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The Shop => CNC => Topic started by: PekkaNF on May 16, 2017, 01:36:47 PM

Title: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on May 16, 2017, 01:36:47 PM
This has been a long term plan to learn how to "draft" on 3D.

Real design probrams are very expensive, then there is some free programs. I have no idea how to choose right one.

1: Main interest is to learn how to use 3D design software to design "things". Mainly tools.

2: Always wanted to learn CNC, but wife would banish me if I would bring even a small router into spare bedroom....3D printer might be a little less noisy, smelly, smokey, obstructive etc.

3: However, goal is to eventually build small CNC mill.

What I am looking for is a clear CAD/CAM/Slicer path from idea to physical part, without massive loss of money, time and nerves.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on May 16, 2017, 02:04:09 PM
Pekka,

My bits I've been making on my Cetus 3D printer have all been drawn in Fusion 360, which is free to the hobbyist. I have also made bits on my CNC mill with it.

It is very comprehensive, and when you learn it it will do most things, but I am still getting to grips with it and it is rather a struggle, but I am getting there - made this bung to block up a hole in my Beaver Partsmaster CNC mill that I bored years ago to facilitate wiring up my Servo Driven 4th Axis

It came out quite nicely in a blue plastic  :clap:
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on May 16, 2017, 04:33:56 PM
Thank you Andrew,

I have been looking at fusion few days, just haven't made up my mind yet. I was told that it has free cam and slicer too - among other things.

I noticed that it has some tutorials on YT and they look decent. Maybe I just should have a go for it.

How is the actual blue print?

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on May 16, 2017, 04:43:25 PM
The only downside with Fusion360 is that it demands a 64 bit machine - I had to source one specially as all my others are 32 bit  :scratch:

The bung turned out ok as per picture below
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: efrench on May 16, 2017, 09:44:44 PM
I don't think any other CAD/CAM program comes close to Fusion 360 in cost/performance.

Here's a video showing 3d printed gears in action on a Rose Engine (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/etfrench/media/Rose%20Engine/TriangleGear_001.mp4.html?sort=3&o=6).

And a Fusion 360 file showing similar gears.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/etfrench/Rose%20Engine/120-108-30-30.jpg)

A video with a glimpse of a delta 3d printer effector  (http://vidmg.photobucket.com/albums/v649/etfrench/3DPrinter/TrimmerNylon.mp4)designed in Fusion 360 and milled on a home shop made CNC router.
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on May 17, 2017, 02:30:14 AM
How good is fusion 360 with standard parts library? Does it comes ready with (metric) fasteners and other bucket parts, or do you need to import from suppliers?

How does it handles DIN parts like (taper) pins, circlips and such?

Is it easy on import vendor parts like linear rails?

Really silly question, but in micro stone age I spent too much time "designing" headers, connectors and such to circuit lay-out program.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: efrench on May 17, 2017, 03:45:10 AM
It doesn't have a standard parts library.  It does have most standard metric and imperial threads. You can import directly from McMaster-Carr or from a slew of other companies: http://autodesk-fusion.partcommunity.com/3d-cad-models/ 

It can import over 20 different file formats.  Step files work the best for me.  Large STL files can be a problem.  It can handle up to 50,000 facets in STL files which isn't a lot if you're doing a lot of organic shapes.

I haven't had a need for taper pins or circlips, but I think they would be pretty trivial to model.

Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: David Jupp on May 17, 2017, 05:07:07 AM
For DIN or other standard parts, try Traceparts as a good starting point.
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on May 17, 2017, 06:11:42 AM
Thank you very much. This did clear things up considerably.

I wonder how is it smart to build libraries, probably smart thing is to have several and well organized. Like one for fasteners, other for DIN-parts, other for standard materials etc.

Relating to that....supose a metric assembly needs non recurrent imperial standard parts and imperial surface model part. Does standard part goes into standard part library and alien surface model is another "part"?

