You can sometimes download accurate SolidWorks 3D models of O-rings, check valves, clutch bearings, gears - all kinds of stuff to check how they fit in your assembly.You can make "left handed" 3D parts from right ones with a click. With programs like SolidWorks you can turn parts of the assembly partially transparent (ghost like) see how things fit, get in there and measure clearances, etc. Would be awfully slow and cumbersome especially assemblies like a three cylinder marine engine for example. But then I got SolidWorks 2004 right afterwards and (I'm up to SolidWorks 2012) now can't imagine designing and producing Live Steam parts strictly with AutoCAD anymore. Even got up to AutoCAD 2002 (in university). I used AutoCAD R12 & R14 a long time ago. CAM/db is major, major, major benefit (= sw). Tomorrow (this year/month, Very Soon Now) it will matter a lot.ĭb - aware CAD sw will become extremely important. Its 80-90% of a 50.000€ seat of NX with all the goodies.Īnd 70-80% of solidworks with all the goodies.
Imho, ime, in my professional very experienced opinion.Ĭurrent deal is great for home/small shops re:fusion. If I, and many others, thought adesk would continue/keep with fusion- and policies, it would be a great option. Ive lived with it for 25 years, in various iterations/forms. The adesk fusion 360 may become good - and is pretty ok to so-so today.Īdesk has very poor 20+ year track record of crippling/hobbling/abandoning users. The rs stuff was thinly disguised buyware.ĭont remember source - did not look so much.