For the LXer CAD experts
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| Author | Content |
|---|---|
| caitlyn Jul 21, 2012 5:29 PM EDT |
Between the two articles on Linux Links they have now listed 11 FOSS CAD apps and one proprietary app for Linux. I still hear and read people claiming that AutoCAD is irreplaceable and that's why they can't run Linux. Is that still true? Do any of these dozen CAD apps come close to or equal AutoCAD? I'd like to be armed with a response next time someone starts listing things Linux can't do and includes AutoCAD. |
| capn_leaky Jul 21, 2012 7:04 PM EDT |
From my experience, in manufacturing, everyone uses 3D parametric CAD. The most popular for smaller oufits seems to be Solidworks. I admit that SW is really pretty slick, I can't imagine doing my job without it. They are pretty much tied to Windows too tight to ever make a non-Windows version. AutoCAD still rules in archtectural CAD. But manufacturing and tooling work left 2D years ago. |
| caitlyn Jul 21, 2012 9:14 PM EDT |
While what you wrote is very informative it doesn't answer my question at all. People tell me they can't imagine being without Microsoft Office or Adobe PhotoShop even though there are perfectly good FOSS alternatives. Have you tried any of the FOSS 3D CAD alternatives? Are they any good? |
| BernardSwiss Jul 21, 2012 10:00 PM EDT |
I assume you mean separately from the issues of file-format compatibility, interchangeability, and "standardization", etc.? |
| Fettoosh Jul 21, 2012 10:15 PM EDT |
Quoting:AutoCAD still rules in archtectural CAD May be because you never heard of Intergraph and on wikipedia on wikipedia |
| tracyanne Jul 21, 2012 10:57 PM EDT |
KiCad looks quite nice for some stuff I want to do. |
| capn_leaky Jul 22, 2012 7:54 AM EDT |
Caitlyn, I have tried most of the free 3D CAD packages ar one time or another, and for features, creating drawings from the models, creating assemblies of various models, and ease of use, there was no comparison with what I use in Solidworks. File formats are generally not a problem for the parametric models. I think some of the packages support common formats like iges, but it's been a while since I tried. Most 2D support dxf. Fettoosh, I've heard of it. But my experience locally still seems to show that AutoCad has a larger presence. If I used 2D, I would look at the linux version of DraftSight from DSS, same people who make SW. It is not FOSS, but a free download. |
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