Just thinking that I hear often swearing because assembly has been imported, but it is missing some vital parts (often hydraulic cylinders, motors and such). Not so much problem to me, but I just want to know how to start right.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PPRINT on May 17, 2017, 06:43:23 AM
Pekka, libraries are a good idea to help organize...especially in the early stages of learning CAD. 

I have learned that a really well thought out naming convention helps as well.  Make sure to document how you name your parts so you can go find a special widget that you only use once a year.  Surprisingly easy to forget what something is called.  Also find a place to store the vendor name and part number if possible.  That helps track down parts when it is time to buy.

The software I use at work is data base driven so all of my files are accessible at the same time, but I am able to sort through multiple filters to home in on files I want to select from without seeing other files.

Rob
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on May 17, 2017, 09:16:40 AM
Thanks Rob

I work in a middle size company, we have ERP, PDM, CAD....PML and what not. To avoid that mess I'm asking what is the right way at the hobby side. Bit like at the end of 1980s there were electrical circuit schematic programs that were really nice to use: you picked the part and then it was in the BOM that you could print or export. You exported the diagram to router/PCB design program and you could export HPGL to pen plotters to print the etching film and GRBL (or something) to drilling machine.

But this old dog probably has to learn new tricks.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on May 17, 2017, 09:24:47 AM
Bring back ORCAD and Protel Design Explorer eh Pekka  :thumbup:
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on May 17, 2017, 09:30:25 AM
I am pretty sure that nostalgia isn't what it used to be :lol:

Anyways electrocity is more familiar to me than mechanics - I'm just surrounded by mechanical engineers and they have it for work. I want to make it my hobby. Call it first world problem.

I just want to find out what is the KISS approach here, make it mantra and keep my eye on the ball when I'll get into it. Not dwell on shady corners of possibilities.

You know what I mean.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on May 17, 2017, 09:56:05 AM
Well I still reckon that Fusion 360 is for you then. It has the full gambit of capabilities from sketching, drawing, modelling to CAD output for a wide range of controllers, and also can save stuff as .STL files for 3D printers both is ASCII stl and binary stl.

AND it's free   :thumbup:

(When you've learnt it perhaps you can spare a few days to teach me  :lol: )
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on May 17, 2017, 02:43:33 PM
Sounds like need to buy a new second hand PC or laptop with 64 bit operating system for that free program. Not big deal, I can use this old clunker to see the tutorials on youtube and use the "new" one trying out cad.

I actually should buy laptop, if I don't learn it I can also give it to daughter.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on May 17, 2017, 02:56:04 PM
I find some of the Youtube videos painful, as although they say that they are basic introductions but actually start assuming too much knowledge. I find Lars Christensen very good as he genuinely starts at the beginning:



Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: nrml on May 19, 2017, 08:02:12 AM
Fusion 360 is a fantastic program, but I am not sure how long it will remain free. It is an incredible package and my gut feeling is that sooner or later once they reach a critical number of users, Autodesk will start charging even for hobby use.  Most people who have invested time and effort in learning the package will simply cough up the money unless it is extortionate. For people on a very limited hobby budget this is something to consider.
Autodesk shut down 123D (which was very nice for simple 3D modelling) and they are pushing users into either their less capable free product (TinkerCAD) or their more sophisticated professional solutions. I think  they will restructure other bits of their product portfolio sooner rather than later.

I haven't bothered reapplying for the free licence after mine ran out earlier this year. I have installed designspark mechanical on my computer instead https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/mechanical-software It is a slightly dumbed down version of Spaceclaim (which I understand is a well respected professional CAD package). The difference is that it is offered by RS components / Allied electrical for free as a way to get you to purchase your hardware from them. You have access to the RS components parts libraries for free. I think this has a better chance of remaining free to use than Fusion 360. The downside is that it is not as capable and lacks a CAM package but on a positive note you don't have to reapply for a licence every year.

