Do any of you have recent experience with FreeCAD? How do you like the software, and how about that STL output? How easy is it to export files from FreeCAD to be used in other CAD packages? Objective: 3D printing Reference point: Solidworks
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posted by whatzit
on Apr 26, 2013 -
2 answers
A little over a year ago, I posted
this question about upgrading my home computer to be able to run Revit. I successfully monkeyed with my box to be able to run Revit 2012, but now my firm has upgraded me to Revit 2013, for which my video card no longer works properly. The major complication now is that I got the only video card I could find that worked with Revit and fit my motherboard, so this time it won't be as simple as just switching out the card. What's my best course of action to remedy the current situation? Technical stuff, specs and further questions after the jump.
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posted by LionIndex
on Oct 19, 2012 -
6 answers
I need to get my head around the best path to retraining myself on (nominally Solidworks) with view to (in the longer term) doing CAD piece work from home - However there are several issues relating to software types and costs that I am not sure how to approach.
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posted by Brockles
on Sep 29, 2012 -
9 answers
What networking or server (NAS?) equipment do I need to set up a small design business that will use a lot of fairly large CAD, Rhino, PSD, AI, and other design-type files?
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posted by This_Will_Be_Good
on Jul 21, 2012 -
3 answers
Does anyone have a technical degree in computer aided drafting & design? Can you tell me a bit about job prospects, salary range, career options, and maybe just generally what the day in a life of a draftsman looks like?
I'm considering taking a drafting course to see if an associates degree is something I'd want to pursue. Thanks in advance!
posted by pilibeen
on Feb 12, 2012 -
9 answers
Seeking advice on a laptop/notebook for CAD. That may also (possibly) be able to run a Playstation 2 emulator.
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posted by hayeled
on Nov 26, 2011 -
3 answers
I'd like to upgrade my home computer to be able to run Revit, but I'm a complete n00b for anything having to do with looking under the hood of my computer and switching out/augmenting hardware. Please help me figure out what components I've got currently, what I need to upgrade, and what potential conflicts will arise.
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posted by LionIndex
on Aug 15, 2011 -
12 answers
I'm looking for a free (or trial) CAD/simulation software package that can be used to derive the electrical capacitance of geometric shapes in relation to one another.
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posted by nickerbocker
on Mar 10, 2011 -
2 answers
I have a guest staying with me who suggests that Apple uses PCs and PC-based CAD software for doing the mechanical design of their products. I'm skeptical, and consult the mighty and infallible Oracle of Metafilter for first hand verification. Anyone know what they use... for real?
posted by FauxScot
on Feb 2, 2011 -
11 answers
Architects, builders, and engineers -- what is the best software for drawing up a basic set of floor plans? What's the most cost-effective way to get a set of working drawings for a basic house rehab?
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posted by slidell
on Dec 30, 2010 -
10 answers
Can anyone recommend a very user friendly (preferably free or shareware) CAD program for MAC (10.5.8, non intel)?
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posted by getupandgo
on Dec 23, 2010 -
9 answers
How do I turn a line and a curve table from a plat into a drawing (CAD commands are ok, or importing a spreadsheet would be better.)
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posted by Brent Parker
on Jun 2, 2010 -
4 answers
I'll be traveling to Ireland in the fall of next year. Is now a good time to get a bunch of Euros for cheap?
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posted by ODiV
on May 18, 2010 -
8 answers
Is there CAD software that will allow me to build a mechanical linkage, and then manipulate it?
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posted by Netzapper
on May 7, 2010 -
10 answers
Is there a (free/cheap) way to turn pdf vector drawings into a dwg/dxf/eps without the errors Illustrator always seems to produce? Or some other way of getting a pdf vector drawing into VectorWorks?
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posted by carnival of animals
on Apr 5, 2010 -
7 answers
Does anyone know where I can find some CAD files of polyhedral dice? I would prefer if the little numbers where already etched into them if possible.
Any 3d format would work if I can convert them.
posted by Bonzai
on Dec 24, 2009 -
6 answers
good research materials on the subject of electric cars, 3d modeling and/or entrepreneurship?
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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?
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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
Is it feasible to outsource my CAD work? Has anybody tried this? What are the legal implications?
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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.
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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.
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posted by everichon
on Feb 7, 2008 -
12 answers
Calling all architects! How to revolutionize the field of architecture?
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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...
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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?
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posted by bigmusic
on Mar 11, 2007 -
4 answers
My boyfriend needs help with AutoCAD. Part of his drawing is obscured...
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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.
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posted by Jawn
on Sep 30, 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.
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posted by 5acres
on Apr 26, 2006 -
5 answers
Does anyone know any good freeware that will allow me to open and/or preview CAD (specifically .dwg codec) files?
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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?
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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.
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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?
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posted by dontrockwobble
on Mar 22, 2005 -
13 answers
