adityajazz

I use AutoCAD r14 for 2D and for 3D modeling I use Delcam PowerSHAPE (now it has been acquisition by Autodesk), it’s back when I study in university. Later I change it depends on what company use/have. Last I use NX in work.

For tips and tricks you’ll be find it more when you do more practice, it is difficult to say what need to do. But for basic I’ll say :

• Create better defined sketch.
• Do feature based mod/operation first. For examples do fillet/chamfer last if can, do pattern feature not sketch. It’ll be easier later when you need to edit.
• Learn how to modeling efficiently.

For starting software there are many option out there. But I can recommend you view of it, especially that has educational/hobbyist/free version.

• Fusion360 (with edu email).
• Solidworks (IDK, it has version that I mean or not, but this one have largest user base).
• Autodesk Inventor (with edu email).
• Solid Edge Community Edition.
• NX education license.
• ZW3D edu license.
• Creo (it’ll force you to learn how to model efficiently)
• Onshape (cloud based CAD, just need web browser to modeling).
• FreeCAD (if you want FOSS)
• Shapr3D (works on iPad and Windows, will be great if you have apple pencil or graphic tablet), (with edu email).

All of them have similarities in how to do 3D modelling, each of them has pros and cons. Choose one that you like and master it, try other CAD package and you’ll find which one is home to you. 😂

Keep practicing and be better.

I’ve tried ZW3D. What I can say is it looks like NX. I’m familiar with it cause I use NX before. And it capable doing g3 continuity. As far as I know it has good price, permanent license, and maintenence skip (just skip maintenance and after years just pay 1 time maintenence fee you will get the latest version). It is not as good as Siemens NX, needs more fix/features here and there. But it has potential in the future.

But for hobbyist I’ll recomend Solid Edge Community Edition, because it has no limitations besides for non-commercial use. This one is really powerfull if you can use sync tech mainly for prismatic modeling. And 2024 version has been launched, just wait it till community edition will be updated.

Creo I never touch it so can’t say about it. But I like the UI. PTC has Onshape (cloud based CAD) too if you want to try, just register and open/design using your web browser. But for free account your model will be public, if you have academic/edu email you can use it to register and your file will remain private.

Inventor, I have tried but didn’t like it.

There are Alibre for affordable price. Also there are T-flex and Kompas 3D (russian made).

If you like direct editing based CAD (history free) there is Ansys SpaceClaim. *(Solid Edge is kind of hybrid can do Sync/history free and Ordered parametric).

CMIIW