I have purchased a licence for Estlcam for 49 Euros http://www.estlcam.com/. IMO is is an absolute bargain at this price. It is available for free trial and free use with no restrictions on features but I understand that a bit of nagware will eventually kick in urging you to purchase a licence. The developer has put out some excellent instructional videos and it looks like an adequate package for hobby use.

The free to use slicing programs do a very good job for 3D printing. There are a few available each with their own strengths and weaknesses and all fairly easy to use.
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: j1312v on May 19, 2017, 01:32:23 PM
I have the same opinion about Fusion360 regarding it's free status in the future.  :coffee:
My other issues are data legacy and time invested learning the software.

If you are only making small designs and they are for personal use or one-offs the data legacy may not be a big issue.
Also If you want to keep records of your work or want to share it, I will recommend you to make proper drawings and save them as pdf and/or save STEP copies.

On the other side the idea behind F360 is great but its not as easy to use as Solidworks and I wish they have made the menus a bit more simple, for example the CAM side has to many options in my opinion .

Almost all 3D softwares are similar so if you learn F360 you will not struggle when another similar software came along.

In conclusion use it but keep backups of what you want to use later.

Best,

B
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on May 19, 2017, 02:25:25 PM
I had big concerns about it being cloud based - I avoid the cloud like the plague. But then I found that I could keep local copies of stuff so that is less of an issue.

Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: Joules on May 19, 2017, 02:51:34 PM
Much point me mentioning Rhino   :thumbup:  Both PC and Mac versions, you pay for the version and then get support and updates for the life of that version (2-3yrs).  Access to the beta program if you fancy, and reduced cost version update.  No extra cost of upgrade if you miss a version or two.  It's a NURBS modeller than a solid modeller, has tons of file types it can import and export, though SolidWorks files are not one of them.
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on May 19, 2017, 03:33:35 PM
What sort of outlay are we talking for a seat of Rhino Joules ?
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: Joules on May 19, 2017, 03:55:19 PM
Sit down.......

€995 for PC version
€695 for Mac version
€195 if you are a student or teacher   (could be well worth teaching a spotty YOOF, as they can get the student version)

Upgrades  €495 commercial, €95 student.

All the above ex vat.   it's a shame we don't have the night schools we once did as I'm pretty sure the education version would be available.  Should you leave education you are still allowed to use it, you don't have to pay the commercial price till upgrade.

You can get a 30 day free trial, not crippled and after 30 days you can't save or print.   You can however continue using it as a viewer for 3D files and carry on learning to use it.
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: CrazyModder on May 19, 2017, 06:27:33 PM
I'll throw in Sketchup.

When I needed to do a little modelling way back, I was also looking for a "real" CAD/CAM solution. One where you could do stuff like parametric screws that automatically make sure that the holes in the other part are correct, and whatnot.

While searching and searching, I installed Sketchup. You know, it seemed a bit like child stuff or just for "architects".

Many, many years later (Wikipedia tells me that it is 16 years old now - they bring out a new version every year, roughly...) I am still exclusively using it - the free version no less. It does *exactly* what I need - hobbyist stuff, quick sketches or involved constructions. The complexity of my designs is limited by what I can do in the shop, not by Sketchup. It has no parametric stuff in the free version (not sure about the paid one, I don't think so, though), but I never actually needed any.

It is *very* easy to get into. You can just install it and go. They have a pretty unique way to model, it is nothing at all like traditional CAD/CAM. Totally uncomplicated.

So my suggestion: while you look for the "real thing", give it a spin. You can certainly do 3D prints from it. It has a large online (community) parts library which you can access directly from inside, without registering anywhere. Your own drawings are offline, no mandatory cloud storage. Import/export formats are a bit limited in the free version - I guess they need a hook for people to eventually pay for it. I always got around that limitation though, or found the necessary parts in their own library.
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on June 01, 2017, 03:05:52 AM
OK. Bought used businesslaptop, last night I made recovery DVD:s, backked up system and made image to USB drive (64 Gb stick).

