 2009 - 4 answers

Metal Fabrication: I'd like to design small objects and see them realized in stainless steel and/or aluminum. How would I go about this? Specifically: What design software should I use and what services are available for custom fabrication? [more inside]
posted by aladfar on Jul 12, 2009 - 7 answers

I'm looking for an easy-to-use, lightweight application that will allow me to visualize a wooden structure I want to build. I know about CAD software like AutoCAD and modelling apps like 3dsMax, but they seem way more complicated than what I'm looking for. Sketchup seems to fit the bill pretty well, but it's hideous to look at and I can't seem to get exact measurements out of it. Any alternatives to sketchup out there? (free preferably but not required) Thanks
posted by AltReality on Jun 15, 2009 - 16 answers

How do I create my own draft templates in Solid Edge v20? [more inside]
posted by gonzo_ID on May 18, 2009 - 0 answers

Is it feasible to outsource my CAD work? Has anybody tried this? What are the legal implications? [more inside]
posted by mockdeep on Jun 1, 2008 - 7 answers

My boss has agreed to replace my desktop HP workstation with a laptop/docking station so I can bring my work home and, essentially, work more. Yay? I need recommendations. [more inside]
posted by bradn on Feb 7, 2008 - 6 answers

A non-technical friend has some CAD drawings of a widget he's making. He wants to make pretty pictures (renderings?) of the widget, with a background, texture, that kind of thing. [more inside]
posted by everichon on Feb 7, 2008 - 12 answers

Calling all architects! How to revolutionize the field of architecture? [more inside]
posted by lou on Nov 9, 2007 - 20 answers

CAD on a budget. I want to design some plywood models that are cut/milled from a sheet of plywood, and then slot together to form a 3D model... [more inside]
posted by dowcrag on May 23, 2007 - 10 answers

CAD Filter: Can someone explain to me why all the layers in my file seem to be in a layer called xref? [more inside]
posted by bigmusic on Mar 11, 2007 - 4 answers

My boyfriend needs help with AutoCAD. Part of his drawing is obscured... [more inside]
posted by mjao on Dec 3, 2006 - 8 answers

Looking for a decent free CAD program that can import an existing blueprint in TIFF or JPG format. [more inside]
posted by Jawn on Sep 30, 2006 - 10 answers

Apologies for yet another mac vs pc question, but... [more inside]
posted by slipperywhenwet on Sep 25, 2006 - 10 answers

How do I convert a .ZGL (compressed binary) file to a .XGL (uncompressed ASCII) file?
posted by Java_Man on Jul 12, 2006 - 14 answers

I am a Design Engineer looking to break into the freelance/contract market. My expertise is using Unigraphics and I am also proficient in solidworks. I was a tool designer and worked closely with one of the major auto makers in the US before I got fed up with office politics and left to go to a much smaller company. [more inside]
posted by 5acres on Apr 26, 2006 - 5 answers

CAD for 3d sitework recomendations, please. [more inside]
posted by signal on Mar 30, 2006 - 3 answers

Does anyone know any good freeware that will allow me to open and/or preview CAD (specifically .dwg codec) files? [more inside]
posted by j.p. Hung on Mar 20, 2006 - 6 answers

Does anybody have (or can point me to) a copy of the Standard Autolisp Library that used to be hosted here before they suffered apparently unrecoverable harddrive problems?
posted by skree on Mar 1, 2006 - 4 answers

Does anyone have any recommendations for free, Win98-compatible software that will help me design a community garden for my non-profit organization? Am I looking for a CAD program? If so, which of the thousands out there should I use? [more inside]
posted by schroedinger on Jan 25, 2006 - 6 answers

What word would you use to describe this person? Young, British, male, upper middle class; no regular job, career or profession; probably has some talent(s) or other and gets by doing odd bits of work for friends, friends of friends, or friends of daddy. A bit of a slacker really, but not someone who lives off their parents or spends their time partying. Any ideas? The quainter the better. [more inside]
posted by cillit bang on Apr 29, 2005 - 65 answers

Which is the best PC-based software approach to allow a 12-year-old boy (who is bright, but not necessarily ardently studious) to explore the basics of CAD and/or architectural design principles? [more inside]
posted by dontrockwobble on Mar 22, 2005 - 13 answers