I'm desperately got to build my parametric modeling experience, and I don't have access to a solidworks or Pro/E license (educational or otherwise). Any viable substitutes? Or know where I can get a copy of either for dirt cheap? Enquiring, broke-ass minds wanna know.

Oh. And for the time being until I can steal/barter for/borrow/shit a new(er) computer, I'm stuck with 32 bit.

[Edited on January 22, 2013 at 11:47 AM. Reason : Addendum]

1/22/2013 11:45:03 AM

http://www.sketchup.com/
http://www.123dapp.com/

?

1/22/2013 11:49:56 AM

I guess I should have been a little more specific. I need primarily for modeling mechanical parts and assemblies.

I've glanced at the AutoDesk 123D before, but I think it's more for abstract and conceptual modeling. More from an art/aesthetic perspective. But it's definitely neat. And free. Rare for AutoDesk.

And the other looks to be strictly architectural. Once again cool but not quite fitting my needs.

But thanks for the heads up.

1/22/2013 12:01:05 PM

sketchup is not just architecture

also, become a Friend of the Library then go use the computers at Hunt. They all have solidworks.

[Edited on January 22, 2013 at 12:22 PM. Reason : .]

1/22/2013 12:21:34 PM

^SketchUp is not a parametric modeler. There aren't any free ones worth a shit.

Sign up for 1 credit hour at wake tech for $140, then go buy the Student Edition of Solidworks for $100. It's honestly the best way to go.

[Edited on January 22, 2013 at 12:43 PM. Reason : .]

1/22/2013 12:42:35 PM

Some people have done some things with plugins and mods for Blender but I don't know that any of them work well and thats more for artistic applications than really CAD that you're looking for.

1/22/2013 12:45:50 PM

you can try http://labs.autodesk.com/technologies/fusion

[Edited on January 22, 2013 at 12:51 PM. Reason : oh wait, that became 123d]

1/22/2013 12:50:22 PM

Noen seems to have the best idea. I think it's too late for this quarter or semester or whatever though. Or is it?

1/22/2013 12:52:51 PM

Wake tech may have a continuing ed version that's even cheaper.

1/22/2013 3:25:48 PM

If you're just using it to learn, just try and pirate it...

1/22/2013 4:00:42 PM

Yeah, well...it seems I have a little difficulty finding torrents these days with such.

1/25/2013 7:55:10 PM

I've never tried it, but PTC has a free version with some limitations: http://www.ptc.com/products/creo-elements-direct/modeling-express/

Also never tried it, but there is also a personal version for $199 of Alibre: http://www.alibre.com/products/hobby/

1/27/2013 6:43:10 PM

If you have an .edu address you have access to, you can get Autodesk Inventor (basically SolidWorks with a few differences here and there) for free under a student license, and it'll give you the full version.

http://students.autodesk.com/

1/27/2013 9:36:11 PM

Check this out, Dan

http://free-cad.sourceforge.net/

1/30/2013 3:16:04 AM