SanDisk Ultra Fit 64 GB USB 3.0 flash
Todo Backup Free
http://www.todo-backup.com/products/home/free-backup-software.htm

Maybe today I'll manage to download and start Fusion360. Any good instructions to read before rushing into installation?

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on June 01, 2017, 03:35:31 AM
Pekka,

Just follow a few of this chaps videos:



I too am in the process of loading up a new (to me) PC especially for Fusion. Fusion complains my current PC's graphics aren't up to snuff - it works but is a bit jerky.

So I bought an ex corporate HP Z800 tower workstation with 3Ghz Xenon Quad core with 12Gb of RAM and a Nvidia 580 graphics card with 512 Mb on board ram. System has a 120Gb SSD and a 1Tb HDD.

On paper it sounds quite a beast, but I can't try it yet as I'm waiting on a DVI-D cable to drive my monitor  :bang:

Cable should arrive today. This will be my first venture into Windows 10 Professional so there's another learning curve - unless it maybe can be set up in some sort of 'Classic Mode'  :scratch:
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on June 01, 2017, 04:06:13 AM
Thank you.

I got laptop, but it weights a lot, like a pavement block and PSU is a brick size.

Elitebook 8570w, Intel Core i7-3720qm, Nvidia Quadro K1000m, 16GB DDR3, 256GB SSD, Windows 10 Professional 64bit, it should do.

I asked around and consensus was that integrated graphics "card" or gaming graphics card will not work well with CAD. Although Fusion360 is not the traditional CAD is should work on that one. Or I'll be very upset.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on June 01, 2017, 03:30:03 PM
Installation was easy. Working is pretty fast - least on mys simple sandbox :lol:

But my learning is slow.

Another thing I that my screen says "Term ends in 30" days .... bit worrying. I have to google a little to find out if I can downgrade licence to hobby use.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on June 02, 2017, 12:58:20 PM
Some difficulties using with touchpad.

What kind of mouse is a good choice? Three buttons? Scroll wheel, trackball?

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on June 02, 2017, 01:13:04 PM
I'm using two button plus scroll wheel which seems ok
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on June 02, 2017, 02:09:29 PM
Logitech.....?

I had one that scroll wheel was the third button, worked well with many programs, but wonder if here click/scroll would interact annoying way.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: efrench on June 02, 2017, 04:35:29 PM
Scroll wheel zooms in and out. Press and hold the wheel puts it in pan mode.
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on June 02, 2017, 05:31:27 PM
Yes that's like mine
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on June 04, 2017, 06:53:00 AM
thank you

Got Logitech marathon M705 from supermarket and got to test it Yesterday. Works.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on June 04, 2017, 09:22:19 AM
Now I'm on the look out for a decent heavy keyboard - I have several Dell and HP/Compaq ones and they all feature prop up props that collapse, and a lightness that allows them to skid about the desk.

Many years ago I used several original IBM AT enhanced keyboards that were not only reasonably solid, but also had tactile feedback - not appropriate to modern machines but they were solid !
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on June 04, 2017, 12:29:17 PM
Liked those keyboard too, very nice for typing. if I remember correctly it had steel bottomp plate for heft.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on June 04, 2017, 03:56:49 PM
We had thousands of them under contract years back. When they failed it was usually a build up of cheese sandwiches, human hair, and coffee spills  :bugeye:

Not sure who dared try it first, but we found that opening them up and putting them in a domestic dish washer sorted at least 75% of faults  :ddb: It was however essential to take them out BEFORE the dry cycle, and allow them to dry out naturally otherwise the plastic bits distorted.

The key tops came out immaculately  :lol:
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on June 04, 2017, 04:55:15 PM
Nver used 3D program before and it shows...I'm on absolute beginner tutorial #3 and got stuck on middel of it.
=608

There are gour locating ribs on the lid....his version is a little diferent on tutorial than I have and some stuff comes out a little difrerently...but today I gost stupped. Made extra plane for sketch drafiting, made the sketch - on wrong plane, probably on origo insted of the offsetted plane and when I tried to assign the sketch onto this auxiliary plane, fusion crashed.

