What You Need to Know About CAD, Part 2
There is nothing we love more at DEQ than working with a client who can make a CAD model. Even if you’re in the elementary stages of invention and/or discovery, we highly recommend diving into CAD modeling.
But before you go spending all your cash on the fanciest tech, let’s talk about what software may be most beneficial given your goals, budget, and experience. (And in case you missed it, check out part one of this series, where we tackle these questions and other CAD basics).
At DEQ, we love Autodesk’s Fusion 360. We started out with this software. It really does it all. If you own a start-up design studio, or you’re just a freelancer with a pipe dream, this is the software for you.
The most surprising thing they give users for free is generative design. In case you don’t know what GD is, check out this video from Autodesk -- and prepare to have your mind blown.
At a glance, Fusion 360
Offers a free version for small businesses generating less than 100k annually
Supports all three CAD techniques (block, mesh, NURBS)
Comes with AI power structural analysis
Includes cloud-based rendering
Offers advanced simulations such as finite element analysis (FEA) and computational flow dynamics (CFD). These allow you to test your product against real-world physics.
Includes circuit design. You can actually use the software to order a circuit board directly from a manufacturer!
The only downside to Fusion 360: you’re basically a BETA tester for their more expensive tools. Also, depending on the complexity of your project, you may hit a threshold and need something like Solidworks. But Fusion 360 just keeps getting better and better every year.
Blender is pretty great. It is a free, open-source mesh-modeling software used to make movies and video games. Users are encouraged to engage in the forums to problem solve and share new techniques. Once you get the hang of it, there’s nothing you can’t do on this software. Check out this year’s Blender trailer to get a feel for what’s possible.
At a glance, Blender offers
Professional-quality mesh modeling for free
Bleeding-edge technology
Supportive user base forums and Youtube videos
So what are the downsides to Blender? Well, the learning curve is really high, as there’s no user-interface. Unless you’re willing to put in the time and effort to wrestle with the software (and endure the system updates), this might not be the best choice. But if you’re up for the task, the opportunities are endless.
Maya / Cinema 4D / 3D Studio Max
These three platforms are the standard professional mesh-modelers, used by every studio to make just about every form of entertainment (most notably Pixar and Marvel movies). At DEQ, use Maya for mesh-modeling.
At a glance, these three
Are very reliable
Provide tons of legacy support
Include plugin support, though typically hidden behind paywalls
A few degrees classier than Blender
The biggest downside is that these three are expensive. If you’re just starting out, the cost may be prohibitive.
Solidworks and CATIA
Solidworks and CATIA are, collectively, the Mr. Burns of modeling software. They are inescapable, exploitative, and wildly expensive (despite the fact they appear to have been designed using Windows 95). Unfortunately, everyone uses them.
At a glance, Solidworks and CATIA
Are the block-modeling standard software
Can do block, mesh, and NURBS modeling
Offer some degree of user support (but only just barely)
Our last word on Solidworks and CATIA? If you can get by with Fusion 360, neither of these are worth the cost. But if your dream is to own a professional studio, odds are you’ll be working with these platforms eventually.
Interested in working with our studio?
DEQ can help bring your product to life. Contact us to learn more about our CAD design specialities.