When I was a kid, I built models all the time, and being a huge science fiction nut most of them were spaceships. After a
while, I started to build my own designs, but I was always somewhat limited by the parts I could get or what I could make.
In this article
When I got a little older, my company jumped onto the 3D solid modeling bandwagon. I was hooked! I had access to a tool that
would allow me to make my models any way I wanted, without physical limitations. The only problem was I only had so much time
on the computer, and — go figure — the company wanted me to con-centrate on work-related activities. I needed something of
my own.
It was then that I started looking around for affordable modeling software that would run on my brand new 386 computer. I
didn't find much, but eventually I found a program that said it could do what I was looking for. I spent way too much money
for it — $399 — and tried to learn it. I never got anywhere. It was a disaster, but it taught me a few things about 3D modeling
software, not the least of which was to look very carefully before I buy.
Figure 1. Draft IT has object snaps and dynamic dimensioning.
Nowadays, we designers have it so much better. The software has improved immeasurably, prices have come way down (even for
the high-end stuff), and we have access to support channels like never before. It's a modeler's paradise! For next to nothing,
we can access capabilities that were once only affordable to large multinational companies. Some of it is even free! Let's
take a look at some of the tools you can acquire on a shoestring budget.
2D Deals
Many people are happy dealing in 2D geometry. Even a self-declared evangelist of 3D modeling like me has to admit that there
is certainly a place for 2D work. But I couldn't call myself a decent 3D evangelist if I didn't point out that if your product
occupies 3D space, your company would probably benefit from 3D modeling.
Siemens PLM Software (formerly UGS) has been working to get CAD users to transition from 2D to 3D. It has created many tools
toward that end. One of its most interesting attempts has got to be the Solid Edge 2D product scheme. Declaring that 2D CAD
is now a commodity item, it split off the drafting module and started giving it away scot-free! That's right, you can have
just about the same level of 2D drafting software prowess as a several thousand–dollar seat of AutoCAD for nothing.
Figure 2. Inventor LT can import and export many software formats.
Another free 2D product is Draft IT from CADLogic, a British company. It's very straightforward, easy to use, and full of
functionality. You just click and drag your entities, and dynamic dimensions rubberband out to let you know what you're doing.
You have snaps (figure 1) that will ensure that your lines end where you intend. It's a relatively small download (37 MB) and runs very fast.