Gave up for tonight....ast hinkking of making an extrusion offset from the box innards, instead of four different ribby things.

Anyways, should make actually something usefull, but I want to follow tutorials first least until I'll get into constraints.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on June 05, 2017, 04:05:53 PM
Is there an obivous way to make an PCD on fusion?

Say D100mm four holes symmetrically.

i can combine circle and inttersect with a square, but 5 holes or something unusual would take a bit more effort.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on June 05, 2017, 04:42:54 PM
Create a 'pattern'  round a circular feature
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: efrench on June 05, 2017, 05:11:07 PM
Is there an obivous way to make an PCD on fusion?

Say D100mm four holes symmetrically.

i can combine circle and inttersect with a square, but 5 holes or something unusual would take a bit more effort.

Pekka

Google says this for PCD: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).   (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_ciliary_dyskinesia)I'm curious why you would want to model one :dremel:


A circular pattern just needs the geometry to pattern and an axis.  The geometry can be in a sketch or a 3d model which can be a body, face, or component.  It's preferable for performance issues to pattern 3d models instead of sketches.  For example, it's better to sketch one tooth on a gear, extrude it, then do the circular pattern. (Plain spur gears can be made with an add-in script.)
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on June 06, 2017, 12:22:57 AM
Google does not know ****. But you allready knew it.
http://wheelandtyrepackages.com.au/images/wheel-pitch-circle-diameter.jpg

Tonight another try....learning is not as fast as I though. Took couple hours to draw a plate that has a recess and PCD to mount electric motor + three cylinders to model wheels.

Pekka

Yesh...magical word is "pattern" :doh:


Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: JerryNotts on June 06, 2017, 03:32:33 AM
Andrew,
I had the same problem a while ago, I too remembered the IBM keyboards that came with IBM Systems.

After a lot of searching I came across 'The Keyboard Company' who supply some really good solid keyboards.
And they are a UK company in Gloucestershire, but not UK made keyboards. They know a lot about what they sell and the options.

You might find the prices a (mild) shock if you would normally buy the ones available on the High Street. But for me they are worth every penny.

And they have selection. They even have an up-to-date version of the original IBM keyboard.

I bought, on their recommendation, a Filco FILCKF15 which is as near to the IBM in use as I can recall. You can specify the key tops you want.

You probably know a lot more about keyboards than me, when I ordered the second one, for my CAD system (Inventor) I accidentally ordered with blank key tops!, but the quickly supplied me with the UK tops, but an expensive mistake by me. I should have known better and read the specs more carefully. The first came with a uk set any any way.

Delivery to me in Mansfield is usually overnight, even if I order on Friday afternoon.

Hope this helps

contact details

The Keyboard Company
    Unit 8 Canal Ironworks
    Hope Mills, London Road
    Stroud
    Gloucestershire
    GL5 2SH
    United Kingdom
http://www.keyboardco.com

Tel: 01453 884938


Jerry
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on June 06, 2017, 03:39:03 AM
Thanks Jerry, I'll give them a call once I've rounded up the cull ewes that are going to market today.
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on June 06, 2017, 04:06:44 PM
OK, PCD was easy when I learned the word "patern" - and that has nothing to thin paper dress makers paterns.

Next problem: I want frame tied up to origo and there is no problem. Standard procedure. BUT I need a line - centre line for a pivot shft on which the multiple part structure (belt sander/grinder) turns.

So I need an auxiliary line to which I can constrain a plane, where multiple parts are tied in relation.

Probably need more fitting names for this "line" and "plane" which are not "sketch", body, part or such but used as a reference plane to tie up parts.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on June 06, 2017, 04:11:43 PM
Watch Lars's Youtube video on 'Constraints' - items and lines can be defined as specific relationships to each other
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: efrench on June 06, 2017, 05:24:31 PM
Usually, the best way to model a part is to do it in the place where it fits in the overall design.  This works pretty well until you start changing the design.  Then it's time to start using joints.

