Free 3D modeling

[Brad_Blazer]

Autodesk is offering Inventor LT as a free download.
Autodesk Labs Technologies Autodesk Inventor LT - Technology Preview
I have heard it lets you create parts but not assemblies. It's a 1GB download. (Mine's sitting at 15% right now)

From my single experience, do not install the download manager - just download using the standard method.

I am not affiliated with Autodesk, just passing on a good deal for many who like to design stuff.

Brad
Oooh I'm up to 20%

 

[ChuckinNH]

Got it! Thanks for the link. I had used an early version of Inventor, but didn't know the LT version was available. I do have the LT version of AutoCad.
Thanks again..

 

[MrJimi]

It will run till May 1,2008
Only, I hate those freebies

 

[Luremaker]

It will run till May 1,2008
Only, I hate those freebies

I'm with you. I won't even bother installing a time limited package. I look at those as bait not freebies. Some companies now give away lite versions of their programs and sell the "PRO" versions. I do not use any cad software but enjoy 3d modeling. I use blender which is totally free open source software. Blender is not CAD it is 3D modeling.

blender.org - Home

I realize blender is not a cad replacement but it is fun to use. You can import your cad drawings and turn them into models.

 

[jimmysisson]

Also free, with scaled modeling and an inventive interface, Google SketchUp. It's good for drawing buildings, fit them into landscape, fit into a photograph, etc. Fun!
Jim

 

[Brad_Blazer]

It will run till May 1,2008
Only, I hate those freebies

Doh!
If I had noticed that I wouldn't have posted. Should have known better from Autodesk. They are all about the revenue stream.
Oh well, 3 months is better than the typical 30 days.

If you try it the basic drawing sequence is open a part (ipt) file, make a rough sketch, add dimensions that drive it to the right size, then extrude (for example) into a 3-D part. Open an idw file and select the saved part for the base view. Add projected views & dimensions and you have a drawing. None of the commands are like AutoCad. Even zoom scroll is backwards. The !@#$%^. Anyhow it is much more efficient than 2-D drafting.
Brad

 

[chvet73]

I have been a Shop teacher since 1974. I currently teach CAD, Animation and 3d modeling. When you get old Drafting is nice and quiet compared to woodworking or auto which I have taught. Besides nobody ever gets injuried in my computer lab.
But I feel compelled here to post about AutoCads current money grubbing attitude.
When I started teaching CAD in 1991 AutoCad did everything it could to help our progarm and provided software for $100 a seat to schools. That latter went to $200. About 2 years ago they fired our excellent educational rep who worked with all the teachers I know.
Now they want about $35000 a classroom for their product instead of $3500. Myself and every teacher I know will never buy their product again. The funds are simply not available. AutoCad could care less that we are all no longer buying their product. Their support has been almost nonexsitent over the last few years. What a change in attitude.
In my school district we have 5 schools running their product. We are all switching to Solidworks and Cheif Architect.
Sad but money now seems to be their only motivation. Solidworks has taken a large part of their market and I can see why.
Anyway a long rant but I had to tell people where they are at now.

 

[have_blue]

Sad but money now seems to be their only motivation. Solidworks has taken a large part of their market and I can see why.
Anyway a long rant but I had to tell people where they are at now.

Have you heard of ProgeCAD? It's completely free for non-commercial use. It's very slick, and a very good knockoff of AutoCAD 2007-2008.

 

[cmuncy]

ProgeSOFT IntelliCAD, DWG CAD Here is the link to download the Free For Personal Use version

 

[Leejohn]

Have Blue,
When you downloaded ProgeCad2008 Smart there are 3 to choose from
(Server 1, Server 2, or Torrent download) I don't know what they mean by that. What did you choose?
Thanks, Lee