In other words, use dimensions and constraints to create the model of a part and joints to position the part/component.  You can use the Align tool to position a body or a component, but the alignment will be lost if the aligned to component is moved.  A joint will maintain the components relative position when one of the individual components is moved.  You can also ground a component so it can't be moved.

Following Rule#1 (https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/design-validate-document/fusion-360-r-u-l-e-1-and-2/td-p/6581749) will help keep the file organized and makes it easier to make modifications later.
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: chipenter on June 07, 2017, 01:22:28 AM
I have tried to renew Fushion 360 after 1 year free , and it now wants proof that I am a studant , is there another way to renew .
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on June 07, 2017, 02:16:24 AM
I registered as a hobbyist, and my renewal went through smoothly. The student deal only runs for three years and I'm not a student anyway.
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: efrench on June 07, 2017, 02:19:13 AM
You should be able to register as a hobbiest.  The best place to ask is here. (https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/design-validate-document/bd-p/124)
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: PekkaNF on June 07, 2017, 03:29:29 AM
Usually, the best way to model a part is to do it in the place where it fits in the overall design.  This works pretty well until you start changing the design.  Then it's time to start using joints.

In other words, use dimensions and constraints to create the model of a part and joints to position the part/component.  You can use the Align tool to position a body or a component, but the alignment will be lost if the aligned to component is moved.  A joint will maintain the components relative position when one of the individual components is moved.  You can also ground a component so it can't be moved.

Following Rule#1 (https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/design-validate-document/fusion-360-r-u-l-e-1-and-2/td-p/6581749) will help keep the file organized and makes it easier to make modifications later.

Thank you, some 15 minutes of my work day goes when mechanical designers huff and puff about constraints and such stuff over a cuppa ..... so I should be versed, but is still does not mean that I understand anything. There seems to be a special lingo that sounds like a clear language, but seems to vary from program to program and user to user.

But your advice was clear and I think I got. I always liked the idea of parametric design anyways so using dimensions and offset planes and location from there sounds familiar.

Pekka
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: chipenter on June 07, 2017, 04:14:30 AM
I didn't renew within the 6 days from the email , and now it wont let me renew , I am getting Autocad mobile for Windows 10 but only does 2d .
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on June 07, 2017, 05:57:17 AM
You need a new email address to register as a hobbyist then all should be well - just set up a yahoo or gmail account :clap:
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: nrml on June 08, 2017, 03:03:36 PM
I didn't renew within the 6 days from the email , and now it wont let me renew , I am getting Autocad mobile for Windows 10 but only does 2d .

It might be worth having a quick look at designspark mechanical before spending money unless you are already an Autocad expert. It is free, does 3D modelling and can output .stl and .dxf and it doesn't have that annoying renewal problem.
Most importantly it appears to be not very difficult to learn.
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: chipenter on June 09, 2017, 03:59:44 AM
Fusion 360 did its updates and now wont work , get a message insufishent data and will now go online and shuts down , tried downloading Autocad 18 thet failed to install , will have to uninstall every thing and try again .
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: CrazyModder on June 09, 2017, 01:47:46 PM
What I am reading here (and in other similar posts on other forums) leads me to put Fusion360 and similar "free as in free beer" CADs far from my mind, really. Imagine after investing hours or days in learning the thing, and then they decide that they don't want non-paying customers that much anymore. Like CADSoft/Eagle earlier this year. *Shudder*. Guess if/when Sketchup packs up, I'll give FreeCAD a look-see; last time I checked that one out, usability was rather "meh".
Title: Re: Which CAD/CAM to learn 3D design and use 3D printer and CNC mill
Post by: awemawson on June 09, 2017, 02:14:12 PM
They've put out several statements that it will remain free for hobbyists, and certainly my renewal at 12 months went smoothly  :scratch: